Thomas Piesch gives the introduction statement at the International Disaster and Risk Conference in Davos. He discusses Germany's commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction through bilateral projects, integrating risk reduction into other sectors, and supporting multilateral initiatives. He argues that reducing disaster risks requires holistic, integrated approaches that address challenges like climate change and environmental degradation simultaneously. Integrated approaches also facilitate faster learning for adaptation. Linking disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and ecosystem management avoids duplication and ensures more sustainable risk reduction.

1. International Disaster and Risk Conference, Davos, 26-30 August 2012
Session: “Making the Connection” – Practical Experiences on Linking Disaster Risk
Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation and Ecosystem Management
GIZ et. al, Thursday, 30 August, 1-2:30pm, Location: Flüela
Introduction Statement
Thomas Piesch
Head of Division “Recovery and Rehabilitation, World Food Program,
Crisis Unit”, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and
Development (BMZ)
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to dwell on
this subject. Let me start out by saying: The German
government is strongly committed to pro-active risk
reduction. We have been supporting disaster risk
reduction activities in developing countries for many
years. How are we doing it?
Firstly, we commission bilateral stand-alone projects.
Secondly, we promote the integration of disaster risk
reduction considerations into other sectors.

2. And thirdly, we support various multilateral initiatives
such as the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster
Reduction and Recovery – the GFDRR.
Let me recall: As a signatory of the Hyogo Framework
for Action, Germany is committed to achieve its overall
goal: “The substantial reduction of disaster losses, in
lives and in the social, economic and environmental
assets of communities and countries.” Despite progress,
reducing risks is particularly challenged by two global
trends: climate change on the one hand, and
environmental degradation on the other. Three facts
to support my claim:

3.  No 1: The 2009 Global Assessment Report on
Disaster Reduction identified the decline of
ecosystems as one out of four major drivers of
disaster risk.
 No 2: According to the IPCC, three quarters of
today’s natural hazards are climate-related. They
account for 45% of deaths and 80% of economic
losses – due to climate change, these numbers are
likely to increase.
 No 3: Climate change can also threaten ecosystems
that have already been weakened by other human
activities such as pollution, development, and over-
harvesting.

4. As we know, disaster risks are caused by a multitude of
factors. Therefore, reducing these risks requires holistic
thinking. We strongly believe that integrated approaches
are crucial for fostering resilience. Why so? Because, on
the one hand, integrated approaches have the potential
to address multiple and converging challenges
simultaneously. On the other hand, integrated
approaches also facilitate a more rapid learning process
for adaptation.
All of us have experienced it in the past: While the real
world requires cooperation across various sectors to
open up space for sustainable solutions, different
disciplines are too often self-absorbed. Far too often,
they are acting in isolation. Instead, effective use of
resources is at stake! Continued isolation will only

5. result in duplication of efforts on the ground as well as
unnecessary, sometimes harmful competition!
Linking disaster risk reduction, climate change
adaptation and ecosystem management might sound
complex and difficult. However, in reality, the links and
benefits are easily understood. Two thoughts came to
my mind:
My first example refers to Switzerland. Here, forests are
protected and managed to reduce the risks of
avalanches. The Swiss federal law -which recognizes
forest protection- was already put in place in the 19th
century. Today, it is of growing importance in times of a
changing climate.

6. Another example and now related to Germany: More
than 400 hectares of floodplain have been restored next
to the Elbe River over the past few years. This was done
in order to prevent a recurrence of the disastrous Elbe
floods of 2002. By the way, the Hyogo Framework for
Action explicitly mentions the important role of
integrated flood management and the appropriate
management of fragile ecosystem for risk reduction.
Secondly, we need to consider the link between disaster
and climate change: Due to climate change, it is very
likely that weather-related hazards will increase in
intensity, scope and frequency. Thus, it is logical to
work together more closely. One has to reduce the
destructive impact of climate change by way of disaster

7. risk reduction as part of integrated climate change
adaptation.
Acting in response to the needs identified, the Federal
Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
adopted a new guideline in January 2011. This guideline
ensures that climate risks are examined in the planning
process of all bi-lateral development projects. This
procedure is compulsory and it is applied
systematically. If risks are detected, they have to be
considered in the implementation phase. Where
necessary, disaster risk reduction is integrated within
the framework of climate change adaptation strategies.
Having just spoken on bilateral cooperation, what is the
German approach on a global level? As signatory of

8. the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change, Germany is one of the largest contributors to
multi-lateral climate funds. In January 2011 an
important facility named Energy and Climate Fund was
established by the German government. Its focus is on
financing projects that directly tackle mitigation and
adaptation to climate change.
Despite many obstacles and difficulties, our noble task
encompasses the following:
 Holistic conceptual approaches,
 promoting objective-oriented networking,
 interactive implementation between different
actors, directly or indirectly involved,
 and sharing lessons learnt with stakeholders.

9. To conclude: Disasters, climate change and
environmental degradation are often inter-linked in one
way or another. Where applicable, creating synergies
between disaster risk reduction, climate change
adaptation and ecosystem management makes sense: It
avoids duplication and ensures sustainable risk
reduction. I dare to say: many lives would be saved and
livelihoods as well as development gains would be
preserved - even in times of climate change. It is an
investment that will pay off for all of us. And it is key
for achieving the Millennium Development Goals in
many parts of the world.

10. Let me end by saying: Thanks to all contributors and
participants of this session. Furthermore, I would like to
confirm Germany’s engagement to promote integrative
risk reduction initiatives.
I am very much looking forward to the presentations
and the subsequent discussion!
Thank you very much!
Thomas Piesch