Yogyakarta, 15 August — On the second day of the summer course on ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction, the participants, after having a sumptuous breakfast at the Cakra Kusuma Hotel, proceeded directly to Building E of the Universitas Gadjah Mada to begin the series of general lectures for the day. Having a good night’s sleep and a full stomach, the delegates from the global network of universities faced the day with such enthusiasm and joy: ready to tackle a whole new plethora of topics and bring with them a bucketful of knowledge back to their home countries.
After having read the topics that were to be discussed in the sessions today, one can say that their main and underlying message is the lessons learned from the different case studies in several countries namely Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia (Yogyakarta). The main idea presented, when taking the topics as one collective, is the importance of disaster risk reduction management which involves proper planning, communication and a clear understanding of an ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction.
In the first half of the day, the case studies of Malaysia and Thailand were presented to the body. The first session, led by Dr. Muna Sarimin of UPM, tackled the different disasters that occur in Malaysia and what is being done to address their effects. Moreover, her lecture highlighted the different agencies and organizations whose efforts are poured into disaster risk reduction management, urban planning, as well as the proactive and reactive ways of addressing disasters and hazards. Similarly, Dr. Passanan Assaravak of Thailand discussed the application of disaster risk reduction management in the context of her home country. Going back to her past experience, the despair she felt during the time when she, along with her family, was victimized by the typhoon could be felt. This sincerity then emphasizes the proper implementation of policies and regulations that seek to prevent, mitigate, prepare, respond, assess, reconstruct and rehabilitate areas affected by disasters.
When the morning sessions were done, the participants were given time to have lunch. Like yesterday, great food was accompanied by even better conversations. The participants were able to exchange their ideas and thoughts on the different lectures given as well as understand the culture of their countries. This period was an opportunity for them to mingle and take part in intellectual discourses.
During the next period, everyone got seated to prepare for the lecture to be given by Dr. Piyapong Janmaimool of Thailand. Like the previous lectures, he provided an overview of the application of proper disaster risk reduction management in urbanized areas. Beginning with the stating of the different risks in the urbanized areas in Japan and Thailand, he proceeded to introducing basic concepts of disaster management and concluding by stressing out the importance of disaster risk communication.
After his lesson, the participants relaxed their tense muscles and fingers that were spent typing, writing and copying down notes. A much needed break, they proceeded to fill themselves with coffee and chips. An exciting addition happened to the break took place, with the organizers adding a twist to the short relaxation time. The participants were asked to get to know each other in a span of three minutes, giving ample time to gather their names and places of origin. Selected delegates were then called up front to test whether they remembered such information. The activity got even more excitng when a game from the Philippines (Eat Bulaga), commonly known as “Pinoy Henyo” (a guessing game) was played by a participant from India and the Philippines.
When everyone got energized and returned to their seats, the general lectures resumed. In the fourth and final session of the day, Prof. Danang Samsurizal tackled the topic on “Ecosystem-Based DRR: Lessons Learned from Disasters in Yogyakarta”. His discussion focused on the understanding of the basic concepts of environment and ecosystems as well as the development of critical thinking of the approach and and awareness on disaster management in Yogyakarta.
As the day came to a close, the participants realized that it’s already the second day of the summer-course and that so far, it has been such a fun learning experience. Two days filled with great food, even better conversations and a ton of new information and learning: this bodes well for the days to come.