SUMMARY

· UN Agencies and NGOs can play a part in reshaping national strategies in disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery, this is accomplished through:

- increasing knowledge and awareness
- demonstration of risk reduction measures through better decision making and planning
- technical expertise and information exchange
- legitimizing and financing of mitigation projects

· UN agencies and NGOs should strive to set positive examples and serve as models for local government counterparts.

· Community involvement is critical to the design and implementation of mitigation programs.

· Since disasters rise from situations of poverty, development programs should be aimed at reducing poverty.