Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
A major stride was taken towards achieving the goals of the global “Early Warnings for All” initiative, when Seychelles hosted a national workshop to validate its framework for strengthening risk knowledge and Early Warning Systems (EWS). Amid rising climate threats, the three-day event emphasized inclusive disaster preparedness that would ensure that gender, disability, and other vulnerable groups are not overlooked.
Supported by UNDRR and the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative, the workshop brought together government agencies, and civil society to review gaps in the production, access, and use of risk information. Participants validated a draft “Framework and Capacity Building Plan” under Pillar 1: Disaster Risk Knowledge of Seychelles’ National EWS Roadmap, focused on improving understanding of hazards, vulnerabilities, and responsive action.
Speakers stressed the importance of accessible, disaggregated data. Marwess Gabriel, Public Relations Officer of the Seychelles Land Transport Agency, highlighted the need for reliable information to support response efforts, while Daniel Cetoupe, Chief Risk Management Officer of the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) underlined the workshop’s goal; identifying gaps to build national resilience.
Tsitsi Magadza, Programme Management Officer of UNDRR reinforced that inclusive data drives inclusive decisions:
“Collecting gender-based and disability-inclusive risk information allows us to make decisions that support at risk groups.”
A key outcome was the rollout of the Inclusive Early Warning Systems Checklist, a tool to ensure gender and disability inclusion across all EWS pillars. Its application revealed progress in preparedness and response, but gaps in risk knowledge, particularly in involving at-risk groups in data collection remain.
Christine Winslow, founder of Ramp Up Rise Up, reflected on the need for training and inclusion of organizations for persons (OPDs) with disabilities in DRR:
“There’s a lot of training for me and other disability NGOs to do.”
Her reflection pointed to the importance of empowering OPDs with the tools and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to early warning and disaster risk reduction systems.
The workshop concluded with a commitment to national capacity building, improved data systems, inclusive communication strategies, and stronger cross-sector collaboration. It marked a crucial step forward in making sure that, in terms of DRR, no one is left behind.