Disaster Risk Reduction & Response

Live & Learn works in vulnerable regions of the world threatened by natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanoes, droughts and floods, in addition to the impacts of climate change. These vulnerabilities are compounded by economic and social factors such as population growth, poorly planned coastal development, unplanned urban growth and land use, environmental and ecosystem degradation, and unsustainable use of natural resources such as extensive logging and mining.


Disaster risk reduction cuts across different aspects and sectors of development. There are 25 targets related to disaster risk reduction in 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, firmly establishing the role of disaster risk reduction as a core development strategy. Building disaster resilience is critical to achieving the goal of eradicating extreme poverty (SDG 1). Natural hazards are a cause of global food insecurity and hunger (SDG 2). Large shocks and extensive risks destroy agricultural assets and infrastructure, causing serious damage to the livelihoods and food security.


Building community resilience through collaboration is priority for the Live & Learn network. We work with communities and government to assess vulnerability and risks, integrate risk reduction across government policies, plans and budgets, safeguard livelihoods, food resources and water, promote climate resilient crops and farming techniques, and mobilise communities for coastal protection and sustainable management of forests and marine environments. Empowering women in human response and management is prevalent throughout all our disaster risk reduction activities.


In disaster response our long-term relationships and local networks are critical to facilitating prompt access communities. Partnerships with other organisations such as CARE, UNICEF and UNDP enable us to broaden the geographic reach and scope of our disaster risk reduction and response activities. In March 2015 Cyclone Pam was the most powerful cyclone recorded in the Southern Pacific Region, Live & Learn worked closely with UNICEF and Care to provide rapid assistance to communities. Live & Learn is a partner with Care in the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.