The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) gives the following definition:

The conceptual framework of elements considered with the possibilities to minimize vulnerabilities and disaster risks throughout a society, to avoid (prevention) or to limit (mitigation and preparedness) the adverse impacts of hazards, within the broad context of sustainable development.

The disaster risk reduction framework is composed of the following fields of action, as described in ISDR's publication 2002 "Living with Risk: a global review of disaster reduction initiatives":

• Risk awareness and assessment including hazard analysis and vulnerability/capacity analysis;

• Knowledge development including education, training, research and information;

• Public commitment and institutional frameworks, including organizational, policy, legislation and community action;

• Application of measures including environmental management, land-use and urban planning, protection of critical facilities, application of science and technology, partnership and networking, and financial instruments;
   
• Early warning systems including forecasting, dissemination of warnings, preparedness measures and reaction capacities.

For more information about Disaster Risk Reduction, see the DEFINITION pages on this website, the UNISDR website or the PreventionWeb website.