Image by Tumisu (via Pixabay, used with permission)

Disaster risk is a function of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. Each of these three terms can consist of multiple components, as illustrated in the previous module on 'multi-hazard environments', with interrelationships between these. 

Characterising disaster risk, given this complexity, and identifying and implementing the most appropriate measures to reduce risk requires dialogue and collaboration between multiple actors. One aspect of this is the coming together of experts from different fields. For example, geologists will be required to engage with psychologists, structural engineers will need to work with artists, and hydrologists will need to partner with historians. 

Another aspect of this dialogue and collaboration is the coming together of different sectors and groups, including but not limited to governmental, non-governmental, industry, business, academic, and humanitarian institutions. Community members - those directly affected by disasters or living with risk - are key partners and must be central to all steps within disaster risk management efforts.

Building effective partnerships therefore underpin efforts to reduce disaster risk. Through this module we explore what this looks like and tools available to support partnership building.

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