State Program for Prevention of Natural Disaster and Mitigation of Geohazards

Background Information

The program was established by the State Decree No. 57,512, dated Nov 11, 2011. Its main aims are coordinating and optimizing numerous existing actions related to the theme and search for innovations in this area of knowledge. It also complements the objectives of the State Policy on Climate Change (Law No.13798, 2009), notably its "Strategic Plan for Emergency Actions".

Goals of the Initiative

In view of the increased effect of natural disasters and geological risks, the State of São Paulo has promoted action, implementing preventive and mitigating measures, improving management tools, investing in training its staff and conducting applied research. The program brought a new way of tackling problems related to the occurrence of natural disasters and geological risks, indicating ways to avoid, reduce and manage risks. It also articulated actions and projects of the secretariats and public institutions that work with geological risks and natural disasters to achieve better results. 

Innovation for the Initiative

The initiative is evolutionary. The Military House integrated all the information and articulated the actions and the involvement of State Secretariats. 73 actions already undertaken or in progress by the participating institutions had been identified; however, most of these actions were disconnected, which resulted in a lower utilization of their results. The program developed an efficient synchronicity between these actions. 

Outcomes and Assessments

The program strengthened the initiatives to mitigate natural disasters, save lives and contribute to the decrease of material damage through a proactive liaison with other government secretariats and incorporating the participation of more state institutions such as the Secretariat of Education. The program covers 202 municipalities, maintaining the cycle of identification and monitoring the risk areas on a regional scale.