Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction across the Americas

In September of 2016, NASA, in partnership with the Argentinian Space Agency - CONAE, the Committee on Earth Observing Satellites - CEOS, and the AmeriGEOSS arm of the Global Earth Observing System of Systems, convened a regional summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina to strengthen our collective ability to meet the multiple challenges of disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the Americas with an overarching approach to promote the use of earth observation (EO). We set out to advance disaster risk-informed decision-making based on the open exchange and dissemination of EO data, as well as increase the use of easily accessible EO data and information products, complemented by regional and cultural context, through all phases of disaster management. We also engaged in a day long table-top exercise to identify actions to improve science, service, operation, policy and practice, and capture lessons learned in an after action report to inform strategic plans and develop integrated work plans, projects and pilot activities. In our presentation we will report on the effective disaster management and EO practices and plans, data sources and products that were identified including the shortfalls for highest risk disaster situations and the lessons learned to enable establishing a stronger “Regional Network for disaster risk reduction” using EO’s.