Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative (EMI)

EMI is an international scientific organization started in 1998 and established as a not-for-profit NGO in the Philippines in 2003. Over the years, their team of engineers, GIS specialists, and planners implemented projects and contributed to policies in key areas of disaster risk management practice. Their years of experience engagement in various disaster risk management and urban resilience practice accords them a distinct recognition from the international community. They employ a structured participatory process which reinforces ownership and a risk-based policy and programming aligned with international standards. Mission To advance knowledge, policy, and practice of urban disaster risk reduction, particularly focusing on megacities and fast-growing metropolises. Over the years, they have gained a high level of competence in the following key areas of disaster risk management practice. - Hazards, Vulnerability, Capacity and Risk Assessment - Legal and Institutional Arrangements for DRM - Integrated Emergency Management Systems - Risk Sensitive Land Use and Urban Development Planning - Monitoring and Evaluation of DRM in Urban Governance and Development - Sectoral Urban Resilience - Risk Investment Programming - Information, Education and Communication Campaigns - Training and Capacity Building for Urban Resilience - ICT-GIS for Risk Management Approach Mainstreaming DRR in urban governance and development Disaster risk reduction and management can only be highly effective when related strategies, programs, projects, and activities are integrated in various local government functions, responsibilities, and practices. This is referred to as mainstreaming. In a changing environment caused by climate, natural, and man-made hazards, EMI works with complex cities in mainstreaming DRR in their core functions and processes by engaging city leaders, its citizens including civil society and peoples organizations, academe, private sector, and other key stakeholders in a participatory process that builds ownership, sustainability, and efficient inter-institutional coordination. Their mainstreaming approach - engages all stakeholders - uses sound and convincing science - merges science and practice - is grounded on reality - tested and proven Developing tools to support local DRM practice At EMI develop tools to facilitate delivery, sharing, and adaptation of scientific and technical knowledge on urban DRR. They also conduct training programs to enhance the competency of DRM practitioners worldwide through the Institute for Urban Resilience. Connecting cities through knowledge sharing mechanisms EMI provides opportunities for DRM practitioners, researchers, donors, policymakers and local stakeholders to exchange and promote sound urban resilience practices. EMI forges strategic partnerships with local government organizations to promote DRR, undertake city-to-city sharing, and scale up its own capacities and applications. Their approach is anchored on the concept of mainstreaming by engaging stakeholders and their initiatives into participatory processes. They present scientific evidence hand-in-hand with practical applications through collaboration and consultation. They ensure stakeholders are guided and able to own their DRR strategies and actions. They also support governments and other institutions establish the foundations for efficient solutions and sound policies.