Integration in practice: integrating disaster risk reduction, climate change and environmental considerations in AusAID programs

This short publication responds to calls from AusAID staff for simple, practical guidance on what integration of disaster risk reduction, climate change and the environment may mean for their programs. While there is general consensus that these issues are important for the long‑term success and sustainability of development outcomes, understanding how these issues affect different sectors and how to manage their impacts can be challenging. While integration of environmental considerations has been AusAID policy since 1994, accounting for disaster risk reduction and climate change adds a new dimension.

When developing this publication a significant number of AusAID‑funded programs and policies were identified that already demonstrate good practice in integration and a selection of these have been included here. In these examples staff have ensured that the development context has been analysed holistically and that appropriate due diligence measures have been followed. The examples and the accompanying sector guidance are intended to show that there are a range of practical actions that can be taken to manage the risk of disasters, the impact of climate change and ensure environmental sustainability.