In an era where natural disasters increasingly threaten lives and infrastructure, the necessity for robust frameworks addressing disaster risk reduction has never been more urgent. Recent scholarly discourse highlights critical advancements and adjustments in the governance of risk reduction strategies, particularly focusing on Algeria’s implementation of the Sendai Framework. This international framework, adopted by UN member states in 2015, aims to substantially reduce disaster risks by 2030. The latest correction issued by Benouar and Benmokhtar in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Science opens an essential dialogue on refining risk governance mechanisms, reinforcing Algeria’s path toward resilient disaster management.
Disaster risk governance refers to the institutional structures and processes that oversee disaster risk reduction and management. Effective governance is vital to ensuring that various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and the private sector, collaborate to implement comprehensive strategies against disaster vulnerabilities. The corrected research underscores the complexities involved in tailoring global frameworks like Sendai to localized contexts, particularly in regions with unique socio-political landscapes such as Algeria.
Algeria, situated in a seismically active zone with recurrent natural hazards including earthquakes, floods, and desertification, presents a multifaceted challenge for disaster risk reduction experts. The country’s governance framework must navigate between centralized policymaking and decentralized implementation, a balancing act essential for effective risk mitigation. Benouar and Benmokhtar’s correction emphasizes the need for more nuanced approaches that integrate local knowledge, community engagement, and adaptive governance structures, which align with Sendai’s emphasis on inclusive, people-centered disaster risk management.
The Sendai Framework outlines four priority areas: understanding disaster risk, strengthening disaster risk governance, investing in risk reduction for resilience, and enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and recovery. Algeria’s adoption of these priorities entails systemic reforms, including enhancing data accuracy, streamlining inter-agency cooperation, and fostering public awareness. The authors emphasize that risk governance is not merely an administrative task but a dynamic process requiring constant reevaluation and adaptation to evolving hazards and vulnerabilities.
Central to the corrected insights is the role of technology and data-driven approaches in disaster risk governance. Advances in GIS mapping, remote sensing, and real-time hazard monitoring have transformed governance capabilities worldwide. However, Algeria faces significant challenges in integrating these technologies due to infrastructural limitations and institutional inertia. The updated analysis calls for targeted investments to bridge this technological gap, proposing that improved data collection and dissemination mechanisms are critical in decision-making processes and early warning systems.
Moreover, the socio-economic dimensions of disaster risk are intricately interwoven with governance frameworks. Algeria’s diverse population, comprising urban centers and remote rural communities, experiences hazards differently. Policies must therefore incorporate equity considerations, ensuring vulnerable groups receive adequate representation and resources. The correction by Benouar and Benmokhtar points to previous oversights in addressing these disparities, advocating for participatory governance models that empower marginalized populations in risk reduction planning.
Institutional coordination remains a persistent challenge in Algeria’s disaster risk governance landscape. Multiple ministries, regional bodies, and local governments often operate in silos, leading to fragmented risk management and inefficient resource allocation. The authors highlight ongoing efforts to establish unified risk coordination committees and coherent legal frameworks that clarify roles and responsibilities. Such governance synchronization is pivotal to fully realize the ambitions of the Sendai Framework at the national and subnational levels.
Education and capacity building emerge as additional focal points in the refined discourse. Without a culture of risk awareness and proactive preparedness, even the most sophisticated governance structures can falter. Algeria’s educational institutions and civil society organizations play a transformative role in embedding disaster risk literacy across communities. The correction underscores that prioritizing continuous training, drills, and public engagement campaigns enhances resilience and cultivates a shared responsibility ethos.
Furthermore, climate change exacerbates the complexity of disaster risk governance in Algeria, intensifying hazards like droughts and floods. Adaptive governance models that anticipate changing environmental conditions are indispensable. The reassessed research article stresses the integration of climate projections into risk assessments, urging policymakers to adopt flexible governance frameworks capable of responding to uncertain futures.
Financing disaster risk reduction remains a critical limiting factor. Algeria’s economic constraints necessitate strategic investments that maximize return through risk-informed planning. Benouar and Benmokhtar’s correction emphasizes transparency and accountability in financial mechanisms, promoting the establishment of dedicated funds for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Engaging the private sector through public-private partnerships also represents an innovative pathway to bolster financial resilience.
The correction further revisits the role of international cooperation in risk governance. Given the transboundary nature of many disasters, Algeria’s engagement with regional and global partners enhances knowledge exchange, resource mobilization, and technical assistance. Aligning national risk governance with international standards, including Sendai Framework indicators, facilitates monitoring progress and identifying areas requiring support.
An often-underestimated aspect illuminated in the correction involves legal and regulatory reforms. Effective legislation underpins enforceable risk reduction actions and defines liability and accountability frameworks. Algeria’s evolving legal landscape must adapt to the complexity of multi-hazard risk governance, incorporating flexible yet robust statutes that support preventative and responsive measures.
Innovations in stakeholder engagement strategies are also integral to contemporary risk governance paradigms. The corrected analysis advocates for inclusive platforms where governmental bodies, NGOs, community leaders, scientists, and citizens collaboratively design and implement risk reduction initiatives. Such multi-stakeholder partnerships not only democratize disaster governance but enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of interventions.
Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are critical to sustain progress in disaster risk governance. The correction emphasizes the establishment of clear indicators aligned with Sendai Framework targets, enabling systematic measurement of governance performance and outcomes. Continuous feedback loops allow policymakers to adapt strategies based on emerging evidence and contextual shifts, reinforcing resilience.
In conclusion, the correction by Benouar and Benmokhtar advances the discourse on Algeria’s disaster risk governance by addressing key gaps and reinforcing the imperative for localized, adaptive, and inclusive approaches aligned with the Sendai Framework. As Algeria continues to confront multifaceted risks, its governance framework must evolve dynamically, embracing technological innovation, equity principles, legal rigor, and stakeholder collaboration. This scholarly refinement not only contributes to national resilience but offers valuable lessons for other nations striving to translate global risk reduction agendas into actionable realities amidst growing disaster uncertainties.
Subject of Research: Risk Governance for Disaster Risk Reduction in Algeria within the Framework of the Sendai Framework.
Article Title: Correction to: Risk Governance for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Algeria.
Article References: Benouar, D., Benmokhtar, A. Correction to: Risk Governance for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Algeria. Int J Disaster Risk Sci 16, 71 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13753-025-00626-5
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Tags: Algeria’s disaster vulnerability challengescollaboration in disaster managementcomprehensive disaster risk strategiesdisaster risk governance in Algeriaearthquake and flood risk reductioninstitutional structures for disaster governanceinternational frameworks for disaster reductionlocalized approaches to disaster managementnatural disaster management strategiesresilient disaster management practicesSendai Framework implementationsocio-political impacts on disaster governance
