MCR2030: application of the disaster resilience scorecard, the MHEWS addendum and the displacement addendum to support DRR strategy/action plan for St. James, Jamaica

Context - MCR2030 and Human Security

The current and future challenges of incorporating climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction into development planning require new approaches, with targeted interventions at the national and local levels, that place people at the center of resilience to achieve human security. This human security approach calls for people-centered, comprehensive, context-specific, and prevention-oriented responses that strengthen the protection and empowerment of people and communities. It finds its roots in Agenda 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and key instruments such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Target E of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction aims to “substantially increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020.” While there has been significant advancement at the national level, there is a need for enhanced planning for disaster risk reduction at the local level.

In response, the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) Initiative advocates for resilience-building at the local level, bringing cities onto a pathway to resilience in alignment with key global instruments, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement, the New Urban Agenda, and the SDGs. The initiative recognizes the growing need for a systemic and articulated approach to risk reduction that enables localities and cities to plan for risk-informed development amidst increasing risk complexities, benefiting local populations.

MCR2030 is built on three pillars:

1. Improving understanding of risk and commitments to disaster risk reduction and resilience at the local level.
2. Strengthening city capacities to plan for risk reduction and resilience.
3. Supporting cities in implementing local strategies and plans for resilience.

Disaster Resilience Scorecard and Addendums

MCR2030 is strategically positioned to accelerate local-level implementation of the Sendai Framework—where people, communities, businesses, and local authorities exist, and where critical infrastructures, environmental assets, and economic activities are located.

Tools and methodologies under the initiative, particularly the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities, have been instrumental in enabling and sustaining subnational and local-level action for resilience. The Scorecard is complemented by thematic addendums that allow local entities to assess and plan for specific challenges and needs.

Key Addendums:

1. Displacement Addendum:
   • Disaster displacement is one of the most common and immediate impacts of disasters.
   • Climate change is projected to increase disaster displacement as extreme weather events become more frequent and intense.
   • The Displacement Addendum helps localities assess their ability to design, formulate, and implement policies for disaster displacement prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
2. Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) Addendum:
   • Recognizing the global push for stronger Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) through the Early Warning for All Initiative, this addendum supports deeper analysis of MHEWS capacities and challenges at the local level.
   • It allows cities to assess advancements and gaps in MHEWS and improve planning processes for better preparedness and response.

These tools help develop local action plans with targeted interventions towards the 2030 Agenda at the local level.

Implementation in St. James, Jamaica

In 2021, Jamaica became the first country worldwide to have all its municipalities sign onto MCR2030. In April 2023, UNDRR, in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development (MLGCD), the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), implemented tools and methodologies under MCR2030 to inform the development of local resilience actions.

With an urban population exceeding 55%, St. James municipality faces multiple hazards, including tropical cyclones, landslides, earthquakes, and flooding. As home to Jamaica’s second-largest city, Montego Bay, St. James presents a compelling case for advancing MCR2030 and implementing the Disaster Resilience Scorecard and its addendums.

By applying the MCR2030 Scorecard, Displacement Addendum, and MHEWS Addendum, St. James municipality can:

• Systematically assess its resilience capacities.
• Identify gaps in disaster preparedness.
• Develop targeted interventions to strengthen its ability to withstand and recover from disasters.
• Contribute to the safety and well-being of residents.
• Safeguard critical infrastructure and economic activities.

Approach

The Scorecard, Displacement Addendum, and MHEWS Addendum will be applied in St. James using a participatory approach to assess local capacities under the ten essentials for making cities resilient and to inform the design of policy actions for resilience at the local level.

Implementation Process:

1. Capacity Building:
   • A virtual session will precede an in-person multi-stakeholder workshop.
2. Multi-Stakeholder Workshop (February 10-12, 2025):
   • Local stakeholders will conduct assessment activities to generate Scorecard results.
   • Findings will inform the Action Planning process.
3. Finalization of the Resilience Action Plan:
   • Developed through bilateral discussions with key stakeholders.

Target Participants:

• St. James Municipal Corporation and relevant departments
• Ministry of Local Government and Community Development
• Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
• Western Regional Health Authority
• Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce
• Ministry of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment, and Climate Change
• Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation
• Ministry of Labour and Social Security
• Water Resources Authority / National Water Commission
• National Environment and Planning Agency
• Fire Brigade & Constabulary Force
• Planning Institute of Jamaica
• National Works Agency
• Jamaica Information Service
• International Organizations & NGOs:
  • International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
  • Red Cross Society
  • Adventist Disaster Relief Agency (ADRA)
  • Habitat for Humanity
• Private Sector & Civil Society:
  • Telecommunication service providers
  • Council for Persons with Disabilities / Montego Bay Autism Center
  • Women’s Groups
  • Community Representatives

Expected Results/Outcomes

The initiative will result in the development of a local Resilience Action Plan for St. James, Jamaica.

The Action Plan will:

• Define specific activities to enhance resilience.
• Identify responsible stakeholders.
• Establish timelines, budgets, and indicators.
• Support localized action for resilience, with a focus on disaster displacement and multi-hazard early warning systems.

By integrating the MCR2030 framework, St. James will strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance adaptive capacities, and promote sustainable urban resilience for the benefit of its communities.