Manila – The third edition of the Asia-Pacific Local Leaders Forum for Disaster Resilience (APLL4DR) Awards celebrated outstanding local leaders from across the region, recognising their remarkable contributions to building resilient communities. Held as part of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024, the event, hosted by ADRRN’s localisation hub, SEEDS, highlighted the critical role of grassroots leadership in disaster risk reduction.
Under the theme “Recognising, Linking, and Enhancing the Power of Local Leadership,” the APLL4DR Awards honoured four exceptional local champions in climate action and disaster resilience.
- Ms. Maria Fe Maravillas (Philippines) for her work in inclusive transportation services through the Accessible Transportation Mobile Service (ATRAMS) initiative. ATRAMS transforms how communities include people with disabilities in disaster preparedness and response.
- Ms. Yustina Wardani (Indonesia) for developing an inclusive disaster preparedness educational park, where persons with psychosocial disabilities and their caregivers find a place to heal and prepare for future disasters.
- Mr. VV Sanjeevan (India) for the creation of a green belt, planting 75,000 casuarina trees to safeguard the coastline from erosion and act as a barrier against tsunami waves.
- Ms. Zenith Ballerta (Philippines) for her initiative using Indigenous knowledge about herbal medicine to promote health and well-being and for promoting a hub for disaster risk reduction within the community.
Dignitaries Adek Triana Yudhaswari (Minister Counsellor, Indonesian Embassy); Cheryl Leal (Director of Policy and Planning from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources); and Sunisa Ho (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Associate Program Management Officer and Making Cities Resilient 2030 Focal Point for Asia Pacific) joined the forum to felicitate and endorse the efforts of the champions.
The leaders were recognised not only for their achievements but also for their ability to inspire and mobilise others towards resilience-building within their communities. The chief guests highlighted the significance of collective efforts in DRR, underscoring the need for continued support for local leadership as the cornerstone of resilient societies.
The 2024 APLL4DR Awards reaffirmed the importance of local leadership in fostering disaster resilience across the Asia-Pacific. By showcasing community-driven initiatives, the forum inspires further collaboration and highlights the pivotal role of grassroots leaders in creating sustainable, inclusive futures.
About ADRRN: The Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN) is a regional network of civil society organisations dedicated to reducing disaster risks and building resilient communities. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, ADRRN works towards a safer and more sustainable future for the Asia Pacific region.
About SEEDS: SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) is a leading not-for-profit organisation based in India, working to build the resilience of communities against disasters and the impacts of climate change. SEEDS has a strong track record of helping vulnerable communities prepare for and respond to disasters through a combination of innovative, people-centred approaches. By empowering local leadership, strengthening community capacities, and promoting inclusive disaster risk management, SEEDS is committed to creating a safer and more sustainable future for all.
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