Photo Credit: Tejas Tamobhid Patnaik/UNDRR
Environmental sustainability is a critical element of disaster risk reduction
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction implemented a sustainable event, balancing environmental, economic and social responsibilities.
The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Australian Government aspired to organise a sustainable ninth session of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction that aimed to minimise negative environmental impacts.
We recognised the inherent linkages between the natural environment and disaster risk reduction and sought to limit our environmental footprint in delivering the conference.
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction aimed to:
- Minimise the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated in connection with the venue, travel and resource consumption, including by actively encouraging all delegates to offset the carbon emissions of their travel to Brisbane.
- Reduce the consumption of water, energy, and other resources in the lead up to and during the conference.
- Reduce the generation of waste and encourage recycling and repurposing of unavoidable waste. Avoided the use of single-use plastic and paper where possible, including in catering, conference sessions and the marketplace*.
- Ensure accessibility, inclusion, and wellbeing of all participants and staff.
The conference was hosted at the Brisbane Conference and Exhibition Centre (BCEC), which has received EarthCheck Platinum Certification for its strong performance in social and environmental sustainability.
From sustainable construction to energy and water conservation, responsible procurement, food distribution and participation in community initiatives, the sustainability message is reinforced and integrated through all aspects of the BCEC’s business and culture. Learn more on the BCEC website.