APMCDRR 2024: Harnessing AI, space tech for disaster resilience

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – This year’s Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) will highlight the latest disaster risk reduction innovations. 

The conference will focus on technologies like satellites, drones, and artificial intelligence that can enhance disaster prediction, preparedness, and response. 

READ: Philippines improves disaster management with AI

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga says AI has become crucial in achieving resilience in the face of disasters.

“As climate change intensifies disaster risks, integrating technologies like AI and space-based systems into our DRR strategies is vital for a safer, more resilient future. 

“APMCDRR serves as a platform for collaboration on solutions that protect both people and the environment,” she said.

The Philippines has advanced its disaster management with AI-powered tools like GeoRisk Philippines, a multi-agency initiative by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

GeoRisk offers protocols and platforms for sharing risk information to facilitate preparing and planning natural disaster risk reduction strategies. 

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum and Integrated Research on Disaster Risk Professor Saini Yang will lead APMCDRR 2024. 

The conference will highlight how AI, unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite technologies, and local and indigenous knowledge can improve weather forecasts and risk assessments.

These innovations align with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 to protect lives and livelihoods from disasters.

More importantly, the discussions will emphasize blending modern tech with nature-based solutions and traditional practices. This issue is especially relevant to the Philippines in terms of protecting ecosystems from climate impacts. 

The APMCDRR 2024 conference will start from October 14 to 18 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.