Activities and measures taken in advance to ensure effective response to the impact of hazards, including the issuance of timely and effective early warnings and the temporary evacuation of people and property from threatened locations. (ISDR)

Activities to provide outright avoidance of the adverse impact of hazards and means to minimize related environmental, technological and biological disasters. Depending on social and technical feasibility and cost/benefit considerations, investing in preventive measures is justified in areas frequently affected by disasters. In the context of public awareness and education, related to disaster risk reduction changing attitudes and behaviour contribute to promoting a "culture of prevention". (ISDR)

A way of engaging in development cooperation based on the principle of coordinated support for a locally owned programme of development. The approach includes four key elements:

• Leadership by the host country or organization.

• A single programme and budget framework.

• Donor coordination and harmonization of procedures.

• Efforts to increase the use of local procedures over time with regard to programme design and implementation, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation (Baastel)