Asian Disaster Risk Initiative

CBRNe-NATECH ASIAN DISASTER RISK INITIATIVE (CnADRI)

The CBRNe-Natech Asian Disaster Risk Initiative (CnADRI) was launched in response for the need to raise awareness of CBRNe and Natech risks in Asia. The initiative derives from the discussion at the 3^rd APRU (Association of Pacific Rim Universities) Multi-Hazards Campus Safety Workshop held in February, 2020 at Tohoku University in Japan which addressed CBRNe and Natech disaster risks and preparedness. The initiative is in collaboration with International Association for Counter Terrorism and Security Professionals-Centre for Security Studies (IACSP-CSS SEA) and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Multi-Hazards Program.

The Initiative provides a space to share and discuss common challenges, identify solutions to tackle these challenges, and strengthen the institutional capacity of stakeholders to mitigate CBRNe and Natech risks. It will also allow for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge between various CBRNe and Natech stakeholders from think tanks, research institutes, academia, the private sector, governments, international and regional organizations, NGOs, and other entities.

SECRETARIAT

The Secretariat Office of the CBRNe-Natech Asian Disaster Risk Initiative (CnADRI) is an initiative spearheaded by the IACSP, a not-for profit organization registered in Indonesia, until such time when a decision has been made to operate the initiative.

Address: Gedung Menara Anugrah, Kantor Taman E3.3-Unit D6, 3^rd Floor, Megan Kuningan Business District, Jakarta 12950, Indonesia.

CONTACTS:

Andrin Raj (andrin.raj@iacspsea.org)

Rakyan Adibrata (rakyan.adibrata@iacspsea.org)

WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO FOCUS ON CBRNe AND NATECH?

CBRNe (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive)

The economy of Asia keeps growing, but it is also tormented by evolving conflicts and crises in which threats from CBRNe could potentially cause a major setback in the developing region. Over the years, Asia has seen CBRNe threats escalate from accidents, contamination, and intentional use to the illegal activities of transnational criminal organizations and non-state actors.

The current security architecture for CBRNe in Asia remains poorly developed in terms of disaster risk planning, and it often fails to incorporate risk mitigation into broader disaster management planning, exposing its communities to major potential threats. Addressing these threats demands an effective response through the implementation of policies and programs as well as the provisions of rigorous training that is both efficient in its delivery and long-lasting in its learning outcomes.

While the objective of each CBRNe training scenario may vary, some common skills and elements will be required in every training program. These include understanding the methods needed to recognize and respond to threats; knowing the key principles of hazard detection; becoming familiar with on-scene decontamination; exploring the medical and psychological considerations of CBRNe incidents; preserving the safety of responders, the wider public, and the environment; and understanding the security context in relation to national and international CBRNe preparedness and response.

Natech (Natural Hazards Triggering Technological Disasters)

Regions of Asia have been facing significant challenges and devastating losses from natural disasters. Furthermore, global concerns such as climate change, urbanization, poverty, population density, and environmental degradation are increasing the vulnerability, exposure, and risks of natural disasters, which are becoming progressively more frequent in the region.

As apprehension mounts due to rapid growth in chemical industries and units and their precarious handling of hazardous material in the region, there is a significant need to pay attention to Natech risks. Tremendous efforts have been made to reduce natural disaster risks at all levels; however, Natech risks are often overlooked in regional and national disaster risk management plans. Natech risks exist in both developed and developing countries where hazardous facilities are located in natural hazard areas.

Unfortunately, natural disaster risk reduction frameworks do not consider technological hazards, and technological accident prevention and preparedness programs often overlook the specific aspects of Natech risk. It is crucial to address these issues so stakeholders can understand Natech risks and various sectors can urgently collaborate to enhance Natech risk management capacity in the region.

OBJECTIVES

CnADRI aims to enhance regional security to tackle CBRNe and Natech risks and disasters by increasing national/local expertise and long-term sustainability. It will work in partnership with various stakeholders to strengthen the national and local capacity of risk management, along with the preparedness for, response to, and recovery from CBRNe and Natech risks and disasters. To achieve these goals, the Initiative will provide an opportunity to increase awareness of CBRNe and Natech risks and knowledge of the current status in the region, facilitate discussions and implementation with various stakeholders to share common concerns and solutions, and advocate the importance of incorporating these issues into their national risk management plans.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

Biennial workshop/symposium
Advocacy
Joint research/publication
Participating in and contributing to regional and international opportunities to influence policy making and decision
Capacity development

OUR CHARTER

CnADRI stimulates learning and discussions on CBRNe-Natech risk reduction in Asia, leading to immediate and effective responses to and recovery from such emergencies.
Maximizing profound expertise and knowledge in the region, CnADRI provides training and educational opportunities, shares the latest research, enhances collaboration among various stakeholders, and contributes to strengthening the regional capacity of CBRNe-Natech risk management.
All the views expressed and discussions/comments made during the meetings and events are in the personal capacity of the participants. They do not represent organizational opinions or reflect any organizational or governmental policies.

PARTNERS (Not Limited)

International Association for Counter Terrorism and Security Professionals-Centre for Security Studies (IACSP-CSS SEA)
Nordic Counter Terrorism Network (NCTN)
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Multi-Hazards Program
Observatory on Security and CBRNe Defense (OSDIEF)
University of Rome “tor Vergata”, Department of Electronic Engineering (DIE)
State University of Republic of san Marino, Centre for Security Studies (CUFS)
University of Indonesia, School of Strategic and Global Studies, Terrorism Studies Program