Chair: Colonel G.N. Ritchie.
Vice-Presidents:
Dr Walter Ammann (Europe)
Prof. Djillali Benouar (Mediterranean)
Dr Wayne Blanchard (Liaison-HiEd-EmMgt USA)
Prof. Djillali Benouar (Mediterranean)
Dr Omar Dario Cardona (South America)
Guy Deneufbourg (Mediterranean, in abeyance)
Dr. Daniel Don Nanjira (Sub-Sahara Africa)
Prof. Mustafa Erdik (Europe)
Dr Nina Frolova (North Asia excl China)
Dr T. Cassia de Brito Galvao (South America)
Prof Mohsen Ghafory-Astiany (South West Asia)
Kay C. Goss (North America)
Dr David G. Howell (Pacific Rim)
Dr Khaled Kahhaleh (Mediterranean)
Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai (South East Asia)
Maria Z. Maldonado (Caribbean & L.America)
Juan Murria (Latin America & Caribbean)
Dr Earnest D.Paylor, II (Pacific)
Dr Salibo Some (Sub-Sahara Africa)
Col Prakash Tewari (South Asia)
Dr Christopher Tucker (North America)

The GADR Board meeting minutes are already on Email record. Analysis and interpretation of decisions, discussions and comments received are as follows. Although only a minority of the Board (~33%) contributed to the discussions, I would be most grateful nevertheless for any comments on what appears below:

(Alpha) The range of GADR areas of interest are as stated in the Chairman's message to the WCDR on 13 July timed 10:50 hrs and previously distributed to the Board by his Email of 12 July timed 11:51 hrs. (Note the exclusion of war and civil strife which replaces the inclusion of "willful hazards", an expression previously introduced as a euphemism for "terrorism") GADR areas of interest do embrace Sustainable Development and Environmental Management.

(Bravo) The focus of GADR future activities will be support to the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development in which UNESCO have asked GADR to play a lead role in addressing the aspects relating to Disaster Reduction and Environmental Management.

(Charlie) Sub-Sahara Africa will be considered the region of greatest need in GADR's programmes and priorities.

(Delta) GADR will pursue the tasks of collating, editing and publishing the existing "Blueprints for Change" in collaboration and with the support of, UNESCO and the ISDR Secretariat. GADR will review the existing Blueprints and initiate preparation of additional Blueprints as needs are identified. It is hoped that UNESCO will provide funding to permit a "physical" meeting of an Editorial Board in Geneva.

(Echo) Regional Vice Presidents now have responsibilities for recruitment of new members and Supporting Organizations to GADR, for liasing with one another within their own or adjoining regions, maintaining links with existing members and for implementation of GADR policies within their Regions. They should endeavour to establish effective links with governments and UN agencies to stimulate DR action by these and to facilitate their own responsibilities. It has also been suggested that the target of 4000 members in 2 years is unrealistically high (2000 is the figure which has been suggested and accepted.) Regional V-Ps should seek financial Sponsoring Organizations.

(Foxtrot) GADR should endeavour to increase and extend its network of Supporting Organizations, particularly in the UN agency network e.g. UNEP, FAO, WMO but also in the secretariats of the African Union (AU) and in Nepad (New project for African development).

(Golf) Experience on the ground over the years has shown that there is no common model upon which Disaster Reduction planning and management can be based. No model is likely to cover all hazards and eventualities. Certainly, however, there are basic principles upon which these should be based and each situation must be addressed using such principles. There are dangers in assuming so. (Note: These Principles of Disaster Reduction and Management are seen to include:
(i) Analysis of the threat and vulnerabilities of populations, economies and infrastructure.
(ii) Tasks in prevention, warning, preparedness, response and recovery.
(iii) Responsibilities in prevention, warning, preparedness, response and recovery.
(iv) Resources required in meeting responsibilities.
Clausewitz's "Principles of War" are reflected in my suggested insertion. Research has shown the striking similarities between defense planning and management and disaster preparedness against the range of threats. The response management aspects have similar similarities.

(Hotel) The Chair and CEO are most grateful to all those who contributed to the Board discussions and comments.

(Ingrid) We have not settled the matter of Sub-Cttee responsibilities and Chairmen, which will be discussed separately.

Colonel G.N. Ritchie, Dr Walter Hays,
Chair, GADR . CEO, GADR.