Editorial
Hurricanes battering coastal regions, wildfires ravaging vast areas of land and seismic upheavals wreaking havoc on urban centres: recent events have been highlighting the vulnerabilities inherent in our current infrastructure systems. Such challenges call for innovation and adaptation, not only to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters but also to pave the way for long-term sustainability and prosperity. The findings of this report will help policy makers, engineers and stakeholders embrace a proactive, concerted approach to reach those goals: a timely contribution to actions towards a safer, more sustainable future for all.
The report underscores the critical importance of investing in infrastructure that can withstand the forces of nature. Based on the experiences of diverse nations, from Japan to Colombia and the United Sates, from Mozambique to Ghana, India and Indonesia, it proposes actions to implement the G20 Principles on Quality Infrastructure. While every region and country face a unique set of challenges, studying the successes and failures of others opens up a wealth of knowledge that can usefully inform action by all.
Our case studies from around the world provide valuable insights into the diverse array of strategies and solutions to enhance infrastructure resilience. Whether it be Japan’s capacity to implement strategic preventive maintenance or Ghana’s capacity to restore power plants’ operations in the aftermath of floods, a wealth of best practices is waiting to be shared and adapted to local contexts.
In collaboration with the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Development Centre is publishing this new Compendium to help developing countries plan, build, maintain and operate the resilient infrastructure that may serve as a barricade against the storms of tomorrow.