Abstract

The Integrated Disaster Risk Management (IDRM) Scoping Tool is a structured methodology designed to assess the feasibility, gaps, and opportunities for integrating disaster risk management (DRM) systems across multiple dimensions. The tool combines a standardized questionnaire and facilitated focus-group workshops to capture both quantitative appraisals and qualitative insights from DRM stakeholders. This methodology policy-paper outlines the conceptual foundations, design, and application of the tool, providing guidance on its implementation in diverse contexts. The IDRM Scoping Tool enables researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to systematically explore DRM integration at city and national levels, track trends over time, and inform policy and governance improvements. Additionally, it highlights the importance of complementary studies — such as actor-mapping and in-depth governance analysis — to strengthen its applicability. While the tool offers a flexible and participatory approach to evaluating DRM systems, it is not intended as a standalone assessment but rather as an exploratory step to guide further research and decision-making. Likewise, the paper discusses the advantages, limitations, and potential refinements of the tool, with the aim of continually enhancing its contribution to disaster risk governance and resilience-building efforts.