Disaster Policy and Preparedness

Transcription

1 Disaster Policy and Preparedness Appeal No. MAA April 2010 This report covers the period 1 January to 31 December Community members in Samoa participating in a hazard mapping exercise. During 2009, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies spent at least CHF 68 million in 113 countries on community preparedness, supporting at least 13.5 million of the most vulnerable, with disaster reduction, climate change and food security interventions. IFRC In brief Programme purpose: To reduce the number of deaths and vulnerability to disasters through the development and effective use of national, regional, and international Red Cross and Red Crescent capacities and resources. Programme(s) summary: To reduce the impact of disasters and complex emergencies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) continued working on building community safety and resilience by strengthening its programme support in primarily three areas: 1) policy, principles and standards; 2) disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA); and 3) food security and livelihood. To this end, and in consultation and close cooperation with other departments, zones, National Societies and external partners, the Disaster Policy and Preparedness department focused its work on the above mentioned areas, as well as knowledge management. Financial situation: There has been a decrease in the 2009 budget from CHF 3,958,847 (USD 3,646,560 or EUR 2,595,900) to CHF 3,869,179 (USD 3,727,570 or EUR 2,600,780) as a result of a position which could not be filled due to the current freeze on recruitment in the secretariat. The revision reflects the CHF 300,000 that was allocated towards work being carried out in collaboration with the climate change centre. Of this revised budget, CHF 3,978,023 (over 100 per cent) covered during the reporting period (including opening balance). Overall expenditure during the reporting period was CHF 2,988,454 (77 per cent of the revised budget). Click here to go directly to the attached financial report.

2 No. of people we have reached: In 2009, the Red Cross Red Crescent invested at least CHF 68 million and reached out to at least 13.5 million vulnerable people in at least 113 countries through its DRR, food security and livelihoods and climate change programmes. The Disaster Policy and Preparedness department primarily assisted and supported capacity building in National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and facilitated community-based initiatives. Our partners: The IFRC is continually working towards increasing coordination with external partners at all levels (governments, the UN system and associated bodies, private sector, academia and civil society) especially in the areas of information and technical expertise related to disaster preparedness, DRR, CCA, food security and livelihood. It works in partnership with many different governmental and non-governmental organizations for coordination, resource mobilization, advocacy, and representation purposes. Context The increasing frequency of disasters, coupled with a number of emerging threats and trends, are leaving more people vulnerable to the effects of disasters; and inflicting greater damage, loss, and dislocation on vulnerable people worldwide. According to the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), in 2009, 245 disasters reportedly killed 8,900 people, affected 58 million people, and caused damages amounting to USD 19 billion. Weather-related disasters accounted for 91 per cent of the total disasters, 79 per cent of those killed, 95 per cent of those affected and 79 per cent of the total losses. If current trends continue, 100,000 lives will be lost each year, while the costs of natural disasters will be in excess of USD 300 billion per year by Further, it is estimated that more than 1 billion people live under the poverty line and are facing chronic food insecurity and hunger, with the vast majority living in developing countries. According to CRED, 3.8 million people in Kenya alone were in need of food and assistance in The overlapping causes of food insecurity include HIV and AIDS, climate change, environmental degradation, conflict, sharp demographic growth and debt. These pose a formidable hurdle to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal (MDGs) of halving the number of hungry by 2015, as it has rendered traditional livelihoods unsustainable, and reduced the coping strategies of populations-at-risk. This has also had a spiralling effect on the availability, access, and utilization of food in communities, which are interrelated and the essential components of food security. The situation of vulnerable people is now aggravated by evolving, complex threats such as climate change; new patterns of marginalization; demographic growth; and a rising proportion of older people, unplanned urbanization, violence, involuntary migration, emerging infectious diseases and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases; environmental degradation; and the insecurity of access to food, water, and natural resources. DRR initiatives encapsulate the growing recognition that relief is not enough in mitigating disasters, and that resilient communities are the key to reducing the impact and severity of natural hazards when they strike. Although relief initiatives and emergency appeals attract more donor attention, studies have indicated that investment in DRR can be highly cost-effective, and more importantly have a profound impact in saving lives and livelihoods when hazards strike. A recent review of major emergency appeals launched by the IFRC between 2006 and 2008, shows that disaster risk reduction objectives were explicitly linked to recovery programming in over 80 per cent of the emergency appeals, demonstrating a significant increased understanding of the benefits of integrated programming approaches in the planning phase of an operation. 1 SEI, IUCN, IISD: Coping with climate change: Environmental strategies for increasing human security, August 2001 (Source: Munich Re and UNEP). 2

3 Disaster preparedness for response, mitigation, DRR, climate change adaptation, food security and livelihood are key components of disaster management (DM), as well as major contributors to building community safety, resilience and development. Progress towards outcomes Disaster Policy and Preparedness 1. Policy, Principles and Standards Objective: To strengthen the development and implementation of the IFRC s DM-related policies, principles and standards. Outcome(s) Policies, strategies and guidelines related to DM (including preparedness, relief, recovery, food security, protection and risk reduction) are well understood within the IFRC and by the external stakeholders/partners, and being actively implemented by National Societies and zonal offices. The various policies, strategies and guidelines in DM, as well as in other relevant areas of work, such as organizational development, humanitarian values and health, are complementary and mutually reinforcing. The department has made a significant contribution to support awareness raising and effective implementation of the IFRC s new performance and accountability framework as it applies to DM-related work, including the development and implementation of Federation-wide DM performance indicators. Achievements The IFRC, through its membership of the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR), participated in a peer review on accountability to disaster-affected people. The peer review took place in Indonesia and Ethiopia. The IFRC worked with Caritas and Action Churches Together (ACT) to examine and compare the approaches of each agency, with a view to improving and developing practice. The department continued to participate in the revision process of the Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Disaster Relief (Principles and Rules). A draft was tabled before the Governing Board meeting in October It was decided that more consultations were needed, and therefore the revision was deferred to The core disaster policy activities continued, providing support to the IFRC s Advisory Body on disaster preparedness and relief; preparing the technical agenda items of the statutory bodies; providing technical support on policy and strategy to the zones, delegations and National Societies; and strategic analysis and policy planning and representation on disaster policy issues such as Sphere. The department continued to work in collaboration with the Performance and Accountability department and the zones, to report on indicators related to its DM activities which measured performance and impact primarily using information gathered through the well-prepared National Society (WPNS) tool. In engaging on the policy dialogue for climate change adaptation, the IFRC participated in three key international conferences: the 2 nd International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) Global Platform held in June; the World Climate Conference 3 (WCC3) held in September; and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations for Conference of Parties (COP 15) held in December. 3

4 At the Global Platform, results from ten national dialogues on climate change adaptation and DRR were presented as part of a study for the Inter-Agency Standing Commission (IASC) task force on climate change. The dialogues called for an integration of DRR and climate change adaptation agenda within the wider international system, and focused on strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities-at-risk from the impacts of climate change. The WCC3 provided opportunities for engaging with the climate-science community, and highlighted the needs of vulnerable people. In an attempt to generate dialogue on the challenges and opportunities the IFRC organized three side events. The conference established a Global Framework for Climate Services to strengthen production, availability, delivery and application of science-based climate prediction and services. The IFRC has been identified as one of the key partners in the development and the implementation of this new global framework on climate services. The IFRC increased its presence at the COP 15 negotiations, where it has an observer status. Ten National Societies participated in the UNFCCC process during the year at various negotiations rounds, including the COP 15 at Copenhagen. The IFRC wrote two technical papers in collaboration with other agencies to position its own, as well as the wider humanitarian community agenda in the negotiation text for a climate change agreement. In addition, various background papers, including a Red Cross Red Crescent advocacy package on climate change was developed. The outcome of the COP 15 did not result in a legally binding agreement. Instead parties to the COP 15 agreed to extend the negotiations for a new legally binding agreement by one more year, and noted the development of a Copenhagen Accord. The Accord is a document of political intent to help the negotiations process move forward. The language on early warning systems, risk and vulnerability assessment, risk reduction and management, risk sharing and transfer mechanisms to address loss and damage associated with climate change impacts is in line with the advocacy positions of the Red Cross Red Crescent. However, climate change impacts on food security and health are not explicitly mentioned in the latest negotiation text from the Ad hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action (AWG-LCA). The outcomes of COP15 translate in follow up in three key areas. The primary being, the Federation needs to continue to monitor the climate negotiations during 2010 to protect gains made on the adaptation text in regards to the humanitarian impacts of climate change. This continued engagement will also allow the IFRC to further advocate for the inclusion of disaster response as part of adaptation actions, and to add language on the need to focus on the health impacts of climate change. Secondly, the adaptation programming should increase its focus on health and water and sanitation, in addition to the community-based disaster risk reduction. The IFRC will need to invest resources in better understanding community-based interventions that lead to reduced emissions at household levels. Thirdly, there is a need to build on the pledges made by youth on climate change ( Youth_declaration-EN-4PAGES-LR.pdf), and to link it to the advocacy and action campaign over the next two years. COP15 has already shown that the biggest advocacy groups in the climate negotiations are the youth networks. This provides the IFRC with an excellent opportunity to build on the pledges of its own youth network. In addition to these external opportunities, two internal Red Cross Red Crescent Movement meetings were also used to improve the policy dialogue on climate change adaptation. At Solferino, Red Cross Red Crescent youth from 150 countries met to declare a call to action on adapting to climate change and addressing its impacts. Their call 2 asks both National Red Cross Red Crescent Societies and their governments to increase their commitments to address the unavoidable impacts of climate change

5 Further, more than 120 National Societies shared their experiences on aligning their programmes and services at the Council of Delegates (2009) in Nairobi. These experiences highlighted the action taken during the last two years to fulfil their own commitments made at the International Red Cross Red Crescent Conference in The department participated in the preparations for the General Assembly and Council of Delegates. A side event on Strengthening community safety and resilience through integrated food security/livelihoods, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation was organized. There is a need for strengthening capacities and resources to implement community safety and resilience activities addressing increasing vulnerability. Further, it was emphasized that that mindset change is central to inform and drive Red Cross Red Crescent planning and action from disaster response to a more integrated approach to reducing disasters and risks. Flexible longterm funding is needed to ensure proper development and implementation of long-term community-based disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction, food security/livelihoods and climate change adaptation. The side event on Addressing the humanitarian consequences of climate change organized by the department addressed: steps taken to implement the Council of Delegates resolutions and regional commitments; partnerships on climate change; and recommendations for the development of a Federation-wide strategy on climate change adaptation. The National Society, the secretariat and the ICRC have committed to advocating with state parties for the inclusion of Red Cross Red Crescent as a key stakeholder in the planning and implementation of national adaptation plans for climate change. The disaster management coordinators (DMC) meeting took place in Geneva from 7 to 9 September The overall purpose of the meeting was to share information on relevant DM issues, and to agree on a way forward to reinforce a shared vision to deliver Strategy The meeting enabled the DM team to discuss the future vision for DM, the roles and responsibilities of the zone and Geneva secretariat in DM, improvements in human resource (HR) capacity, issues around global alliances and partnerships, accountability and performance issues, and information sharing between zones. Constraints or Challenges The main constraint during this period was the under investment in the policy area. Most of the available time was spent in dealing with core commitments, with little opportunity for research and development or for providing county-level support to National Societies on policy development. 2. Disaster Preparedness for Response Objective: To increase National Society s capacities to support communities to reduce vulnerabilities and disaster impacts. Outcomes Volunteers and staff of the Red Cross Red Crescent can provide improved risk analysis, through assessment of local vulnerabilities and capacities for effective DRR programming. Increased numbers of National Societies have the capacity to monitor local disaster risks and to use their risk analysis to develop/improve the institutional disaster response planning. Systems, procedures and structures are appropriate, effective and efficient in the delivery of disaster response services at the national and sub-national level. National Societies have improved their approaches to inform vulnerable communities of their disaster risks, and to sensitize them on possible risk reduction measures they can take to reduce the impact of disasters in their lives. 5

6 Achievements The global analysis presenting the results of the WPNS phase II (2005 to 2008) was finalized in all of the IFRC s working languages. Regional analysis for West and Central Africa, South East Asia and South Asia are also available. Building on lessons learned from phases I and II and following the recommendations from National Societies, zones, technical departments and the ICRC, the WPNS questionnaire was revised for phase III (2009 to 2011) to better reflect community-based initiatives, DRR, food security, climate change adaptation, shelter and early recovery. The questionnaire was pilot tested for readability and comprehension issues in all of the IFRC s working languages. Based on feedback provided following the pilot test, the questionnaire was fine tuned and the final version has been administered globally. Feedback for Phase III has been received from 20 National Societies. The DRR inception workshop in East Africa (October 26 to 28) included a session on WPNS. The aim of the session was three-fold: to increase internal dialogue and raise awareness regarding the tool; train National Societies staff on the recommended methodology (participatory approach); and for National Societies to take ownership of the tool so that they can better plan which areas of emergency management to develop. With regard to contingency planning, the Asia Pacific team prepared a complimentary package for the Disaster response and contingency planning guide which was pilot tested in the Democratic People s Republic of Korea. The review of the contingency planning guidelines is underway, and is being managed by a consultant. It is envisaged that the review will be finalized by early 2010, and the production/dissemination part will run into June With regard to vulnerability and capacity assessment (VCA), Guyana carried out a VCA in February A VCA training was also conducted in Kyrgyzstan in May Work is being carried out on how best to capture and incorporate climate change issues in the existing toolbox. Two VCAs were carried out in Kisantu in the Province of Bas Congo and in Mbandaka Pygmy Communities Bongode and Ikengeleke. In the case of Kisantu communities, results suggest that there is a low risk of food insecurity. For Mbandaka Pygmy communities, results indicate that the irregularity in access to daily meals is primarily due to the lack of availability of food, income and agricultural land. The Setting up a National Disaster Preparedness and Response Mechanisms: Guidelines for National Societies was finalized and sent to print in English and Spanish. French and Arabic will go to print in January The IFRC participated in the Second Experts Symposium on Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS II) which was held from 5 to 7 May The symposium results fed into the outcomes of the Global Platform and were also reflected in the WCC3. The key issues at the symposium (and through it for the following two conferences) were to: a) highlight the need for the humanitarian community to have access to early warning at all times, in order to be able to save lives and livelihoods; and b) to strengthen institutional partnership between the national metrological and hydrological authorities and humanitarian actors, in particular the national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Use of climate information for preparedness for response continues as part of the Early Warning, Early Action. In West and Central Africa, the partnership reached with the African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD) on using regional climate forecasts for preparedness is being used in all countries. Before the 2009 flood season, the IFRC in cooperation with OCHA, organized a flood preparedness meeting for 16 countries, bringing together civil protection agencies and the Red Cross to discuss seasonal forecasts and 6

7 contingency plans. Two publications from this region highlighting some challenges and lessons on this theme are available at and In Southern Africa, the Zambezi River Basin Initiative (ZRBI) 3 was launched. This initiative combines long-term integrated (disaster risk reduction, food security and climate change adaptation) programming to a regional approach of seven National Societies (Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe). In addition to the above, in 2009, 35 National Societies integrated climate change adaptation into their ongoing services. This included phase two of the Preparedness for Climate Change (PfCC) programme 4 and a response to a call for proposals from EuropeAid. A concept note on improving public awareness and disaster risk education was prepared, together with the Americas zone, with the aim to produce a guidance document for National Societies on various approaches to public awareness and risk education. The guidance document will be available by the end of the first quarter of Meetings were also held with UNICEF and ISDR to explore opportunities for partnerships on school-based disaster risk education and awareness programmes. The department advised and assisted the Disaster Preparedness and Relief Advisory Body and prepared the report of the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the General Assembly. The side event on Strengthening community safety and resilience through integrated food security/livelihoods, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation was attended by 62 people, from more than 30 National Societies and the secretariat. The event covered the following issues: a. Disaster risk reduction: strategies and activity updates. b. Update on food security and livelihoods. c. Cross-sectoral integration of food security and livelihoods. d. Integration of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. It is envisaged that in order to meet its objectives in the areas of community safety and resilience, the Red Cross and Red Crescent should extend its networking and partnerships dealing with climate change adaptation, food security, livelihoods, community-based disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction; most importantly with governments, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations, research organizations and the private sector. There is steady and increasing awareness to address the humanitarian consequences of climate change, and the Red Cross and Red Crescent s auxiliary relationship with governments need to be fully exploited to tackle such a sensitive and complex issue. In preparation for the General Assembly, the department assisted the Advisory Group to guide the development of Strategy During the Assembly, the department was represented in the working group to discuss and forward proposals to adopt Strategy 2020; the draft business model; and the framework for a Federation-wide reporting system. Contributions were also made in preparing the report for the plenary. The department was also part of the task force established to ensure the timely dissemination of guidance and tools to support the preparedness, risk reduction and response to the H1N1 influenza pandemic. 3 Available at

8 Constraints or Challenges There has been little progress made on the draft guidelines for community-based early warning during the reporting period mainly due to conflicting priorities, man hours available, and changes in the staff. With regard to contingency planning, there is a need for general consensus on the methodology used to identify high-risk countries. Currently, different zones and regions use different methodologies and data sets. Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Bahamas and Barbados were meant to carry out WPNS during However, due to other regional priorities, they had to postpone the WPNS process to early Knowledge Management Objective: To support and promote good practice and policy in DM and risk reduction. Outcomes Good practice developed and readily accessible to National Societies and external organizations. Information on global risk patterns and trends made available to zones, National Societies and other stakeholders. Dissemination and advocacy of good practices featured in the World Disasters Report (WDR) to National Societies and external stakeholders. Achievements The following publications were printed during the course of 2009: Disaster: how the Red Cross Red Crescent reduces risk (available in all of the IFRC s working languages) Disaster risk reduction Summary of the Oslo conference, February 2009 The Red Cross Red Crescent and the Hyogo Framework for Action Focus on the Asia Pacific region (developed for the ministerial conference in Asia held in November 2008) World Disasters Report 2009 Setting up a national disaster preparedness and response mechanism: Guidelines for National Societies (English and Spanish. French and Arabic to go to print in January 2010) How prepared are we? (WPNS global analysis English, French and Spanish. Arabic to go to print in January 2010) Disaster reduction programme Summary of lessons learned and recommendations (available in all of the IFRC s working languages) The 2009 edition of the WDR focuses on early warning and early action. The full report is available in English, with summaries in Arabic, French and Spanish. Other National Societies and field offices have translated the summary into Russian, Swedish, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. Approximately 90 National Societies launched the report in June, while others organized similar events during the course of the year. The report was also used as a key element of the IFRC s humanitarian diplomacy agenda, including the global campaign launched in The main media launch was organized in New York, with the support of the IFRC s Permanent Observer mission to the United Nations, and included sessions with the Humanitarian Liaison Working Group (HLWG) comprising donor governments, IASC and the Office of the High Representative of Land Locked, Least Developed and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS). The public launch of WDR was held in Geneva during the second session of the Global Platform. Further, in linking to, and 8

9 reinforcing the key messages of the WDR, the Southern Africa zone office used the launch as an opportunity to promote the ZRBI in Johannesburg. Work commenced on WDR 2010 which will focus on urban risks. The report will feature a balanced look at cause and effect relationships, so as to shed new light on this important issue in light of the paradox of prosperity and vulnerability that is at play in urban areas. It will bring new ideas to this debate, and propose realistic solutions for reducing the vulnerability of the urban poor, within the context of the characteristics of a disaster resilient city, and the responsibility of public authorities to provide a safe environment for residents in urban areas. It will also provide evidence-based research on measures that are being taken to reduce urban vulnerabilities. Case studies of good practices in urban risk reduction from the Red Cross and Red Crescent, as well as other organizations will appear in each chapter. Case studies: In collaboration with the Asia Pacific zone office, the first two case studies were developed for the ministerial conference in Asia. Four additional case studies were developed for dissemination at the Global Platform, in cooperation with the West and Central Africa zone, the shelter department, and the South Asia regional delegation. Bridging the gap Integrating climate change and disaster risk reduction (available in all of the IFRC s working languages) China and Cambodia Integrated programming and cooperation with local authorities boost communities disaster preparedness (available in all of the IFRC s working languages) Lesotho: sustainable food security practices (available in all of the IFRC s working languages) One heart, one programme: an integrated approach to raising awareness and reducing vulnerability (Samoa) (available in all of the IFRC s working languages) Micro-credit: a Rwandan experience (available in all of the IFRC s working languages) Measuring cost benefits of community disaster risk reduction in Ilam, Nepal (available in all of the IFRC s working languages) Safer, more resilient housing in West Africa (available in English and French) Teamwork for Disaster Response. How regional and national disaster-response training paid off in the IDP crisis in Pakistan (available in English) Web stories: In addition to participating and contributing to various side events, round table discussions etc. during the Global Platform for DRR, the IFRC also ran the following web stories highlighting Red Cross and Red Crescent DRR initiatives globally: Red Cross updates risk-reduction plans as Nyiragongo stirs Risk reduction in Kenya: a new dawn at 'Borehole 11' Yemen Red Crescent on climate-change front line Red Cross builders brace for Philippine storms After tsunami number one, risk reduction and seamanship on Tanzania s fishing coast A Philippine shore eaten by the sea Rwanda: an imihigo for risk reduction To mark the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Reduction (14 October), DRR was featured on the front page of the IFRC s web site along with a three minute video, an opinion piece, a new photo gallery, and other DRR documents. Exhibition: DRR/food security/community-based disaster preparedness materials were promoted and distributed during major external events: The global platform for DRR (16 to 19 June 2009, Geneva) WCC3 (31 August to 4 September, Geneva) 9

10 European commission Civil Protection Forum Towards a more resilient society (25 to 26 November, Brussels) Statutory meetings (18 to 25 November, Nairobi) United Nation Climate Change Conference (7 to 18 December, Copenhagen) Furthermore, disaster preparedness and risk reduction videos have been collected and placed on the IFRC s YouTube page in all the working languages of the organization. Vulnerability and capacity assessment The two DVDs finalized in 2008 ( VCA the art and the science and The ABC of VCA ) were produced in February 2009 and disseminated to the field. The Spanish version of the VCA training guide was printed in June A draft of the VCA documents taking into account climate change and urbanization is ready to be shared with the field. Emergency assessments The French and Spanish versions of the guidelines were printed in June The training package for emergency assessment has been finalized, including training modules, supporting training materials and notes for trainers: it has been pilot-tested in East Africa and in Asia Pacific. Constraints or Challenges The WDR received less financial support than in previous years, as its main donors experienced financial difficulties due to the economic crisis and either reduced their contributions or were unable to contribute in some cases. While the department still managed to meet its commitments, the reduced income has created some anxieties for the production of the 2010 edition, though efforts are being made to address the situation. Disaster Risk Reduction Objective: To improve community capacities to assess their own vulnerabilities and increase their safety and resilience to disaster and climate risks. Outcomes Increased numbers of communities have capacity to monitor their local disaster risks and use this risk analysis to develop/improve their risk response planning. More at-risk-communities take timely early action to protect their lives and livelihoods by engaging in community-based monitoring systems that link up to the national, regional and global early warning systems. Increased number of communities with a culture and environment of Safety and Resilience. Increased awareness and capacity to address local consequences of climate change. Effective participation in global DRR and climate change dialogues to promote and advocate for community-centred approaches, action and resource allocation. Achievements To support achievement of the above, the department is providing coordination, global representation, guidance, tools and technical support. Regional capacity to support National Societies and coordination were strengthened through the hiring of zone DRR officers in the Americas, East Africa, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Southern Africa and West and Central Africa. The Asia Pacific zone continues to contract DRR capacity on an ad hoc basis, while the Europe zone has plans for hiring a DRR Officer. 10

11 The IFRC s first global DRR meeting was held in Oslo in February Around 100 Red Cross Red Crescent participants from all over the world attended this meeting, as well as representatives from donor governments, UN, World Bank, NGOs and the private sector. The conference affirmed the importance of scaling-up DRR globally utilizing the Framework for Community Safety and Resilience as a foundation, as well as agreeing to the way forward. The country-level DRR process within the Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction (GADRR) has been somewhat revised, still beginning with the assessment of National Society DRR capacities and experience, as well as a national overview of hazards, vulnerabilities and risks (previously called baselines ). Based on these, National Societies are developing three to five year strategic DRR plans, which will be used to initiate specific programmes, projects and proposals with partners (donors, Participating National Societies (PNS), etc.). The following countries have initiated or finalized the process: Assessments (baselines) and plans finalized: Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Gambia, Honduras (new GADRR country), Tajikistan Draft assessment and plans developed: Cook Islands, Cambodia, Bangladesh, India (new GADRR country), Kazakhstan, Panama, Morocco, Nepal, Syria, Tonga Drafts in process: Cameroon, Guatemala (new GADRR country) and Indonesia (new GADRR country) Botswana is partially completed, as presented in the Zambezi River Basin Initiative. Together with PMER and the Americas zone, a draft performance monitoring framework has been developed. This helps National Societies develop consistent and effective DRR logframes with specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timebound SMART indicators. In addition to introducing global consistency to National Societies DRR project cycle management (PCM), common higher-level indicators (goals and outcomes) will allow for enhanced global monitoring and reporting. To further strengthen DRR impact analysis and reporting, the first ever cost-benefit analysis of DRR in the IFRC, performed in Nepal, was made into a case study and widely disseminated. Further impact evaluations and cost-benefit analyses were performed in the Philippines (September to October) and Sudan (November to December). The experiences from these three case studies will be used to develop DRR cost-benefit guidance and methodologies for broader use within the IFRC, and to also be disseminated publicly. The guidance document Disaster risk reduction programme , summary of lessons learned and recommendations was published. Representing one of the first large-scale multicountry Red Cross Red Crescent DRR programmes, it aimed to enhance the capacities of National Societies in disaster preparedness and risk reduction, contribute to global learning and expertise and to use the experience gained to inform future programmes. To assist National Societies in coordination and peer-to-peer learning, regional events were supported including in Central Asia (May), East Africa (October), Americas (October) and Europe (November). DRR practitioners workshops were also supported in Asia Pacific (September, in cooperation with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre) and MENA (October, focusing on training community mobilizers for DRR). A joint effort by the secretariat in Geneva, MENA and the Americas provided DRR training workshops in English, French/Arabic and Spanish to youth volunteers at the World Youth Meeting in Solferino. The department continues to support the mainstreaming of DRR into sectoral programming. For example, in 2009, it provided technical input to the water and sanitation Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) methodology, shelter s Participatory Approach to Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA) and Owner-Driven Housing Reconstruction (ODHR) approaches, and shelter s involvement in the IASC Task Force on Urbanization. 11

12 The PNS informal working group for disaster preparedness and risk reduction (WG DPRR) held meetings in February, October and December, with active support of the department. The group now includes 18 PNS, with frequent online knowledge sharing, managed by the secretariat. WG DPRR held a practitioners workshop in December aiming to facilitate stronger coordination and coherency in PNS and global DRR programming. Data collected through the WG DPRR provided the basis for the 2009 DRR mapping, the results of which are reported in the introduction of this annual report. In addition to a global summary, the mapping produced country-by-country information to help better target future programming as well as improve coordination (especially among PNSs). The table below shows the 2009 regional breakdown of global DRR, food security/livelihoods and climate change adaptation spending compared to indicators of disaster risk (proxied by disaster history) and human vulnerability (proxied by poverty). Population Global DRR Global Disasters < $1. 25/day Spending i (millions) Africa 38% 24% 393 Americas 15% 21% 47 Asia Pacific 41% 43% 923 Europe 5% 7% 24 MENA 1% 5% 8 ii The second session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction convened in Geneva from 16 to 19 June The event took place in the context of a growing awareness of the challenges posed by climate change and the increase of disaster risks that partly result from it. The Federation delegation, consisting of some 50 people, had three main objectives for the Global Platform: Promotion of the work of the IFRC in DRR, climate change adaptation and food security and livelihood; Learning and knowledge sharing from and with other international organizations, NGOs and governments; and Creating and reinforcing partnerships with other international organizations, NGOs and governments. The IFRC developed a set of key messages related to the themes of the conference (climate change adaptation, community resilience and DRR). It organized six special events at the Global Platform, some jointly with partners, covering the following topics: addressing the humanitarian challenges of climate change, measuring the impacts of DRR, food security, community safety and resilience, early warning early action, and legal preparedness for international disaster cooperation. A permanent exhibition booth was successful in providing participants with information about the IFRC and Movement activities, leading to increased visibility. Seven National Societies, with the support of the secretariat, submitted draft proposals to the World Bank s Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR). Space for Red Cross Red Crescent activities, highlighting also the National Societies capacities to influence political dialogue, development planning and strategies as auxiliaries, has been incorporated into the GFDRR s broader DRR country plans for some of their current 31 priority countries. A proposal for improving early warning in Senegal and Burkina Faso was submitted to the GFDRR s South- South Cooperation Programme. 12

13 Three regional concept notes (Pacific islands, South Asia and the Caribbean) were developed for a one-off ECHO funding call, reflecting a first attempt at a new ECHO DRR funding approach. ECHO specifically targeted the IFRC for this opportunity, and has indicated that the Caribbean proposal will be supported. Constraints or Challenges Resource and capacity limitations, particularly in the zones, continue to limit the up-scaling of DRR activities and its mainstreaming in Red Cross Red Crescent programming. Food Security in Africa Objective: National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have scaled-up community-based food security programming and have the necessary structures and capacities to contribute to the reduction of chronic and transitory food insecurity. Outcomes National Societies have integrated and coordinated longer-term community-based food security programmes, and are contributing to the reduction of chronic and transitory food insecurity. The food security database of trained personnel at zonal and National Society levels exists and is actively used. Improved National Society governance, management and technical capacities. Effective response to famine alerts/situations. Achievements During the course of 2009, of the 15 National Societies that are a part of the Africa food security initiative the following 14 finalized baseline surveys: West and Central Africa: Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Mauritania and Niger Southern Africa: Malawi, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia and Namibia East Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda Sudan: underway Eighteen National Societies namely Angola, Botswana, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Conakry, Togo, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Malawi, Lesotho, Zambia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Sudan are implementing medium to longer-term food security programmes. Burundi will join the initiative in Currently there are 39 projects that are underway for a duration of more than two years. In West and Central Africa, five countries, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Mauritania and DRC have developed a methodology for baseline assessments, completed the field assessments, and processed the database. The assessments were carried out from January through June Technical support and input was provided to develop small-scale integrated food security and DRR proposals. Food security and livelihoods promotional leaflets were published for Mauritania, Guinea and Niger. Further, experiences and best practices were documented for the above mentioned and the DRC. A video showing the West and Central Africa Zone interventions in food security was also produced. The National Societies in Lesotho, Zambia, Namibia and Swaziland were provided with technical guidance, support to conduct baselines and were encouraged to adopt an integrated approach vis-à-vis food security and HIV and AIDS programming. The Southern Africa zone office has set regional food security priorities and developed indicators to monitor the activities. 13

14 In East Africa, the five National Societies (Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Sudan) are implementing medium to long-term activities. The progress in the region has been slow primarily because the National Societies have been involved in responding to emergency needs resulting from droughts, civil conflicts, displacement, impact of high food prices and shortage of rain in the productive areas. Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Sudan have developed their draft food security strategic plans. The Asia Pacific zone conducted a food security study with the intention of determining the future action of the zone and National Societies in the region in relation to food security and livelihoods. The report will be finalized during the first quarter of Preliminary consolations and follow up have been conducted with the Americas zone involvement in food security and livelihoods programming. Ways to better integrate gender in food security and livelihoods programmes are being looked into. Further, ways of collecting gender disaggregated information are also being discussed. There are a couple of examples where gender is integral to programming already. For instance in Lesotho, nutritional information and education components have enabled beneficiaries to make informed choices about the vegetables they grow, purchase or consume. Since women are usually responsible for preparing food within the household, the nutrition programmes are primarily focused on them. In Mali s case volunteers, community organizers and technical advisers for health and food security provide advice and training on composting, protecting crops against ravagers, and harvest conservation methods, etc. Each woman s market gardening group (selection based on degree of vulnerability) has a committee that manages not only market gardens, but also existing watering points in the village. The mothers club concept is being implemented in Togo and Mauritania. The emergency appeals launched for Angola, Namibia and Zambia flood operations included short-term food security activities. Elements of food security were also reflected in appeals for Sudan, Syria and Kenya; and technical input was provided while revising the Horn of Africa food security appeal. The ZRBI includes a food security component for the seven National Societies namely Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi. National Societies in collaboration with PNSs submitted 15 applications to the European Commission s food facility of which five proposals Lesotho, Mauritania, two from Togo and Yemen were accepted. Further, in response to another longer-term food security call for proposals, the Spanish Red Cross worked together with the Burundi Red Cross to facilitate and finalize the application which was submitted at the end of November. A Food Security Global Advisory Group has been established. The first meeting was held in Madrid, in March The Advisory Group is intended to be an informal group of champions of the Africa Food Security Initiative (AFSI). Its terms of reference includes among others to maintain a global overview of the AFSI, to help mobilize resources, and to promote it to other potential Red Cross Red Crescent and external partners. Work is being carried out in close cooperation with PNSs on how to scale up food security programming. The table here illustrates biand multi-lateral support provided by PNSs Food security and livelihoods 2009 (CHF) in 2009 towards food security and West and Central livelihoods initiatives in Africa. Africa 11 million Southern Africa 4 million A joint IFRC/Swedish Red Cross review was conducted to monitor the status of the East Africa 4 million longer-term food security programme of the Ethiopia Red Cross Society. The programme is progressing. 14

15 A briefing was carried out with the Irish Red Cross Africa desk officer with a focus on the strategic approaches. A meeting and follow-up communication was also carried out with the American Red Cross about possible support to the longer-term food security initiatives. The feedback indicates that there could be a possibility of mobilizing resources for food security and livelihoods projects that are integrated with disaster risk reduction projects. A food security situation update was presented and discussion carried out with the Norwegian Red Cross delegation including major corporate partners and senior managers to familiarize them with the IFRC s strategies and programmes in the Horn of Africa. Implementation of the Norwegian Red Cross funded activities across Africa was closely monitored. The department has been involved in the consultative process with the senior management and Spanish Red Cross on the establishment of a Federation resource centre on livelihoods and economic security to be hosted by the Spanish Red Cross. A joint paper on the impact of climate change on food security and hunger was written in collaboration with the WFP, FAO, OXFAM and the IFRC. The IFRC was also involved in the organization of a food security and climate change side event during the Barcelona UNFCCC climate change negotiation in the first week of November Further, the IFRC participated in a round table in Brussels in relation to the revision of DG ECHO s Humanitarian Food Assistance Policy. Consolidated feedback has been sent to the Red Cross EU Office in relation to the review of the consolation paper EU policy on Food Security Framework DG Development. The IFRC has participated in the European Development Days, a yearly event hosted jointly by the European Commission and the EU Presidency reinforcing EU s continued commitment to development. The organization was represented in WFP s high-level strategic consultation held from October 14 to 15, in Rome. At the same time, the IFRC s Secretary General also met with the WFP senior management to discuss food security issues. The IFRC together with the Italian Red Cross participated in the World Food Summit held in Rome in November The monthly high level task force (HLTF) on the global food crisis has been attended regularly. Barring the recruitment of the Africa food security coordinator, six food security staff in the three zones (two per zone) and 15 African National Societies officers (one per African National Society) were recruited. Constraints or Challenges Limited technical capacity, high staff turnover, and a lack of strategies in the region have posed difficulties in providing overall strategic direction and engagement in immediate responses. This has resulted in slow progress in implementing the programmes. When efforts are made to ensure that disaster response and recovery operations are integrated and linked to the long-term food security work, programmes were unable to secure the required funding. Working in partnership The secretariat continues to be an active member of the ISDR through official representation in the Management Oversight Board (MOB) as well as the Inter-Agency Group (IAG). The zones have also been participating in the ISDR regional platforms for DRR, and coordination with the UN/ISDR occurs on a regular basis. By design, both the 2010 World Disasters Report and the ISDR World Disaster Campaign will focus on urbanization and disaster risk. As a corporate partner, the Zurich Foundation of Zurich Financial Services has pledged not only resource support, but also technical volunteering. This came to fruition as a well-qualified staff of 15