In the field of natural disaster reduction, the primary function of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs is to promote new initiatives. This includes project activities in 28 of the more disaster-prone developing countries, including 11 new ones during the year under review.
The main objectives have been to establish and apply the most effective methods for hazard and risk assessment, to promote wider interchange of knowledge and systematic application of appropriate technology, to carry out more active pooling, analysis and dissemination of early warnings, and to stimulate the development of scenario-specific disaster mitigation and preparedness plans with emphasis on maximizing the use of local resources and community involvement, while providing access to external expertise where essential. A special focus has been placed on Africa, where three subregional seminars have stimulated new national initiatives in disaster reduction. In Latin America and the Caribbean, new projects have been formulated for five countries and comprehensive programmes continue in four others. For Asia, projects are continuing or are in the process of formulation for six countries, including a new four-year programme encompassing the South Pacific island States, which has been widely sponsored and warmly welcomed by the participating countries and regional agencies. Attention is also being given to the eastern European, Middle East and CIS countries, with projects launched or in process of formulation in five States. The above activities have been carried out in close cooperation with UNDP and UNEP to promote the inclusion of development and environment issues wherever applicable. Eleven other international agencies and more than 30 non-governmental organizations have been associated.
In the framework of the Department for Humanitarian Affairs' project on the use of military and civil defence assets in disaster relief, arrangements have continued for strengthening cooperation between the Department of Humanitarian Affairs and NATO, the Western European Union (WEU) and the Inter-American Defense Board. Within the provisions of the Oslo Guidelines, mechanisms for such cooperation are being tested and improved through joint training, contingency planning and field exercises. Regional cooperation was tested in particular during an exercise hosted by the Russian Federation focusing on international assistance following a simulated major nuclear power plant accident. Standing operating procedures for the use of military and civil defence assets in disaster relief are being refined to enhance the humanitarian aspects of the NATO Partnership for Peace programme. The EU Humanitarian Office, a member of the Standing Coordinating Group, has funded the activities of the project related to relief air operations and to regional cooperation in Africa and Asia.
UNDP and the Department of Humanitarian Affairs have established a Joint Environment Unit that strengthens the international capacity to respond to environmental aspects of disasters, while making the most effective use of limited resources. The Unit represents a practical synergy between the two organizations that ensures a targeted and comprehensive approach to the growing problem of environmental emergencies while at the same time avoiding duplication of effort. As such, the Joint Environment Unit is fully integrated into the Department of Humanitarian Affairs. UNEP provides staff and funding for the project, while the Department provides access to resources, expertise in disaster management and procedures for effective mobilization and coordination of relief.
The Department of Humanitarian Affairs also continues to work closely with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency, with which the Department has an agreement for early warning and exchange of information when disaster strikes.
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