Networking and Increasing of Preparedness

About this project

<p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;, sans-serif">In recent years we are witness to emergencies caused by unpredictable weather events (floods, earthquakes) so there is a need for better preparedness of CSOs, public and private entities for an organized disaster response. Currently there is no disaster preparedness plan, the response is slow, impulsive, and poorly coordinated as CSOs do not collaborate and are not informed of others’ activities. This results in duplication of activities or complete lack of aid in inaccessible areas, which directly endangers human rights of the affected population. The project therefore aims to improve the network of organizations through a platform of CSOs and other entities to map human and material resources of each member, capacity building through training on tools and work methods as well as division of responsibilities for each member in responding to needs on the field. Based on its experience from the earthquake crisis in Croatia, ADRA Croatia will develop and share a digital tool for efficient management of CSO resources, and ADRA Norway which has experience with disaster preparedness in numerous countries will share its knowledge with member CSOs. Target groups are CSOs, local government and private sector entities, and indirectly, residents of counties with lower standards of living and recent experience with emergencies. These are Sisak-Moslavina (2020 earthquake), Brod-Posavina (flooding risk) and Vukovar-</span></span> <span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;, sans-serif">Syrmia (2014 flood) counties. The project can be shared to other counties and emergency scenarios through sharing disaster preparedness resources and creation of interorganizational cooperation for the purposes of preparedness in emergencies.</span></span></span></span></p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The partnership with the donor country project partner, ADRA Norway added the additional value to this project. This organization has extensive experience in two areas: education and response to and preparedness for crisis situations. ADRA Norway assisted the beneficiary in creating curricula for the simulation exercises conducted and also independently conducted training for other involved local CSOs on integrating preparedness principles and risk reduction into their own peacetime projects working with vulnerable groups. Through examples of international practice based on their rich experience, potential opportunities for integrating these practices among CSOs were recognized. There is no specific collaboration plan in place, but the relationship with the bilateral partner is excellent, and there is ongoing communication. When circumstances permit, concrete collaboration will be continued.

Project partners

• ADRA Norway Donor project partner· Norway