The Caribbean region is among the most vulnerable regions in the world. The recent succession of devastating hurricanes (starting with Harvey, then Irma, Jose and María) has hit the region, causing massive damages to people and infrastructures; at the same time, it had a huge negative impact on socio-economic outcomes.
The NDRM, funded by the European Union to support disaster risk and climate change reduction, will be exposing the activities carried out and the results achieved to reduce vulnerability to the long-term impacts of natural hazards and the impacts of variability of climate change, among relevant NDRM issues.
The main purpose of NDRM’s participation at this event is to help improve the capacities of Natural Disaster Organisations (NDO’s) and other relevant national agencies in prioritised technical areas, and strengthen their capacities, as the most relevant coordinating bodies in the region.
Ms. Daniela Tramacere, UE Ambassador to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, CARICOM & CARIFORUM, stated that: “this is the most relevant event on disaster risk management for the region and it’s a great opportunity to gather professionals and experts in the fields, to come together and build stronger relationships and exchange of knowledge. By providing financial support to Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Dominican Republic, EU has contributed to develop regional networks and a platform of activities for better adaptation and resilience to Climate Change. Joining forces – this is what the EU is all about. Europe was built on cooperation, and it is in our DNA to build partnerships. Climate Change is on top of our agenda, and, as a global challenge, it can better be addressed together.”.
The EU is committed with Disaster Risk Reduction, supporting this programme but also humanitarian aid operations in support to the countries and the region after Hurricanes Irma and Maria through its Department on European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
During these days, DRM practitioners and partners will have the opportunity to join in different conferences and meetings to discuss and create new partnerships with the objective to align efforts to reduce climate change and work on disaster management risks.
From the 6th to the 9th of December, the NDRM in the CARIFORUM will exhibit its efforts and initiatives in its own stand, aiming to strengthen the capacities of CARIFORUM national and local governments and stakeholders in the implementation of a Comprehensive Disaster Management strategy.
About NDRM
The Natural Disaster Risk Management Programme is an initiative of the African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, funded by the European Union to support DDR and CCA activities in the Caribbean Region.
The Programme’s main goal is to help reduce vulnerability to the long-term impacts of natural hazards and the potential impacts of variability in climate change.
It was launched in 2014 for a period of five years and a funding of 20 million euros. Its implementing partners are the European Union, the Emergency Management Agency, the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Dominican Republic.
About the CDEMA
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is a regional inter-governmental agency for disaster management in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The Agency was established in 1991 as CDERA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency) with primary responsibility for the coordination of emergency response and relief efforts to Participating States that require such assistance. It transitioned to CDEMA in 2009 to fully embrace the principles and practice of Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM).
(CDM) is an integrated and proactive approach to disaster management and seeks to reduce the risk and loss associated with natural and technological hazards and the effects of climate change to enhance regional sustainable development.