Strengthening the disaster risk reduction system in Georgia: progress measured against targets for 2008-2010
This paper reports on the first one and a half year's implementation of a UNDP project which envisions technical assistance and policy advice to the Georgian government for the adoption of relevant policies in the priority areas identified in the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015. It aims at encouraging policy change from response and preparedness (disaster management) to prevention and mitigation (disaster risk reduction) by engaging communities at risk, scientific institutions and international organizations. It asserts that the project experienced very positive developments and substantially contributed to turning the attention of the Government and the UN system (i) from conflict to risks, and (ii) from response and preparedness to mitigation and prevention.
The paper presents a list of achievements against nine targets: (1) a functioning UN Disaster Management Team; (2) UN contingency plans available and relevant parties informed accordingly; (3) partnerships established with key stakeholders; (4) relevant bodies are informed and preparedness improved according to the National Emergency Response Plan (NERP); (5) formulation of the Emergency Management Strategy completed according to the Hyogo Framework of Action; (6) Emergency Management Action Plan developed and implementation initiated; (7) external resources mobilized for implementation of Emergency Management Action Plan; (8) twelve capacity development initiatives, targeting some 150 persons, at local and national levels; and (9) two disaster simulation exercises undertaken.