Jordan: EMI and UNDP set up disaster risk managment unit

The Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative, together with the UNDP Jordan Country Office, has successfully completed Phase I of their project to set up a Dsiaster Risk Management (DRM) Unit under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the conduct of related competency training for the DRM staff.

Two field investigations (FIs)were conducted by EMI’s Chairman, Dr. Fouad Bendimerad, and Emergency Management Expert, Mr. Troy Kindred. The FIs centered on gathering data and conducting training on disaster risk management (DRM) and emergency management (EM), including Emergency Operations Plans and Incident Command Systems, among others. The field investigations were supported by desktop reviews, internal research, review of documentation, and extensive planning and preparation sessions with EMI experts and staff assigned to the project, as well as with technical staff from UNDP-Jordan.

Based on the outcome of these FIs, EMI and UNDP Jordan formulated a plan and outlined the process to institute a DRM unit in ASEZA. The two organizations also collaborated with local partners in equipping the newly formed organization by deciding upon a suitable name and linking appropriate laws as a source of mandate/authority for laying down the functions, roles, the needed human resources, and a the 2-year organizational budget with program activities. Relevant to the setting up of the DRR unit was the conduct of the DRM and EM competency training among the first staff of the unit, ASEZA officials and allied organizations. The training sessions provided core knowledge on DRR and understanding on EM elements. They also provided a venue for sharing institutional roles and experiences. Consultations among ASEZA officials were conducted and valuable inputs for the organizational role were taken into consideration.

Phase II of the project is set to begin in the near future with ASEZA’s commitment for the next phase already secured.

For more information please contact Mr. Kent Borinaga , Project Manage