The OAS-ECHO Project is executed through the horizontal transfer of
technology between the members of SICA (Sistema de Integración Centroamericano) with the
participation of relevant regional organisms involved in the Regional Plan for Disaster
Reduction coordinated by CEPREDENAC. The objective is to develop a methodology and a
common focus to resolve a problem shared by all Central American countries: the
vulnerability of small river valleys and the awareness of rural populations of the dangers
of flooding. Three regional organizations have been identified as being involved with one
or more of the Project's thematic areas: CEPREDENAC, CRRH, and FEMICA.
 | CEPREDENAC works with national
organizations responsible for dealing with emergencies. These organisms basically carry
out preparation and response activities while providing educational programs and community
organization. The local governments, in coordination with local emergency committees, can
minimize the impact of flooding by training municipal personnel and the community in
emergency management so that they can manage alert and response plans in the case of an
emergency. |
| CRRH works
with those national organizations responsible for hydraulic resources, and that usually
perform hydrologic monitoring and water volume prognostics. They have the capacity to
provide technical assistance for the development of community flood alert systems, as well
as structural project designs to divert flooding in specific areas including dams, walls,
canals, and other measures that control water flow. Flood control, however, should not
compete with other local interests, increase the incidence of related problems, or create
new ones. Understanding the problems of flooding and their relation to river valleys will
help expand thinking around possible flood loss reduction solutions. |
| FEMICA works with national
umbrella groups representing municipalities. The municipal governments, though their
zoning, building, planning, and policy/code enforcement should administer mitigation
measures. These measures include urban planning, land acquisition, and the use and
regulation of floodplains among others. The municipalities can reduce losses caused by
flooding while simultaneously dealing with other community matters; they can coordinate
the reduction of flood losses with other necessities and goals of the community and they
can maintain efforts at the local level. Also, property protection measures that are
usually implemented by property owners themselves, can be promoted. These measures include
elevation of buildings, construction of small barriers, water-proofing, elevation of
services, purchase of flood insurance, etc. Floodplains are not only dangerous areas -
river flanks and swamps have many beneficial uses for the community. |
Through this series of regional and national activities of the OAS-ECHO Project, a
network of national and regional organizations is being built and reinforced. Through
this, a focus is emerging for the coordination of integrated management of flood
vulnerability reduction in small river valleys. This implies the unification of people and
organizations with a common interest in floodplain management, which will help to decrease
conflict and increase opportunities for mutual support. As a result, flood reduction
measures will be converted into tools for accomplishing other goals. Forging an alliance
between these other interests will gain ample support in the long run for a common
objective. An integrated management program including policies, plans, projects, and
programs is essential for determining what is best for a flood-prone community and to gain
support from assistance and development organizations.
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