Inter-American Committee on Natural Disaster Reduction (IACNDR)

The idea of creating the IACNDR was brought about following the mandates of the Summit of Santa Cruz de la Sierra on Sustainable Development and of the Summit of Heads of States and Government of Santiago, Chile. These mandates state that there is a need for deliberation, dialogue and promotion of policies and strategies to inform and guide the decisions of member states both collectively and individually to reduce their vulnerability to natural hazards. Such proposals should aim to both reduce the vulnerability of countries to natural hazards through the implementation of sustainable and responsible development strategies, as well as concentrate on mechanisms to enable more efficient and effective preparedness and response measures. The IACNDR answers those mandates and inputs directly to the Permanent Council of the OAS.

The first meeting of the IACNDR was held on November 8, 1999, in Washington, D.C., during which Secretary General Cesar Gaviria gave his remarks concerning the installation of the IACNDR. He regarded the IACNDR as, "a work program aimed at designing mechanisms of support and coordination for the Inter-American system and the international community to provide assistance and cooperation to the member states when they confront the challenges and risks that natural phenomena such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or volcanic eruptions present to their development and to the lives of millions of Americans throughout the hemisphere."

Secretary General Cesar Gaviria also proposed the organization of three distinct working groups that are to prepare detailed reports to the Permanent Council. The first working group should prepare a proposal for the creation of a coordination mechanism for emergency relief. He asked the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) to chair this first working group due to the prominent role in leadership PAHO has played in their efforts in the areas of health, water and sanitation.

The Secretary General then proposed the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to coordinate and guide the discussion regarding the financial mechanisms for development that could be offered to countries in need.

The third working group proposed by the Secretary General is to be lead by the OAS. This group's purpose is to identify and assess the vulnerability of the member state citizens and their economic and social infrastructure.

The second meeting of the IACNDR was held on February 8, 2000 in Washington, D.C. This meeting was chaired by Richard Meganck, Director of the Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment of the OAS. At this meeting a report was given as to the activities carried out thus far by the individual working groups.

The Preparedness and Response Working Group of PAHO reported that they have had two meetings and consultations. One apparent need is for periodic orientation workshops on international disaster assistance for international institution staff members and members of the diplomatic missions. This working group's report will cover participation of both public and private sector participants in humanitarian assistance at the various levels.

The Vulnerability Assessment and Indexing Working Group conducted by the OAS, reported on the first meeting of the working group which was held on January 13, 2000. A workshop sponsored by both NOAA and the OAS was held on March 20-22 that presented and discussed technical aspects of vulnerability assessment and indexing methodologies and their application.

The Financing Disaster Reduction Working Group of the IDB mentioned that the IDB is working on changes in the coordination of financial mechanisms for the flow of resources in a post-disaster lending situation. They may establish a Disaster Reconstruction Facility to complement their existing Emergency Reconstruction Facility.

Back