CONTEXT

Most of the Caribbean countries are located in the hurricane belt, which is highly exposed to extreme events and slow-moving climate hazards. These characteristics, combined with the telluric and volcanic risks, make the Caribbean the second most exposed region in the world to natural hazards. The Caribbean is also subject to various risks of human origin such as security, political or economic crises. 

Many Caribbean countries face the challenges of smallness, geographic fragmentation and isolation. The growing population is concentrated in low-lying areas that are the most vulnerable to disasters. In addition, island countries often have outer islands, remote from the main islands, that are severely isolated in the event of a disaster. Finally, means of transportation are limited and costly, plunging the population into geographic and economic isolation. 

In this context of environmental, social and economic fragility, the frequency and intensity of severe natural events are likely to be exacerbated by climate change. Local disaster response capacities to cover the immediate needs of those affected in the aftermath of a disaster are therefore essential. The logistical constraints of the region make local preparedness a top priority.

This project aims to strengthen preparedness and anticipation capacities to reduce the vulnerability of Caribbean communities to the impacts of climate change, disasters and crises.

At the regional level, the project will strengthen regional coordination and sharing of best practices among disaster management actors, pooling of logistical capacities based on a geographic coverage approach (including the “humanitarian corridor”) between PIRAC AND the IFRC.

At the national level, the project is strengthening disaster and crisis preparedness in Belize and the Dominican Republic by implementing actions to build the capacity of National Red Cross Societies and communities.