Humanitarians must adopt a new mindset

Launches World Disaster Report 2009

Humanitarians must adopt a new mindset and respond to the global economic crisis by fostering a cost-effective culture of prevention.

Published annually by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies since 1993, the World Disasters Report 2009 brings together the latest trends, facts and analysis of contemporary crises – whether natural or man-made, quick-onset or chronic.

This year's edition focuses on two key aspects of disaster risk reduction: early warning systems (short and long term) at global, regional, national and community levels, and early action.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (the Federation) Chief Executive Bekele Geleta said at the launch of the publication in Geneva on 17 June that “the rising dangers of climate change require a response from governments equivalent to the one made to address the global financial crisis. Disaster-relief agencies must focus on cost-effective prevention measures, rather than expensive response operations.”

With aid budgets at best uncertain amidst a global downturn with the unpredictable challenges of climate change, the report states that early warning and early response will save more lives per dollar, with evidence that public money buys four times as much humanitarian ‘impact’ if spent on preparation before disaster strikes, as opposed to expensive response costs.

The Federation is increasingly using its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) – now worth nearly NZD $24 million a year – for pre-emptive action. New Zealand Red Cross also maintains a DREF, which it uses to deliver immediate relief funding to Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies affected by disasters.

New Zealand Red Cross International Operations Manager, Andrew McKie says over the last two years, New Zealand Red Cross has invested over a million dollars supporting risk reduction and disaster preparedness programmes to lessen the worst effects of global warming and other challenges facing the Pacific Islands.

“New Zealand Red Cross has provided satellite communications infrastructure and training to the Pacific Island National Societies to enable the remotest atoll and island communities to have the means to receive early warnings and disaster related information,” says Mr McKie.

ENDS

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