Projects for disaster risk reduction were launched in Chile with the support of the EU

Ceremony held at the ECLAC headquarters

On Monday 13 June, four disaster risk reduction projects that are to be implemented in Chile as part of the Seventh Action Plan for South America of the Disaster Preparedness Programme (DIPECHO) of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection were presented.

Photos of the presentation

Participating authorities highlighted the importance of the collaboration of DIPECHO partners with governments at a local, regional and national level, as well as with the scientific/technical institutions that make up the national tsunami early warning network, with civil society organizations, and with communities.

During the 2011-2012 period, DIPECHO will co-finance projects designed and proposed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), along with the Chilean Red Cross.

Participants at the event included representatives of the EU Delegation in Chile, the Field Office for South America of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), the Regional Bureau of Education for Latin America and the Caribbean (OREALC/UNESCO Santiago), the United Nations Development Programme, the Chilean Red Cross, and the Chile’s Interior Ministry Emergency Office (ONEMI).

Two of the projects that were presented include other countries in the region. These are the OREALC/UNESCO Santiago project centred on strengthening the Regional Tsunami Early Warning System in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, and the Pan American Health Organization project that aims to strengthen Health Networks for Disasters in South America.

The other two projects work on a sub-national scale. These are: the initiatives of the Chilean Red Cross centred on strengthening regional Civil Protection and Risk Reduction systems in local communities in the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, and Antofagasta; and a project developed by the UNDP that aims to draw up local development and risk plans in 45 districts in the regions of Maule and Biobío.

These projects seek to forge partnerships with governments at a local, regional, and national level, while also strengthening and developing capacities of civil society organizations and local communities in preparation for any future disasters.

More information:
Nicolás Sepúlveda, National Communications Director of the Chilean Red Cross
(56 2) 777 1216 cel. 98429108 nicolas.sepulveda@cruzroja.cl

Giovanna Santillán, Regional Bureau of Education for Latin America and the Caribbean
(56 2) 472 4660 / 472-4600 g.santillan@unesco.org

Gabriela Ibañez, Local Development and MDG Unit – UNDP-Chile (56 2) 654 1044 gabriela.ibanez@undp.org

• 13-06-2011