Transfer of Knowledge:

Replicating the Risk Reduction Management

Centre, a Cuban model Prepared by Jacinda Fairholm

Caribbean Risk Management Initiative, UNDP

Dec 2010 – 5th CDM Conference, Montego Bay

Cuban System Centralized Civil Defence established in

1962 after Hurricane Flora 1997 Disaster Risk Reduction

inserted as part of legal framework: Decree Law 170

35 fatalities since 1998

What is transferable? Articulation and coordination

between actors Priority on identification of

vulnerabilities, hazards and risks

Use of appropriate technology

Investment in human capacity

Systematic public education campaigns

Instruments positioned at local territorial levels as tools for local decision-making

What is a RRMC? Initiated in the 2005 Located in 48 municipalities identified as

most vulnerable Constitutes an instrument of local

governments designed to manage information about hazards, risks and vulnerabilities in a given territory

Is a small professional team that manages an information hub at the local level of governance (1 Director, 1 GIS specialist)

Is affiliated with and accountable to lowest level of political administration.

Municipalities with RRMC

There are RRMCs in 48 of the country’s most vulnerable municipalities, in addition to 8 provincial RRMCs.

Function of a RRMC Facilitate analysis and periodic assessment

of local risks and factors that produce vulnerabilities with the participation of territorial institutions

Compile, process and prepare information derived from monitoring activities

Participate in the preparation of territorial disaster plans

Document and preserve historical memory Contribute to the promotion of a disaster

risk reduction culture in the population Participate in response and recovery

Equipment

Three (3) computers with printer and Internet connection

Two (2) telephone lines Portable 2.3 kW generator Television set DVD player Communication radio Portable radios/walkie talkies Rechargeable emergency lamp Digital camera Flashlights Blackboard, furniture, signage Rain capes, boots, and safety hats

Seven Components that are

Transferable Early Warning Points Multi-Disciplinary Group Risk and Vulnerability Studies Use of Data Bases Use of GIS Communication Public Awareness and Community

Preparation

Early warning points

Early warning points (EWP) are understood as individuals or teams located in settlements of more than 300 persons, which have been identified as remote, isolated or run the risk of being incommunicado in a disaster situation. The EWPs have the mission of monitoring natural or other hazards that could threaten the population and are responsible for transmitting this information to the Centre; in turn, the EWP are sufficiently trained to serve as first responders, provide information thepopulation of the situation and communicate measures to take.

Multi-disciplinary Group

• The multi-disciplinary group (MDG) is composed of representatives from multiple sectors that play a key role in territorial development. • It has the responsibility to provide technical and scientific information and analysis of vulnerabilities and risks, for the purpose of informed decision-making by local authorities in disaster prevention and preparation – as well as sustainable territorial development.Made up of:Land planning Transport HealthStatisics Water Resources SanitationAgriculture Energy Housing

Risk and Vulnerability Studies

A process of research, identification, characterization, qualitative and quantitative assessment of hazards, vulnerabilities and risk at all stages of the disaster management cycle. Risk studies are organized and directed by an accredited public/state entity in coordination with the national disaster management agency and are based on a standardized methodology. Form the basis for the territorial disaster risk reductionplan. Multi-disciplinary group revises, updates and adds to the study on an annual basis.

1. Primera FaseIdentificación del

escenario de peligro

(susceptibilidad)1.1 Construcción de la base de dato espacial1.2 Procesamiento de los mapas temáticos1.3 Evaluación de la susceptibilidad por períodos estacionales(lluvioso y poco lluvioso)

2. Segunda FaseCálculo del peligro

2.1 Análisis de frecuencia2.2 Probabilidad espacial y temporal2.3 Evaluación del peligropor períodos estacionales (lluvioso y poco lluvioso)

3. Tercera faseCálculo de

vulnerabilidad

3.1 Análisis jerárquico de indicadores de vulnerabilidad3.2 Evaluación de la vulnerabilidad

4. Cuarta faseEstimación del

riesgo

4.1 Estimación del riesgo4.2 Cartografía del riesgo y visualización4.3 Evaluación del riesgopor períodos estacionales(lluvioso y poco lluvioso)

Etapas y tareas para la evaluación del riesgo por incendio en áreas rurales

n

iii PVR

1

*

Principle Results

Determine the zones that are affected by hazards Evaluate the hazardEvaluate the vulnerablilityEvaluate the Risk Make recommendations

Example

HazardVulnerablity and

Risk Analysis

Data BaseThe RRMC manages data bases, which store information pertinent to informed disaster risk reduction decision-making. Data includes population, housing, settlements, infrastructure and its condition, institutions,materials available, natural resource, public health information and historical events.

Use of GISGIS should support Disaster Reduction Plans through mapping: territorial boundaries, main vulnerable areas, watershed and water resource systems, transportation corridors and points, medical or animal health institutions, shelters and food preparation centres, evacuation sites, electrical grid, and meteorological stations,among others. Data made visible constitutes a key tool decision-making for land-use planning and assessment of risk and disaster impact. GIS permits the generation of information instantly so that prognosis and measures can be taken in real time.

CommunicationThe RRMC is equipped with communication technology so that can facilitate information flow to early warning points and remote communities.

The communication role of the RRMC supplements and complements national Disaster authority communication systems and is integrated in a coordinated fashion prior to a disaster situation.

Public AwarenessThe RRMC supports community preparation activities in conjunction with the national disaster management agency. It works to raise public awareness to reduce the impact of imminent hazards through information distribution, use of mass media and community outreach.

The RRMC also strengthens community and early warning point capacity through workshops and trainings.

Process of Replication

Systematization National Workshop (Sept 2010) Guide and Fact Sheet (Oct 2010) Study Tour (Dec 2010) Pilot Project – 3 – 5 countries Tool Kit (videos and training materials) Evaluation Resource Mobilization

CONDITIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL

IMPLEMENTATIONMinimum requirements• A legal framework which obligates government action to respond to disasters and support recovery efforts• A national or territorial institution that is mandated to prepare and respond to risks and disasters• A UNDP country office active in disaster risk reduction and willing to accompany the replication process• Adequately trained professional human resource personal, in disaster management and coordination, communication and information (GIS) management• A relationship between territorial or local government and the Centre must be brokered; the Centre and EWPs are tools for local government decision-making

Conditions cont’d • Quantifiable indicators of community vulnerability should be available to orient the selection of the location of the Centres within the broader territory. Demonstrative level of vulnerability is a criteriafor establishing a Centre.• Public and sector-specific institutions with representation at the territorial level who can contribute data and analysis for the purpose of risk and vulnerability studies.• Key sectors would be: social welfare, planning, health, water resources, meteorology, natural resources (includingagriculture, fisheries and forestry), civil protection, energy, and the Red Cross, and NGOs where suitable.• Public sector institutions have the mandate and the means to obtain and share information about the vulnerabilities associated with the territory.

Conditions cont’d • National statistics agency and its district affiliates supports Centres’ mandate by providing demographic and socio-economic information• Cartographic and mapping resources available (territorial, topographical, GIS)• Access to meteorological and climatic information.

Pilot• 2011 – 2012 – CRMI II• 485,000 USD• 10 Centres max in 3- 5 Countries• Next Steps

• Stakeholder meetings• Ascertain political

will/commitment• Negotiation and agreements

with National DRM structures • Role within National Structure

agreed upon • Location identified

Terms of reference for MDG Resource MobilizationTraining for Personnel and EWP

Role of Cuba•Technical Training and Support•Provide internship or longer study tour•Development of a model training site•Production of video re. Cuban experience

Identified ChallengesResource MobilizationData SharingBest fit within existing structure

Thank you

www.undp.org.cu/crmi