Improved Emergency Preparedness and Coordinated Response in South Caucasus (EmPrep)

Objective

The objective of EmPrep is to increase the interoperability and capacity of the Armenian and Georgian emergency management sectors to adequately and effectively prepare for and respond to emergency events, both within national boundaries and across the South Caucasus region.

The specific objective of EmPrep is to increase the capacities and coordination of the key emergency management actors; ARCS and GRCS. Organizational preparedness measures and actions will be strengthened and consolidated, so that ARCS and GRCS are actively contributing to the nations' ability to prepare for and respond to disasters in a coordinated, timely and effective manner, reducing the impact of these events on vulnerable people.

Institutional preparedness measures will increase the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of disaster response mechanisms nationally and transnationally amongst the participating partner countries, including the establishment of agreements with national and regional authorities, disaster response policies, standards, organizational arrangements and operational plans.

The project targets five fundamental capacities required for having effective preparedness and response to emergency situations: 1) Competent (qualified and experienced) people; 2) Relevant programmes; 3) Efficient organizational structures; 4) Adequate resources; and 5) An effective way of working.

Expected results

Enhanced structures, systems and procedures for efficient and effective emergency preparedness and response; structures and plans are more interlinked to and part of regional and international disaster response mechanisms.
Clearly defined roles in emergency preparedness and response that are recognized by the Civil Protection Authorities in the national disaster response plans; ARCS and GRCS will be represented and active in the national and local coordinating bodies for emergencies.
Effective disaster management capacities at national levels: well-trained and equipped response teams and leaders able to meet the needs of those affected, rapidly and efficiently.
Increased delivery of psychosocial support in emergencies to affected people and first responders by well-trained and equipped personnel operating within a methodological framework.
Coordinated preparedness and response agencies optimising relief operations through better sharing of resources, information and expertise; as refined in practice through exercising.
Regularly monitored, reviewed and evaluated emergency preparedness and response work to assess performance, quality and impact.

EmPrep has been designed to collaborate and compliment civil protection authority activities and related stakeholder initiatives, specifically:

Annual roundtable meetings, briefing meetings for stakeholders and advocacy for interlinking of emergency management plans and capacities
Stakeholder Advisory Group will outline collaboration and coordination with public authorities and relevant stakeholders.

Project beneficiaries

The target group of the project is divided into three categories:

Emergency management stakeholders from public authorities and other CSOs at national and local levels.
ARCS staff and volunteerssupporting emergency management operations and psychosocial support (PSS)
Local population receiving increased awareness and improved preparedness in case of emergency.

Project duration

March 2017 – December 2018

Donor

European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department.

Partners

Danish Red Cross (leading), Austrian and Icelandic Red Cross Societies and the International Federation of Red Cross / Red Crescent (IFRC).