This project, which falls under the Crisis Prevention and Recovery practice area and is executed by the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment, began in 2002 with four main objectives: to build capacity in the field of disaster information management and data exchange; to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the current institutional set-up for disaster management and propose necessary improvements; to review disaster contingency plans; and to pilot a local government socio-economic decision support database to help local authorities effectively manage the post disaster rehabilitation phase.
The achievements of the project so far include the establishment of a well-equipped emergency room at the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment, the building of a GIS information system and the procurement of a disaster management communication system. In addition, over 250 trainees from all governorates of Syria have participated in safety and emergency training.
“Don't ever question the value of volunteers. Noah's Ark was built by volunteers; the Titanic was built by professionals.”
