Armenia National Platform

History

As a result of joint efforts by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Armenia, UN agencies (UNDRR, UNDP) and other DRR interested partners, the Government of Armenia adopted in December 2010 a decision on the formation of "ARNAP" (DRR National Platform) Foundation. Being a non-governmental organization, the Platform provides opportunities for state, non-governmental, private and international institutions to participate in decision-making and consultation processes. At the same time, it provides opportunities for organizing and controlling day-to-day operational activities, implementing long-term projects; it also provides necessary flexibility to respond to new challenges.

Structure

The main players of the National Platform are governmental authorities of Armenia, Ministry of Emergency Situations, and international and donor organizations working in the field of DRR, UN, Armenian Red Cross society, Save the Children, OxYGen Foundation, Caritas Armenia, World Vision Armenia as well as scientific institutions, civil societies and experts.

At different stages, other participants may be involved in the process, including representatives of various state and public agencies and organizations, private sector and other institutions.

Advisory Council (AC) The AC as external Body is the main forum of the Platform, where regular discussions are held on main issues of the DRR system, recommendations are developed which become guidelines for the activities of the NP. Decisions on quantity and quality of the AC members are decided by the Board of Trustees (BoT). AC sessions are advised to be held on quarterly basis, and call for special sessions, as required.

Board of Trustees (Board) consists of 15 people and manages the activity of the Platform in compliance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia. The Board consists of:

1. eight representatives from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia;
2. two representatives from the staff of the National Security Council of the Republic of Armenia (with the consent).
3. one representative from:
   1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia;
   2. Ministry of Territorial Administration of the Republic of Armenia;
   3. Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia;
   4. Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Armenia;
   5. Republic of Armenia Police Adjunct to the Government of the Republic of Armenia.

Board sessions are held, as required, at least twice a year. The Board assigns Director of the DRR NP who reports to the Board of Trustees.

The Board members perform their responsibilities without remuneration and on non-profit basis.

Director, administrative staff – a small staff headed by the Director works on organizing the ongoing activities of the DRR NP. Organizational and financial decisions of the administrative staff are made by the Board of Trustees. The Director and the administrative staff assist in organization of the works of experts and thematic groups, and also initiate programs and services in accordance with the DRR NP objectives.

Thematic groups (TGs) – main functions of the DRR NP require formation of TGs and organization of their work. This assists in effective use of human and other resources to overcome the long-term and short-term issues of the system.

Experts – one of the objectives of the DRR NP is to involve local and international experts for strengthening the DRR system in the country. In this sense, the DRR NP may expect active participation and assistance of international and donor organizations.

Programs – based on the DRR NP goals and objectives, special programs may be initiated and implemented to strengthen the DRR system and the DRR NP. Programs must be approved by the Board of Trustees.

Services – In accordance with its goals, the DRR NP can perform the following types of services:

1. Prevention of natural and technological disasters (preventive activities for collapsing and landslide phenomena);
2. Implementation of rescue activities in mountainous areas and other territories, accompanying groups, provision of water rescue services, implementation of anti-fire protection as ordered by organizations, installation and servicing of anti-fire, air conditioning and other systems in buildings.
3. Conducting scientific and research studies, development and introduction of new technologies.

Budget

The National Platform does not receive state funding. Financial resources are formed from paid services and implemented projects.

Mandate

The goal of the DRR NP is to establish a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary mechanism for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and resilience building with involvement of all stakeholders.

Objectives of the DRR NP

• Elaboration of DRR strategy and coordination of implementation. Improvement and development of the legislative background.
• Clarification of roles and responsibilities of DRR NP stakeholders, harmonization of agency interests, provision of functioning and cooperation among DRR NP stakeholders, efficient use of resources.
• Development of knowledge and learning, raising public awareness, strengthening of analytical skills.
• Development of DRR methodology, including improvement of monitoring system.
• Mainstreaming of DRR into development policies, programs and planning.
• Foster Partnership and environment for developing a culture of preparedness and advocacy for disaster resilient communities.

Expected outputs of DRR NP

• Advocacy of DRR issues, DRR strategy and improvement of DRR sector legislative background.
• Increase the effectiveness of decision-making in DRR NP system.
• Introduction of DRR NP mechanisms, application of common methodology and creation of databases.
• Strengthening DRR NP capacities and knowledge in all levels, introduction of DRR studies in education system, as well as raising awareness.
• Inclusion of DRR in all development programs for empowering sustainable development of the country.
• Establishment of gender-sensitive DRR system.
• Expansion of integration into international cooperation, promoting implementation of Sendai Framework, implementation of Sustainable Development Goals and provision of transparency, and assistance in regional development in DRR cooperation.
• Improvement of conditions for effective use of natural resources and protection of the environment.
• Capacity Building of various stakeholders for integrating DRR into the development planning, policy and programs.
• Linking DRR into other sectored interventions and ensuring disaster proof development in any developmental initiatives.

Activities

• Support to the development, implementation and monitoring processes of the DRM National Strategy;
• Assistance in implementation of post-disaster recovery methodologies;
• Assistance in improvement of the legal framework of DRM;
• Support to the implementation of the Sendai Framework Action for DRR;
• Contribute to the development of the Culture of Resilience in Armenia;
• Implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at the Comprehensive school safety;
• Development and piloting of disaster risk management exemplary plans at different levels (kindergarten, school, community);
• Study of international experience in the field of DRM: Support for their adaptation in Armenia;
• Assistance in the formation of public-private partnership in the field of DRM;
• Assistance in improvement of volunteering in Armenia;
• Promoting the capacity building of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Armenia;
• Development of methodology for assessment of buildings' physical depreciation;
• Assistance in enhancing of reproductive health capacities in emergency situations;
• Development of methodologies for identifying and assessing risks at various levels and areas;
• Assistance in promoting the culture of using anti-hail nets;
• Conducting trainings and seminars;
• Assistance in promoting the development of national first aid and psychological first aid capabilities;
• Assistance in coordination activities to the organizations operating in the field of DRM;
• Establishment and development of innovative community-based youth resource centres.