Sharing what works: south-south cooperation for disaster risk reduction in the Caribbean

This publication outlines the experiences of the six Caribbean countries which participated in a process to adapt and implement the Cuban Risk Reduction Management Centre model. The publication shares the stories and lessons learned by a diverse set of stakeholders as they engaged in south-south cooperation as a tool for strengthening their disaster risk reduction systems.

The Caribbean region is highly prone to global climate change and the risks posed by natural hazards such as tropical cyclones, floods, volcanic and seismic activities, droughts and forest fires. The past decade has been marked by an intensification of the impacts from natural disasters, with increasing loss of life and destruction of livelihoods and communities. While natural disasters cannot be avoided, risk management can be integrated into development planning and practices to reduce and prevent loss and damage.

The Caribbean Risk Management Initiative, launched in 2004 by the UNDP’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, serves as a knowledge network designed to promote best practices and develop capacity in the region in the fields of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.