Community-based disaster risk management: experience gained in Central America
In the 90s, Central America played a pioneering role in efforts to reduce natural disasters and made major progress in conceptual and practical terms. A major milestone was the recognition of the role of the local and particularly the community level for disaster risk management and the resultant involvement of local actors. The governments in the region are supported in implementing this policy by many national and international organizations.
On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GTZ has been providing advice to the Coordination Centre for the Prevention of Natural Disasters in Central America (CEPREDENAC) since 1997. Using the practical experience gained, the aim is to develop strategies and know-how in this endangered region for a broad mainstreaming of disaster risk management at local level as part of decentralized national systems. Since its inception, the project has been expanded through the inclusion of further measures. GTZ has also begun to introduce community-based disaster risk management in countries outside Central America. The new experience under changed conditions will contribute to the ongoing development of strategies and instruments.