ECHO and the DIPECHO programme in Latin America and the Caribbean: evolution and challenges

This document reflects the evolution, work modalities, main contributions, accomplishments and future challenges of the Disaster Preparedness Programme (DIPECHO), which is intended to preserve and save lives, the ultimate end being to reduce risk conditions in the event of disasters, and contribute to increase people’s communities’ and countries’ resilience in the Latin America and Caribbean region, in compliance with the humanitarian mandate of the European Union, through the European Commission, Department of Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (DG-ECHO).

Through key messages and representative examples of good practices and evidence, the reader is intended to know better what the programme has meant over 15 years of existence and continues to mean to the region and the changes and advancements attained thanks to the committed, continuous work of a great range of stakeholders such as the communities, local organizations, public institutions, authorities, intergovernmental organizations and executing partners.

It is an instrument of reference and consultation that may be used by all actors involved in disaster risk reduction, building of resilience and development processes, to reflect on the approaches, forms of work and achieved progress, in order to be able to make decisions and better plan actions and processes both present and future in their field of responsibility.