3.5 SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTIVITIES

Following the analysis and situation review of the region, certain activities can already be recommended as possible strategic project activities. This is only a preliminary list of recommendations which needs to be revised and expanded in consultation with regional and national bodies. An advisory board meeting could also be held to review the proposals.

Suggested strategic framework activities at the regional level

The following strategic framework activities are proposed at the regional level:

1. Annual meeting of senior disaster managers: the basic requirement for establishing a level of regional co-operation in the field of disaster management is to provide senior disaster managers the opportunity to meet, discuss mutual experiences and review new initiatives and opportunities. It is proposed that an annual meeting of disaster managers be established. This meeting could include all target countries, possibly to be expanded to include other ASEAN members or affiliated states.

2. Inventory of disaster management resources in the region: a second basic requirement for regional co-operation which is not sufficiently developed in Southeast Asia is the existence of an updated data base on regional expertise which is widely accessible.

3. Exchange programme in specific priority areas: On the basis of the above, and a clear indication of specific problems and priority areas at the national level, first exchange activities can be established. It is suggested to start these on a small scale, based on specific programme areas where one country has problems and another country may already have strategic programmes in place. These specific programme exchange activities will form the nucleus around which more extensive programmes can evolve.

4. Systematic exchange of information: It is proposed that a structure be developed for the systematic exchange of information on disaster risks and current and planned activities. This should include an annual report of disaster management in the target countries.

Suggested strategic framework activities at the national level

The strategic framework activities at the national level are mainly pilot projects that have a high significance for other target countries. In addition, some inventories will need to be made to obtain a more complete picture of current programmes and actors in the field of disaster management. The following strategic framework activities at the national level are suggested:

1. Inventory of current programmes: for each country an overview should be prepared of the current disaster management programmes, including implementing agency, available resources etc. This inventory would be updated on a yearly basis and would provide a solid basis for co-operation and exchange. The Diagnostic Study provides a foundation but more detailed and country-based information is needed.

2. Inventory of available human resources in disaster management: It is equally important to obtain a good overview of the human resources available in a country that has to deal with disasters. This should include government staff, as well as NGOs and community-based organisations.

National priority activities

In addition to the strategic programme activities at the national level, national priority activities will be implemented under the programme. These are identified in close consultation with national governments, on the basis of the tentative national priority areas as identified in this study (as summarised below).