Diagnostic Study for the DIPECHO Action Plan for Central America and the Caribbean (Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters - DIPECHO - ECHO Programme for Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Prevention, 1997, 184 p.): INTRODUCTION: II. Methodology and scope

Diagnostic Study for the DIPECHO Action Plan for Central America and the Caribbean (Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters - DIPECHO - ECHO Programme for Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Prevention, 1997, 184 p.)

INTRODUCTION

		I. Aims of and background to the diagnostic study
		II. Methodology and scope
		III. General characteristics of the study region
		IV. Study plan
		V. Participants

II. Methodology and scope

The diagnostic study is based on a significant volume of documentation: scientific work, studies and reports carried out by CRED, CIFEG, DHA, IDNDR, various local organisations (in particular the San Josocumentation centre) and European Universities (Universite Savoie, Chamb; Universite Lausanne).

The body of the report owes most however to the many discussions (nearly 200) which were held during the missions.

13 countries were visited between 22 January and 7 March 1997:

- Dominican Republic (C. Misson);
- Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Cuba (R. D’Ercole);
- Antigua, Barbados, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Martin, St. Vincent and Guyana (Th. Lesales).

This choice of countries was made in collaboration with ECHO, CRED and CIFEG. It covers only half the countries which could theoretically have been visited. Due to time constraints and absences, it was not possible to visit all organisations working in the field of natural disaster prevention and preparedness. This means that the information gathered cannot be considered to be exhaustive. However, the choice of key countries, the contacts established with a number of regional organisations and the documentation consulted have made it possible to carry out an overall diagnostic study.