SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE (SEEDRMI)

1. SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE(SEEDRMI) European National Platforms and HFA Focal Points Strasbourg, 7 May 2007

2. Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery • Initiative of the World Bank in support of implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action • Has three windows • Track I – support to global and regional initiatives in disaster risk reduction (funding allocated to UN/ISDR) • Track II – Country specific initiatives financed by donors • Track III – to support countries after disasters

3. South Eastern Europe Disaster Risk Management Initiative (SEEDRMI) Objective: To reduce vulnerability of SEE countries, in line with the Hyogo Framework for Action, by building the capacity and promoting a coordinated approach in disaster risk mitigation, preparedness and response. The initiative will build on the existing cooperation in the region, and will complement and consolidate the activities promoted by active organizations and initiatives in the region.

4. Rationale for the Regional Approach • Many hazards are common to a number of neighboring countries • Information sharing will allow for greater reduction of hazard risk at the national and regional level • Individual countries may not be able to cope with a major disaster on their own • Stand-by, fully equipped emergency response units and relief materials are expensive • Countries are small in size and hazards risk insurance may not be optimal at the country level

5. South Eastern Europe Disaster Risk Management Initiative (SEEDRMI) Key Areas of the Initiative: • Hydrological and meteorological forecasting, data sharing and early warning system • Strengthening regional capacities in disaster risk reduction and response • Financing of disaster losses and risk transfer mechanism

6. Hydrological and Meteorological Forecasting, Data Sharing and Early Warning System • Initiative has been agreed during the ICEED meeting in Dubrovnik in May 2006 • Strong partnership with WMO • Objective of this initiative is to promote a coordinated approach and data sharing in Hydromet services in South Eastern Europe • Feasibility assessment has been initiated and final report is expected around May 2007 • Coverage: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, FRY Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia.

7. Disaster Risk Reduction and Response Initiative • Objectives is to promote and implement investment priorities for strengthening the capacity and promote a coordinated approach to disaster preparedness and response • Will be built on existing agreements: Civil-Military Emergency Planning Council and the Disaster Preparedness Initiative of the Stability Pact • Risk Assessment Review is currently undergoing, to be followed by a capacity and needs assessment.

8. Disasters Risk Transfer • Objective of initiative: to assist SEE countries in utilizing best practices in disaster risk financing (both public infrastructure and private properties) to reduce the burden on government budgets; • Identify financial options to finance ex-post disaster damages through various financial instruments • Since countries in the region are in different stages of joining the EU, the assessment will cover the various options for these countries, including the review of EU policy with respect to disaster financing and risk transfer. The initiative will be coordinated with the EU. • Initial assessment has started to be followed by consultants around May/June 2007 with the EC, private insurance and re-insurance firms, and member states. Final report is expected around November 2007.

9. Partnership • This initiative will build and amplify many initiatives that already exist in the region. • Partnership with Council of Europe, the EC/EU, WMO, Stability Pact, the U.S., and the OECD.