UNDP Syria

 A training workshop concluded today which aims to establish a National Disaster Observatory within the project entitled “Urban Risk Reduction Programme” which is currently implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in cooperation with the Ministry of Local Administration. The aim of the workshop is to create an evidence database of disasters and associated losses as a critical input into the formulation or revision of the national disaster risk reduction strategy, action plans and contingency plans. The training of the national and local personnel working within this area is focused on building their capacity to conduct systematic historic loss data, preliminary loss analysis, registration of disaster events, and advanced disaster loss analysis.

Special experts from the Global Risk Identification Programme (GRIP) trained the participants on the methods to establishment of the National Disaster Observatory through lectures and working groups.

It should be noted that the Global Risk Identification Programme (GRIP) is an initiative implemented by UNDP. The programme works within the Hyogo Framework for Action to reduce risks and promotes sustainable development by reducing the effects of natural hazards in addition to improving the understanding and analysis of information about the risks in order to use this information in decision-making process at all levels.

Furthermore the purpose of the Urban Risk Reduction Porgramme is to develop and strengthen disaster risk management capacity and the corresponding disaster risk reduction strategy in Syria. This is realized through support for the Disaster Risk Reduction institutions improved access to information on disaster risk management, creation of an earthquake disaster risk management master plan for the city of Damascus and increased capacity development for mitigating the impact of future droughts.