OSCE strengthens communities in disaster risk reduction efforts in Armenia

A workshop focusing on strengthening citizens’ participation in community-based efforts to reduce disaster risk and the impact of natural hazards was held on 6 May 2016 in Yerevan, Armenia. The event was organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan, in co-operation with the Fund for Disaster Risk Reduction National Platform.

Some 35 representatives of the OSCE, the Emergency Situations Ministry, UNDP Armenia, the Fund for Disaster Risk Reduction National Platform, national Aarhus Centres and local government examined issues related to the establishment of community resilience teams, the assessment of local-level risk as well as the utilization of community-based early warning systems through connection to the National Crisis Management Network.

“We believe this workshop will highlight a unique example of joint efforts by all main stakeholders and interested parties to achieve important results in the Chambarak, Vahan and Khachik communities,” said David Gullette, Acting Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Office. “It is crucial to disseminate best practices across the country.”

The project resulted in enhanced knowledge and skills of Aarhus Centres in the field of disaster risk reduction. It helped to establish community resilience teams and provided training on utilizing early warning systems.

Other training initiatives included support to Aarhus Centre co-ordinators in increasing their knowledge of Local-Level Risk Management (LLRM) and preparing LLRM assessments and methods to elaborate the disaster risk reduction.

The project was implemented within the Environment and Security Initiative led by the OSCE, UNDP, UNEP and Regional Environmental Centre.