Why the Project is needed?

Damages caused by disasters are continuously increasing in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) with climate change forecasts predicting an acceleration of extreme weather phenomena. They range from high-frequency small disasters to devastating events such as May 2014 floods that caused total of 2 billion EUR of losses and damages. Currently, there is a dysbalanced focus on higher-level disaster risk reduction (DRR) governance structures, compared with those of local governments. This is the main cause for lack of important community DRR initiatives that proved to be most effective means of empowering citizens, including vulnerable categories. It is evident that a true  opportunity to decrease disaster risks in BiH lies in investing and increasing resilience of local communities.

What is the Project about?

The project aims to support partner local governments (Livno, Mrkonjić Grad and Maglaj) to strengthen disaster risk management at local level by creating adequate planning and coordination mechanisms, providing modern technology and advancing capacities to implement and promote disaster and climate risk management measures.

Key Project activities are:

• Scale-up the Disaster Risk Analysis System (DRAS) software;
• Update the Protection and Rescue Plans and develop manuals for frequently occurring types of disasters;
• Develop and deliver of disaster management training for mayors and municipal civil protection;
• Conduct disaster simulation exercise.