2nd phase of “Disaster Risk Reduction” project kicks off in Baku

Baku, June 22 (AzerTAc). UNICEF together with the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan and Oxfam joined efforts to improve disaster preparedness and response in the country through “Disaster Risk Reduction” project funded by the Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department of the European Commission (ECHO). The second phase of the project will be launched by the partners on June 22 in the Dalgha Plaza, Baku. UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan Mark Hereward said: “Teaching about disaster risk reduction needs to start with children, and to involve parents and other community members as well.” The landscape, climate and infrastructure of Azerbaijan make it highly vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes, seasonal floods and landslides, as well as man-made disasters. Every year floods and landslides cause significant damage to agriculture in rural areas, to infrastructure in urban areas and human casualties. The project will be implemented in of Salyan and Neftchala disricts to develop their disaster resilience and decrease vulnerabilities. The launch have also attended the representatives of the ECHO Representative for South Caucasus, Mr Carlos Afonso and Oxfam in Azerbaijan Country Director Shovkat Alizadeh. The Government of Azerbaijan has been actively engaged in strengthening national capacities for disaster preparedness and risk reduction. Efforts are underway to ensure a systematic approach in identifying and assessing the risks and minimizing the socio-economic impact of disasters on children through the application of more holistic and integrated strategies for education. The event continued with discussions.