Strengthening Central America ACT Fora

The devastating experience of Hurricane Mitch in Central America was a turning point in the history of disasters in central America. Mitch destroyed human, natural and institutional resources that have not been and will probably never be recovered. But Hurricane Mitch also left some positive lessons. It instilled an awareness in the population in the region of the high vulnerability of their environment, and the need to learn how to manage the risks and to be prepared to respond to disasters.

After Mitch, ACT members in the region became active in the field of disaster preparedness and risk management. They have been very proactive in co-ordinating among themselves and with other humanitarian actors in their area. Currently there are four well established ACT national fora in Central America: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. There is also an ACT regional Forum.

In March 2005, the LACE 51 Appeal was issued to support the activities of the four ACT national fora in Central America as well as the regional one in mapping risks and capacities, training, co-ordination, advocacy and visibility.

The current appeal includes proposals from El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua Fora, who are requesting support to the Alliance to continue consolidating their disaster preparedness activities as well as coordination and advocacy activities at the national level. They are also proposing to consolidate the incorporation of a risk management focus in their disaster response activities as well as in their development activities. The request from the Guatemala Forum and the regional Forum is in process and this appeal will be revised to include them.

Project Completion Date: 30 June 2007

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested

Signed by:

John Nduna
Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office