Implementing the FbF Mechanism in Costa Rica

Since 2019 the Costa Rican Red Cross Society has been developing three Early Action Protocols. It will focus first on tropical storms and volcanic ash and will eventually complete a protocol for drought.

The project seeks to reduce the humanitarian consequences of tropical storms and volcanic ash falls in Costa Rica through the development of Early Action Protocols.

 

Key facts

Start/end date     

August 2019 – December 2021

Hazards covered    

Tropical storms | Volcanic ash | Droughts

Regions covered    

Tropical storms: coastal regions

Volcanic ash: metropolitan area

Droughts: dry corridor

Early action sectors     

Health | Livelihoods – livestock and agriculture | Cash transfer | Evacuation | WaSH

Anticipatory Action Protocols/Plans in place    

All under development

Population reached during activation

Each EAP plans to reach between 2000 to 3,500 families

Key actors/implementing partners   

The Costa Rican Red Cross Society, with support from the German Red Cross and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre works with the OVSICORI (meteorological institute), National Meterolological Institute (IMN) and other strategic institutions from the National Emergencies Comission (CNE).

Anticipation in practice: Project description

Costa Rican families have been historically affected by the effects of volcanic ashfall, tropical storms, and droughts. Their impact in the country evidence the need for more coordinated efforts and anticipation in the Disaster Management System. The protocols under development will seek to assist 3,500 families in the metropolitan area (volcanic ashfall), 3,500 families in the coastal region (tropical storms), and 3,500 families in the dry corridor (droughts). Although the protocols are in the early stages the following are some of the early actions under consideration:

  • Community awareness trainings
  • Distribution of health, WaSH and livelihood kits according to the impact
  • Cash transfers to help families cover their basic needs in the face of evacuation or flood-related losses

Outcomes and lessons learnt

  • EAP development strengthens links between the National Society and other actors in the country, including NMI and universities.  
  • There is a huge opportunity to come to an integrated national anticipation mechanism with the National DRM system.

Our close relationship with the academia in the country is key for the implementation of Early Actions in the country. We are excited to see the results of the strategic alliances that we are now nurturing through the development of the FbF mechanism in the country.

Elieth Moraga Projects’ Finances Officer for the Costa Rican Red Cross

Contact

Jim Batres

DINAGER director

jim.batres@cruzroja.or.cr

 

Implementing Organisation

Cruz Roja Costarricense

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Supported by:

German Red Cross

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Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre

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