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).
Project impressions
Rescue workers entering communities flooded by hurricane Eta © Costa Rican Red Cross
Volunteers and staff from the Costa Rican Red Cross working throughout the country to assist families affected by the effects of hurricane Eta © Costa Rican Red Cross
Volunteers and staff from the Costa Rican Red Cross working throughout the country to assist families affected by the effects of hurricane Eta © Costa Rican Red Cross
Rescue workers entering communities flooded by hurricane Eta © Costa Rican Red Cross
Volunteers and staff from the Costa Rican Red Cross working throughout the country to assist families affected by the effects of hurricane Eta © Costa Rican Red Cross
Volunteers and staff from the Costa Rican Red Cross working throughout the country to assist families affected by the effects of hurricane Eta © Costa Rican Red Cross
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.
Further Information
Contact
Implementing Organisation
