Forecast-based Action by the DREF

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched the Forecast-based Action by the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (FbA by the DREF) financing mechanism to support the implementation of approved early action protocols (EAPs).

Through FbA by the DREF, financial resources are agreed in advance and tied to predefined forecast thresholds (triggers). Once a trigger is reached, these resources are released automatically, enabling the implementation of the agreed actions to prevent or mitigate negative humanitarian impacts on vulnerable populations.

National Red Cross Red Crescent Societies can access up to 350,000 Swiss francs through FbA by the DREF to cover their EAPs. These have a lifespan of five years and include three components: (1) the prepositioning of stock essential to enable early actions; (2) readiness activities that ensure the National Society is prepared and on standby to respond; and (3) pre-agreed early action activities designed to save lives and livelihoods ahead of a forecast hazard. 

EAPs go through a technical review by IFRC sectoral experts and are approved by the Validation Committee, which comprises members from Partner National Societies and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre. This review is undertaken using standardized quality criteria. 

For further details on FbA by the DREF, click here.

Photo by Mongolia Red Cross Society, 2020