In the wake of the floods: Strategic preparation, co-ordination needed at national and regional levels, South-east Europe conference concludes
SARAJEVO, 6 November 2014 – Sharing information and solutions to reduce flood risk, and enhancing cross-border cooperation in mitigating risk and flood protection was the focus of a two-day regional conference that concluded in Sarajevo today. The conference was organized by the Security Ministry of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the OSCE Mission to BiH, the UNDP Office in BiH and the RACVIAC-Centre for Security Co-operation.
The conference gathered civil protection professionals, water management experts and decision-makers from Albania, BiH, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Serbia as well as authorities from some flood-affected communities in BiH, and professional OSCE staff working throughout the region.
“The Conference served as an impetus for new initiatives and joint projects, and as a forum to discuss and exchange views on disaster risk reduction,” said Samir Agic, BiH Assistant Security Minister. Agic thanked local and international partners for their assistance provided during the floods and in the recovery process.
Ambassador Jonathan Moore, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, said: “The OSCE recognizes the important role that the environment plays in security. Our organization has therefore made planning for co-ordinated management of natural and man-made catastrophes a commitment for all its participating States. This means States must develop national policies that will reduce potential risks from disasters and allow them to respond in a way that will minimize damage.”
Director of RACVIAC Ambassador Branimir Mandic said close co-operation and co-ordination in the region was necessary for both, prevention of and a successful response to natural disasters and climate change. “This is a prerequisite for the timely protection of people and their livelihoods.”
Amela Cosovic-Medic, UNDP Justice and Security Sector Co-ordinator, said: "The recent floods have created momentum to build and improve on all aspects of the disaster management system in BiH including prevention, response and recovery and measures to increase resilience. It is estimated that every dollar spent on preparing for disasters saves approximately seven dollars in economic losses. Building of stable, resilient communities is a task for all - co-ordinated efforts amongst relevant national institutions, the international community and partners across the region are of vital importance."