(Taking precautions against catastrophes and managing catastrophes: A task for the GTZ [German society for technical cooperation]?)
1994
Windisch, P. (Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer technische Zusammenarbeit m.b.H., Eschborn (Germany). Abt. 426 - Bereich Not- und Fluechtlingshilfe und Ernaehrungssicherung)
The increasing number of disasters implies the question how an agency like GTZ can respond to specific situations. The realization of the idea of the relief to development continuum is not an easy task and requires new institutional arrangements. The main field of present and future GTZ engagement lies in the area of disaster mitigation. In many GTZ projects mitigation measures e.g. ecological protection measure can be found although a further systematic focussing on this subject is required. The GTZ concept for disaster response goes beyond mere "classical" humanitarian aid, which is - after all - the domain of other institutions. In the case of an acute emergency GTZ tries to complement humanitarian efforts especially in countries where own GTZ structures exist. In Zaire GTZ presently is engaged e.g. to facilitate fire wood procurement for refugee camps. Road rehabilitation between Bukavu and Goma is another example for a complementary activity in an emergency. Immediate strengthening of self-help activities is considered as key element to facilitate linkages between relief aid and development. During the transition phase (rehabiliation / reintegration / reconstruction) GTZ has already experiences in food security projects or reintegration programmes in post-war situations. It is important to adress returnees in rural areas not only in their role as farmers. One serious problem in this phase is that local structures are often very weak but at the same time immediate action is required e.g. to reintegrate demobilized soldiers. At present special projects for demobilized soldiers are implemented e.g. in Mosambik and Ethiopia. Further efforts on donor and implementing agencies level are required to achieve a comprehensive international disaster management strategy.
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