Workshop on Reconstruction Needs Analysis, Planning and Implementation

Dr Alcira Kreimer, Manager of the Disaster Management Facility of The World Bank at the opening of the workshop

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, in association with the Disaster Management Facility of The World Bank, and the ProVention Consortium, recently organized the “Workshop on Reconstruction Needs Analysis, Planning and Implementation” from 13-15 August 2002 in Bangkok, Thailand. Around 36 representatives from government National Disaster Management Organizations from 17 countries in southeast and south Asian countries participated in the workshop, as well as experts from international non-governmental organizations involved in disaster management, preparedness, recovery and reconstruction. The workshop aimed to develop a unified framework and practical guidelines for assessing long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction needs appropriate for Asia, focusing on three areas: Methodology for Assessing Damage and Planning Reconstruction, Transition from Immediate Relief to Long-term Reconstruction, and Planning for Recovery and Future Resilience to Disasters.

The workshop also presented the methodology developed by the Economic Commission for Latin American Countries (ECLAC) for estimating the socioeconomic and environmental effects of disasters. The ECLAC Methodology has been widely used in the Latin American region where it is recognized as a consistent, continuous and usable method for better recovery and reconstruction needs. Part of the workshop’s summary of recommendations included planned initiatives to develop in-country capacity-building on reconstruction planning; improve vulnerability assessment methods and in-country capacity to move from damage assessment for relief to that of reconstruction programs; establish public awareness on the effect of disasters on macro-economic development needs and disaster-resistant housing; and adapt the ECLAC Methodology in the Asian context.

Among the distinguished participants were Dr Alcira Kreimer, Manager of the Disaster Management Facility of The World Bank, HE Darryl Johnson, US Ambassador to Thailand, Khun Somchainuk Engtrakul, Prof Dr Krasae Chanawongse, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Thailand, and Chairman of ADPC Board of Trustees