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Description
In recent years we are witness to emergencies caused by unpredictable weather events (floods, earthquakes) so there is a need for better preparedness of CSOs, public and private entities for an organized disaster response. Currently there is no disaster preparedness plan, the response is slow, impulsive, and poorly coordinated as CSOs do not collaborate and are not informed of others’ activities. This results in duplication of activities or complete lack of aid in inaccessible areas, which directly endangers human rights of the affected population. The project therefore aims to improve the network of organizations through a platform of CSOs and other entities to map human and material resources of each member, capacity building through training on tools and work methods as well as division of responsibilities for each member in responding to needs on the field. Based on its experience from the earthquake crisis in Croatia, ADRA Croatia will develop and share a digital tool for efficient management of CSO resources, and ADRA Norway which has experience with disaster preparedness in numerous countries will share its knowledge with member CSOs. Target groups are CSOs, local government and private sector entities, and indirectly, residents of counties with lower standards of living and recent experience with emergencies. These are Sisak-Moslavina (2020 earthquake), Brod-Posavina (flooding risk) and Vukovar- Syrmia (2014 flood) counties. The project can be shared to other counties and emergency scenarios through sharing disaster preparedness resources and creation of interorganizational cooperation for the purposes of preparedness in emergencies.
Summary of project results
Due to the rise in natural disasters and human-induced catastrophes, there''s a growing need for civil society organizations (CSOs) to be better prepared for crises. Past responses by CSOs and their volunteers in Croatia have been well-intentioned but often lacked coordination. This project aimed to address this issue in three eastern Croatian counties before a crisis hits. It focused on challenges such as:
- lack of information about the existing potentials of local CSOs to respond to crisis situations;
- insufficient understanding of the possible roles that organizations can play during a crisis;
- lack of understanding and insufficient knowledge of the level of CSO capacities working with vulnerable groups to support their beneficiaries during crisis situations;
- lack of knowledge and practices on how to behave during a crisis situation as an organization and what preparedness measures to take;
- lack of procedures for potential collaboration between CSOs during a crisis situation, and
- lack of a virtual central networking and collaboration hub during a crisis situation.
The project aimed to target these challenges, increase CSOs'' readiness to respond to crisis situations, familiarize CSOs with preparedness practices, mutual coordination, and collaboration during crisis situations. Through the implementation of activities, the project also aimed to demystify the processes of mutual coordination and steps taken for the most effective joint action during crises.
The project incorporated five main activities aimed at increasing CSOs'' readiness to respond to crises, and activities aimed at strengthening organizational capacities.
Field research on CSOs in 3 counties was conducted to map the potential of CSOs in responding to crises and disasters in all 3 counties, involving a total of 17 CSOs, surpassing the planned number. This activity provided an overview of CSOs'' potential in crisis response, understanding their human resources and available equipment. CSOs recognized their organizational potential and roles during crises, and signed Declarations of Intent confirming their roles, becoming members of the Coordination of Humanitarian Actors network.
A web portal, https://koordinacijahumanitaraca.net/, was created in collaboration with an external programming company. It features both a public interface and a complex internal interface allowing CSOs to create profiles, map their potential, and sign Declarations of Intent. The system also facilitates task creation and assignment. The platform serves as a place for building organizational capacities and presenting readiness for crisis response.
A two-module training on digital tools was conducted, focusing on digital tools for needs assessment and volunteer management, and on psychosocial support systems and volunteer training. The trainings were attended by CSOs, enhancing their capabilities not only for crises but also for regular activities.
Best practice examples from abroad were presented to the participating CSOs through a training provided by ADRA Norway. It introduced potential activities for disaster risk preparedness, showcasing international projects. CSOs recognized the potential for incorporating crisis preparedness into existing programs.
Three simulation exercises were conducted in different locations, aiming to put CSOs through potential crisis scenarios and enhance coordination and joint needs assessment. The exercises facilitated dialogue and exchange of experiences among CSOs, improving mutual understanding and readiness for future crises.
Within the component of organizational development, ADRA Croatia developed an online portal, https://adravolonteri.eu/, to streamline volunteer management processes, automating tasks such as volunteer contracts and task assignment. This automation increased efficiency in communication and coordination with volunteers, both during crises and regular activities.
The project enabled establishment of connections among CSOs within three counties (Sisak-Moslavina, Brod-Posavina, Vukovar-Srijem) thus creating a positive initial step towards potential future engagement in crises. It facilitated better mutual understanding among organizations and recognition of each other''s potential roles in crisis situations. This resulted in easier collaboration opportunities in the future. Additionally, dialogue about potential collaboration during peacetime was initiated, as different CSOs recognized common areas of action and discussed possibilities for synergy.
Through activities such as reviewing and mapping internal potentials of each organization, an objective view of involved CSOs’ potential engagement in crises and potential roles was established. Many CSOs became more aware of their capabilities in crisis contexts, which they had not recognized before. Through a crisis simulation exercise, CSOs were able to recognize each other''s potential roles, fostering correct expectations among them. This led to the creation of realistic expectations among organizations.
The educational activities established the potential of CSOs for using acquired knowledge not only for crises but also for peacetime goals. This included the creation of digital surveys for assessing needs for peacetime projects and providing psychosocial support techniques to vulnerable groups in regular work with them. Two improved methods were developed to address the needs of vulnerable groups, including online training sessions and a curriculum for a desk-based simulation exercise.
Review of CSOs'' capacities provided cumulative understanding and gathering of information on the potential of organizations in a given area during crises. It shows a considerable potential for united response to crises that was not immediately apparent to the participating CSOs.
The KoordinacijaHumanitaraca.net platform serves as a tool for coordinating activities among CSOs. The platform has both open and closed interfaces, with the closed interface aiming to register CSOs interested in crisis coordination, map their capabilities, and confirm their intentions and potential roles within the coordination. These steps formalize the process of admitting CSOs into crisis coordination. The platform is most useful for CSOs during crises as it enables internal task creation, task reporting, and monitoring functionalities.
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership with the donor country project partner, ADRA Norway added the additional value to this project. This organization has extensive experience in two areas: education and response to and preparedness for crisis situations. ADRA Norway assisted the beneficiary in creating curricula for the simulation exercises conducted and also independently conducted training for other involved local CSOs on integrating preparedness principles and risk reduction into their own peacetime projects working with vulnerable groups. Through examples of international practice based on their rich experience, potential opportunities for integrating these practices among CSOs were recognized.There is no specific collaboration plan in place, but the relationship with the bilateral partner is excellent, and there is ongoing communication. When circumstances permit, concrete collaboration will be continued.