Partnership for disaster reduction and recovery

In June 2006, the World Bank’s Board of Directors endorsed establishment of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), a longer term partnership under the ISDR system to reduce disaster losses by mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in development, particularly upstream country strategies and processes, towards fulfillment of principal goals of the Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA).

GFDRR helps developing countries fund development projects and programs that enhance local capacities for disaster prevention and emergency preparedness. GFDRR grants support disaster risk assessments, developing risk mitigation policies and strategies, preparation of disaster prevention projects and additional financing for recovery provided recipient governments demonstrate commitment to disaster prevention.

GFDRR’s 3-Tracks of Financing Disaster Reduction and Recovery

GFDRR pursues its objectives at global, regional and country levels and it addresses disasters both ex ante and ex post through its three tracks of financing. Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and World Bank are contributing in GFDRR. Track I supports annual work program of ISDR Sectt to enhance global and regional advocacy, partnerships, and knowledge management in disaster risk reduction. Track II of GFDRR is designed to provide ex ante support, primarily through a 3-year technical assistance program to enhance investments in risk reduction and risk transfer mechanisms. Track III is deployed to strengthen mobilization of international assistance for disaster recovery and supports primarily low-income countries to accelerate recovery operations.

With initial contribution of $ 5 million a year from World Bank's Development Grant Facility and additional $ 50 million from several donors, GFDRR is assisting several countries, regional and international organizations in identifying the disaster risks, developing risk mitigation and risk financing strategies, establishing institutional and legal systems for risk reduction, and strengthening regional cooperation in early warning, knowledge sharing and emergency preparedness.

GFDRR and its Donors

 Main donors of GFDRR are UK ($ 8.8 million), Australia ($ 5.1 million), Denmark ($9.2 million), Japan ($ 6 million), Luxembourg ($2.94 million), Norway ($6.3), Spain ($ 6 million), Sweden ($ 8.75 million), Switzerland ($ 1.03 million), Italy ($ 5 million), Canada ($3.5 million) and European Commission ($0.4 million). USAID is expected to contribute in Track III. The World Bank contributes $ 5 million a year in Track I.

 GFDRR’s Governance

At the 2nd meeting (February 23, 2007) of the apex body of GFDRR, the Consultative Group(CG) adopted a Charter for this partnership which establishes governance, management, operations and the financial structure of GFDRR. Official donors contributing at least $ 3,000,000 and developing country governments contributing at least $ 500,000 in cash over three consecutive years are members of the Consultative Group. UNISDR is a non-contributing member of the GFDRR Consultative Group chaired by the World Bank Vice-President for Sustainable Development. GFDRR Secretariat is hosted by the World Bank.