Crisis Prevention and Recovery
Pacific States are characterized by a diversity of religious, traditional and formal governance structures which are undergoing rapid social, economic and political change. In this context, there are a number of conflict issues that are facing some Pacific Islands Countries. The Pacific is also one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world, regularly experiencing cyclones, earthquakes, droughts and floods. In addition, the Pacific region will be one of the first to be affected by climate change.
This vulnerability to crisis (in terms of conflict and disasters) is better understood in the context of human security, encompassing many facets including; political; economic; food; health; environmental; personal; and community. The human security approach emphasizes the prevention of crisis and fosters collaboration and partnership among regional, national and local stakeholders.
In order to address the pervasive and critical nature of human security threats in the Pacific, the UNDP Pacific Centre through the Crisis Prevention and Recovery (CPR) unit focuses its programming on strengthening the capacity of regional organizations, governments at national and local level and civil society. Human security threats can then be recognized and addressed collectively, helping to build Pacific Island communities that are less vulnerable to all forms of crisis.
The CPR programme builds upon and supports the operationalisation of the Pacific Plan, Regional Framework for Disaster Risk Management. Support to UNDP Country offices is provided within the framework of the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and Country Programme Action Plans (CPAPs) for Fiji/Samoa Multi Country Offices (MCOs), and PNG Country Office (CO) and, efforts towards UN reform in the region.
The CPR Unit works in two main areas: conflict prevention and peacebuilding, and disaster risk management (DRM) and at two levels: regional programming and country office support. In January 2008 UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia-Pacific (RBAP) approved the regional CPR project for 2008-2011.
