Myanmar and specifically Rakhine is exposed to a wide range of natural and human-induced hazards, triggering small to large-scale disasters. The widespread poverty, poor social and economic infrastructures and governance issues have undermined the country’s capacity to recover from disasters. In addition to being prone to various natural hazards (such as cyclone, storm surge, flood, earthquake and tsunami) the situation in Rakhine State is aggravated by the impact of chronic inter-communal tensions. Low level of awareness and understanding on risk reduction has translated to lack of capacity and resources to implement adequate DRR activities, structures and systems at both community and institutional levels.

Overall goal: To reduce human, social, economic and environmental losses, in coastal and urban areas, resulting from disasters

Specific goal: To increase the disaster resilience of communities and institutions through building local capacities on mitigating, preparing and responding to disaster risk

• Communities and Disaster Management Committees (DMCs) in twelve (12) communities and two (2) schools in Sittwe and Minbya Townships, with estimated 20,000 beneficiaries (48% are male, 52% are female)
• Township Disaster Management Committees (TDMC) in Sittwe and Minbya Townships

1. Target communities and institutions are aware of and have the capacity to manage disaster risk in line with the national, regional and international policy/legal standards/ frameworks
2. Target schools are better prepared for and have increased capacity to manage risk in line with the Comprehensive School Safety Framework

Expected results:  

1. Community & school DRR awareness raised, and risk analysis of target communities & schools conducted
2. Inclusive Disaster Management Committee (DMC) structures in place in all target communities & schools
3. Increased capacity of DMC structures on inclusive Community-/School-based DRR
4. Horizontal linkages between Village DMCs (VDMCs) and School DMCs (SDMCs), and vertical linkages between VDMCs, village tract leaders and township DMCs established
5. Communal small-scale disaster preparedness and mitigation infrastructure established and maintenance capacities enhanced

Results from previous phases:  

This project’s intervention strategy builds on the successes of the recently concluded project funded through the Disaster Preparedness Programme of the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (DIPECHO) IX Action Plan - implemented in Sittwe Township from May 2014 to December 2015 and the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Flood Recovery project, currently funded by ECHO in Minbya Township. Active Village Disaster Management Committees (VDMCs) and School DMCs from the existing 16 communities, where ACF worked under DIPECHO IX (and intends to continue working with the support of ECHO), will be the main drivers to cascade and share learnings they gained to the new communities and schools covered through this project. Support of religious and community leaders who also partnered with ACF throughout the previous project, is essential and will continually be sought. They will be encouraged to become advocates and champions of DRR for their constituency.

DIPECHO/MCCR, IOM, Plan International

• DIPECHO/MCCR project (May 2016)
• Myanmar Consortium for Community Resilience (MCCR)
• IOM-led Consortium "Program for Improved Disaster Management and Resilience against Natural Disaster in Rakhine State"
• Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement (MoSWRR)

Phase 1 07.06.2016 - 31.03.2018   (Completed)