The Functioning of NGO DRR Networks

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The Functioning of NGO DRR Networks

• BOND DRR Working Group
• Afghan DRR Consortium
• Oenone Chadburn Oct 06

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Introduction

• Two different national level DRR networks
• Developed and developing country contexts
• Both relatively new in undertaking activities
• Both have seen a role for
• Advocacy
• Good Practise Shared Learning
• Co-ordination Collaboration

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The BOND Network

• Vision Goals of British Overseas NGOs for Dev
• UK's broadest network of voluntary organisations
  working in international development founded in
  1993
• Aims to improve the UK's contribution to
  international development by promoting the
  exchange of experience, ideas and information
  www.bond.org.uk
• Function Role of BOND Working Groups
• Thematically focused
• Member-led and self-managed
• Guidelines based on accessibility, transparency
  accountability
• Secretariat support provided by BOND

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Learning from Working Groups

• Structure must be fit for purpose dont shoe
  horn your objectives into a structure
• Clarity around representation (BOND, WG or
  individual sign up)
• Potential of saturation of networks research
  mapping of one issue and how many networks are
  dealing with it
• Seasonality of availability and internal
  organisational demands of NGOs
• Optimum time for meetings between 2-4 on Thursday
  afternoons!

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BOND DRR WG

• ToR Objectives
• Share information
• Closer collaboration co-ordination
• Advance public policy on DRR
• Co-ordinate Advocacy
• Contribute towards the development
  implementation of Hyogo
• Structure
• Separate Chair Co-ordinator
• Members meet formally 4 times a year
• E-group to share information (over 100 on list)

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Areas Covered in 2005/6

• Review of Group ToR
• ISDR Presentation on Hyogo
• Relationships with other disaster related
  networks
• Discussion on National Platform
• VCA Tools
• Climate Change DRR
• Review of TEC evaluation

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Sub Working Groups

• DFID Sub-Working Group
• Comprised of 6 agencies, all with grants from the
  DFID Conflict and Humanitarian Fund
• Came together for co-ordination and debate on
  common implementation issues
• Co-funding a joint consultancy on development of
  community based indicators for Hyogo
• Principles in Recovery Working Group
• Evolved from the TEC evaluation
• To develop high level principles and their
  practical outworking, as well as explain key
  concepts

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BOND DRR WG - Added Value

• Conceptual learning and sharing
• Interaction between donors, academia and
  practitioners (members associate members)
• Debate and discussion on good practise
• Sharing of VCA tools
• Effective grassroots practise and case studies
• Development of standards
• Relationship between DDR and Climate Change
  Adaptation
• Advocacy opportunities
• Activities e.g. Community Research for Hyogo
• Momentum on the DRR debate

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Afghan DRR Consortium

• Thinking initiated from
• Need for coordination
• Support the facilitation of funding
• Development Afghan national policy
• Deliberately limited and strongly framed start
• Desire to integrate local NGOs to ensure shared
  learning and the development of capacity, but
  issues of resources and politics
• Strong links with ACBAR

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Consortium Objectives

• Enhance information sharing
• Advocate for the inclusion of DRR in development
  projects
• Lobby governments and donors for funding to be
  channelled towards DRR
• Collect and share best practise
• Participation in the National Disaster Response
  Network
• Capacity Building of NGOs and CBOs including
  training materials and the facilitation of
  workshops
• Voice for the community

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DRR Consortium - Added Value

• Potential for Impact
• Strong recognition of the beneficiaries of the
  organisation and the different needs they have
• Single independent voice and representation
• Strict criteria for membership ensures common
  standards and commitment
• Mapping trends, and contribution towards EWS and
  disaster response mechanisms
• Early Issues
• Recent UN external review on disaster mechanisms,
  there was no reference to the network

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Learning for the Consultation

• BONDs ongoing learning on the effectiveness and
  imporvement of NGO networks
• Inclusiveness for all levels of NGOs CBOs
• Need for networks to be practically active
• Use of NGOs networks to facilitate larger funding
  opportunities
• Need for institutionalisation of networks and not
  ones that are based on individual strengths
• Need to market networks to both other NGOs and
  other institutions/organisations
• Responsibility not just to advocate but advance
  policy

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Conclusions

• Initial favourable interest on behalf of the BOND
  DRR WG towards the development of a Global
  Network
• DRR Consortium would favourably contribute to and
  receive from a Global Network
• Thank You