CIMA Research Foundation, on behalf of UNDRR, contributes to strengthening the Network of Excellence (NOE) for Disaster Risk Reduction in Africa, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation as part of the global initiative Early Warnings for All (EW4All). The project aims to create a pan-African network of research centers, academic and scientific institutions that, in close collaboration with national and regional civil protection authorities, can develop and provide customized tools, services, and training programs for disaster risk reduction. The NOE represents a platform for exchange and cooperation that enhances African expertise, strengthens institutional capacities, and facilitates the generation of knowledge and innovative solutions. The ultimate goal is to improve community resilience and ensure inclusive and effective early warning systems, in line with the vision of reaching the entire world population by 2027.
Goals and expected results
The main objectives are:
- Establishment of a Network of Excellence (NoE), defining its composition, governance, and services, assessing the competencies of institutions and how they can extend, integrate, and improve existing NoE services, and ensuring its gradual enlargement; creation of a strategic plan for the first five years of operation and mechanisms for ongoing review
- Implementation of the network and initiation of the training program, in which priority is given to Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems and forecasting actions on hazards and their impacts, including those on water resource management, flooding, and food security
- Launch of the expert exchange program, including on-the-job training, job shadowing, and south-south and south-north mobility of experts, with the intention of activating a secondment mechanism between continental centers, regional centers, and member states
Specifically, the project is divided into three phases: during the first phase, a governance structure and institutional mapping were outlined; next, the partners focused on establishing a road map for the institutionalization of the Network, advancing training curricula, and expanding the job shadowing and exchange program involving Ghana, Mozambique, and Uganda; as for the third phase, the goal is to consolidate governance structures, enhance training and capacity building, improve data sharing, and promote inclusive and sustainable disaster risk reduction strategies.
CIMA Research Foundation’s contribution
CIMA Research Foundation plays a key role in defining the composition, governance, and services of the NoE, overseeing its implementation, and launching the training program by leveraging the network’s existing expertise and services. Particular focus is given to Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS). During both phases of the project, CIMA coordinates workshops and training sessions, introducing the use of the myDEWETRA platform, which also supports the Situation Rooms developed as part of the AMHEWAS program, another African contribution to the EW4All Initiative.
The training events include both theoretical and practical components, focusing on data access and the necessary tools for risk monitoring, as well as the creation and compilation of warning bulletins. Additionally, the training emphasizes anticipatory actions to mitigate risks associated with climate and weather conditions and their impacts. The importance of integrating indigenous knowledge for disaster risk reduction is also taken into consideration.
Finally, CIMA Research Foundation coordinates the expert exchange program, including on-the-job training, job shadowing, and South-South and South-North mobility exchanges. This program aims to establish a secondment mechanism among continental centers, regional centers, and member states, welcoming African delegates to share experiences and enhance technical skills related to risk forecasting and management.
