More than 22,000 people from northeastern Peru strengthened their capacities in disaster risk management

• Save the Children and various entities, with the support of BHA/USAID, joined efforts to enhance the preparedness of communities and officials for various types of emergencies, aiming to protect the most vulnerable populations such as children.

The regions of northeastern Peru, characterized by their high vulnerability to various disasters, are now better prepared to face potential emergencies, thanks to the work led by Save the Children, supported by BHA/USAID. In a context marked by the climate crisis, this will allow to better protect children, girls, and adolescents, whose rights such as education, health, and protection are threatened by rains, landslides, floods, and other phenomena.

Since November 2021, as part of the project “Strengthening disaster risk management in the North Eastern Macro Regional Commonwealth of Peru,” Save the Children has concentrated its efforts on strengthening the capacities, tools, and coordination mechanisms of regional and local authorities, civil society, and communities in the mentioned regions.

Thus, more than 22,000 people have strengthened their capacities for disaster risk management, implying that communities are better prepared to face emergencies. “The balance is entirely positive,” emphasized Emérito Cruchaga, representative of INDECI in La Libertad.

During an event that gathered more than 100 authorities, officials, and community leaders, the closing ceremony of the mentioned project took place, which carried out actions in Amazonas, Cajamarca, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Loreto, Piura, San Martín, and Tumbes.

The project represents a comprehensive response to the identified needs in the region, addressing crucial aspects such as preparedness and response to potential emergencies, prioritizing the most vulnerable children and their families. “We have made progress in risk management with a focus on children, giving voice to youth, adolescents, girls, and boys, which fills us with hope,” said Save the Children‘s Country Director in Peru, William Campbell.

With this approach, the project promoted the development and implementation of regional and community plans, such as the Community Education Plan (PEC), the Disaster Risk Prevention and Reduction Plan (PPRRD), and the Regional Emergency Operations Plan (POER).

“There was a strong emphasis on approaching prevention, reduction, and emergency response with a human face, meaning a focus on children, adolescents, and vulnerable populations, which almost always represent 40% of the affected population in emergency situations,” said Luis Romero, Humanitarian Manager of Save the Children in Peru.

One of the most notable achievements of the project has been the empowerment of women in disaster prevention. More than 100 women leaders have been trained to lead emergency response in communities in Tumbes, Cajamarca, Piura, Lambayeque, and La Libertad. Additionally, over 170 people with disabilities have been included in project activities, ensuring their active participation in disaster risk management.

In the educational sector, over 16,800 people have been sensitized through communication campaigns, and more than 13,625 children and adolescents from 260 educational institutions have been involved in prevention actions. This focus on education and awareness has been fundamental in strengthening the culture of prevention and response in the region.

Save the Children expressed gratitude for the participation and collaboration of the National Institute of Civil Defense of Peru (INDECI), the National Center for Estimation, Prevention, and Reduction of Disaster Risk (CENEPRED), the North Eastern Macro Regional Commonwealth of Peru, and the regional governments of Lambayeque, La Libertad, Piura, Cajamarca, Tumbes, Amazonas, San Martín, and Loreto. Their commitment has been crucial for the success of this project and for protecting the most vulnerable communities in the region.

The authorities present at the ceremony expressed their ongoing commitment to protect and strengthen Peru’s communities against future emergencies and disasters. The collaboration and solidarity demonstrated during this project are a testimony to the power of collective work in building a safer and more resilient future for all.