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Updates... UNDP SURGEs forward A devastating cyclone in Bangladesh, a small tsunami in the Solomon Islands, and the potential of peace in Sudan are some of the situations UNDP SURGE has responded to in recent months. The SURGE initiative was launched in 2006 to develop a ‘quick reaction’ culture within the organization. Within days of the tsunami striking the Solomon Islands, a UNDP SURGE advisor was on the ground to help UNDP establish a national structure to coordinate recovery efforts there. UNDP SURGE advisors are sourced from within the organization. “UNDP has a wealth of skills within its own ranks,” says SURGE Project Manager Janthomas Hiemstra. “The SURGE deployment mechanism allows the organization to get the right people to the right place at the right time.” Today, UNDP has 63 SURGE advisors on standby, and the project will add another 30 experts in 2008 to meet increasing requests. For more information, contact: janthomas.hiemstra@undp.org. Collaboration in early recovery  Food and water are distributed at a disaster centre. Photo by UNDP Philippines The UN system in the Philippines is implementing a multi-sector early recovery programme in typhoon-affected areas of the country that complements the government's recovery efforts. The programme has provided immediate relief, temporary shelter, and social and community services since December 2006, supported through funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund and the UN Flash Appeal. Early recovery efforts include: development of new settlements by the International Organization for Migration and United States Agency for International Development; livelihood programs focusing on small business, skill-learning for women, and microfinance by the International Labour Organization; livelihood restoration for farmers and fishermen by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Spanish Technical Cooperation (AECI); reconstruction of schools by UNICEF and the Government of Netherlands; and reparation of hospitals and public health centers by the World Health Organization, UN Population Fund and AECI. As a complement to these interventions, UNDP Philippines has helped develop and fund a multi-sector early recovery programme for the area. The programme includes a community-based disaster risk reduction component and shelter and livelihood programmes. An Early Recovery Office, funded by UNDP, will support the UN system in implementing programmes and will coordinate with the local government, non-governmental and community groups. An important feature of the programme is its community outreach: United Nations Volunteers will interact with the communities and stakeholders and replicate the programme in other areas. Inclusion of disaster risk reduction and gender issues, and extensive use of volunteers, will make the programme comprehensive, far-reaching and more sustainable. The programme has received strong support from the government, which underscores the importance of a collaborative approach to early recovery. For more information, contact charlotte.lattimer@undp.org.
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