Dushanbe, 22.06.2016. /NIAT “Khovar”/.  Disaster risk management at the community level in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) of Tajikistan, Naryn and Osh oblasts of Kyrgyz Republic will be improved by strengthening the capacity of at risk communities, local institutions and risk specialists through the project Fostering Disaster Resilient Communities in Isolated Mountain Environments of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.  The project will cover more than 21,000 beneficiaries across the two countries.
The European Commissions Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) under the auspices of its Humanitarian Implementation Plan (formerly known as Disaster Preparedness Program — DIPECHO) and Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) United Kingdom signed an agreement to implement the ninth phase of the project in Central Asia. Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) will implement the project in partnership with Mission East in Tajikistan and Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP) in Kyrgyzstan.
According to Project Manager Idris Jonmamadov, the goal of the project is to further increase the resilience of vulnerable communities towards natural disasters and strengthen the capacity of mandated national, regional and local institutions dealing with disaster risk management in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan by enabling a safer and inclusive environment, advised Idris Jonmamadov, Project Manager, FOCUS.
FOCUS, AKF, Mission East and MSDSP in collaboration with the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan and Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyz Republic through the Humanitarian Implementation Plan (formerly DIPECHO) project reduces risk, develops sustainable solutions and promotes widespread systematic changes in risk reduction at the local and national levels in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Strengthening the capacity of Disaster Risk Management institutions and local communities increases the ability to assess and prepare for natural hazards and respond more effectively to emergencies.
Since 2003, ECHO and AKF/FOCUS have collaborated to foster disaster resiliency in at risk communities resulting in an enhanced quality of life for the people of Central Asia.