Taiwan and Belize launch new project to strengthen disaster preparedness

By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Belize is strengthening its ability to prepare for floods, wildfires and other natural hazards through a new partnership with Taiwan.

The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund, TaiwanICDF, and two Belizean government ministries officially launched the Belize Multi Hazard Risk Management Capacity Building Project on August 27 in Belmopan.

The initiative involves the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management and the Ministry of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management.

A major component will be establishing a cross ministerial mechanism for integrated disaster management, improving coordination and Belize’s ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

TaiwanICDF project manager Lin Li shan said the project will concentrate on strengthening disaster early warning platforms and coordination, developing more resilient communities and introducing automated technology for detecting wildfires.

Under the initiative, disaster risk maps will be developed for 15 newly selected Belizean communities vulnerable to floods and wildfires. Community based disaster preparedness and multi hazard response training will also be expanded.

The project will install three automated ground based wildfire early warning stations in high risk locations. Remote sensing and ground observation information will also be used to develop wildfire risk assessment models and establish carbon monitoring sites.

Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet said early warning systems supported by Taiwan have already produced results in Belize and that greater cooperation between ministries will help the country adopt a broader multi hazard approach.

Minister of Public Service and Disaster Risk Management Henry Charles Usher noted that Belize faces hurricanes, floods, storm surges, droughts and wildfires on a recurring basis.

While those hazards cannot always be prevented, Usher said preparation and training can significantly improve the ability of Belizean communities to respond when disaster strikes.

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