The meeting discussed in detail the objectives, activities, and implementation strategies at the local level of the PROTISTHAA (Protocols and Trigger-based Institutional Systems for Timely Humanitarian & Anticipatory Action) project.

The discussion focused on strengthening the institutional system for disaster forecasting, anticipatory action, trigger-based action, and timely humanitarian assistance. In particular, the importance of taking early and effective early action to reduce potential losses from flash floods, heavy rains, and other disasters in the char areas of Gaibandha is emphasized.

Speakers at the meeting said that instead of just reacting after a disaster occurs, it is possible to significantly reduce the loss of life and property if proactive measures are taken based on predictions and predetermined triggers. This requires effective coordination between local administration, union councils, upazila councils, district-level institutions, NGOs, media, civil society and local communities.

At this time, emphasis was also placed on taking early disaster preparedness activities by including vulnerable groups including women, children, the elderly and the disabled. The participants highlighted the local disaster risks and realities of Gaibandha and presented various opinions and recommendations on early warning, rapid decision-making, local-level preparedness and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance.

It was informed in the meeting that the PROTISTHAA (Establishment) project is a consortium project funded by DG-ECHO. The consortium is led by CARE Bangladesh. ACF and Acted are partners and technical assistance is provided by Technical Partner RIMES. The project is being implemented in Gaibandha area by Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) under the overall leadership of CARE Bangladesh.

Under the project, the consortium’s implementing agencies ESDO, Uttaran and NSS are working at the field level in various seasonal flood, flash flood and cyclone-prone districts, upazilas and union levels. In addition, Acted is working directly at the camp level to implement the project in 33 camps.

The main objective of the project is to enhance the capacity to take Anticipatory Action by coordinating with existing government systems and structures. Through this, it will strengthen the early management of multidimensional disasters at the national and local levels and create the capacity to ensure necessary humanitarian assistance before disasters.

Present at the meeting were Gaibandha Deputy Commissioner Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman, Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Md. Sharif Al Rajib, District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, CARE Bangladesh Establishment Project Technical Coordinator Advocacy and Communication Mandira Guha Niyogi, ESDO Establishment Project Manager Md. Amir Hasan , Project Officer Md. Golam Mostafa and other officials were present. The concerned officers and representatives of the PROTISTHAA project were present.