Supporting activities led by the regional intervention platform for the Americas and the Caribbean (PIRAC)

In the three ocean basins, knowledge of natural and health risks linked to global warming is heterogeneous, as are the behaviors adopted for preventing and responding to crisis. This lack of preparation among inhabitants makes them more vulnerable and increases the number of people affected by natural disasters. 

To respond to these challenges, the French Red Cross has established three regional intervention platforms (PIR) in the three ocean basins. Created in 2005, the Platform for the Americas and the Caribbean (PIRAC) is the French Red Cross delegation for the Caribbean. It offers a framework for regional cooperation framework and an operational tool for humanitarian action, establishing PIRAC as a link in the regional emergency response mechanism.

Since it was founded, PIRAC has implemented fifteen projects aimed at reducing the risks of epidemics and disasters and helping those involved prepare how to respond. It has three storage sites (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana) for basic necessities, access to water, and to provide emergency shelter.

The French Red Cross launched the first phase of the 3 Oceans program in 2019 (€4 million was granted in late 2018), with the objective of reducing exposure to risk of natural and health disasters for the States and populations located in the three basins of intervention. 

Several types of intervention were implemented to achieve this objective:

• development of logistical and operational capabilities for responding to natural disasters for key national stakeholders, while improving all regional response mechanisms and mutual assistance between neighboring territories in the event of disaster,
• promotion of a risk management culture among local populations and communities and increasing their capacity to cope with the consequences of natural disasters through prevention and efforts to raise awareness,  
• encourage innovative approaches to reducing disaster risks and encourage the network to capitalize on the platforms’ potential to improve their management capacities and response to risks.

Funding from AFD, with the European Union and the Regional Council of Guadeloupe, helps to co-finance feasibility studies conducted by PIRAC and fund the building of a humanitarian aid storage warehouse in Guadeloupe with an area of 600 m², which will increase PIRAC’s response capacity for the entire area in the event of a crisis. This support will help increase local economic resilience, while at the same time reducing the impact of natural disasters on the most vulnerable local populations.