Fortunately, the scenario described above is fictitious. But the planning is real, and the actions decided upon in this contingency planning meeting will influence the speed and effectiveness of a real response should a disaster occur.

Like other nations situated on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, Papua New Guinea has faced many disasters, both natural and man-made: cyclones, volcanoes, flooding, as well as civil unrest and refugee influx, have sorely tested emergency management authorities. Director for the PNG National Disaster Centre Martin Moses, recognizing the limitations of local capacities, has said that effective response in a disaster will depend on the quality of prior planning and effective coordination. This has been a starting point for UNHCR to explore how its long emergency management experience can be put to use to strengthen response capacity in the disaster-affected island nation.

In 2010 the eCentre, in conjunction with UNHCR Representation in Papua New Guinea, inaugurated a multi-phase learning programme on facilitating contingency planning for government and other national disaster responders in Papua New Guinea. Based on the principle that lasting learning is based on studying, practicing and actually doing, the programme was designed to feature a study component, a practical workshop and application of skills through actual development of plans at the provincial level. Developed by UNHCR in close cooperation with the National Disaster Centre, UNOCHA and UNDP in Papua New Guinea, the learning programme represents the coordinated efforts of a range of partners.

But what is in it for UNHCR? “The Learning Programme on Contingency Planning is a win-win situation on many fronts”, remarked Walpurga Englbrecht, the Country Representative for PNG. First, UNHCR can show that it can assist the country in many areas other than refugee protection and assistance. Second, it provides the participants from the different provinces and districts with an enhanced understanding of what contingency planning is but also develops their skills to facilitate the process of contingency planning. Third, the outcome of this Learning Programme will result in provincial or district contingency plans developed in each of seven provinces - Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Madang, Morobe, Oro, West New Britain, West Sepik and Western Province - represented at the workshop, thereby contributing towards PNG being better prepared to respond.

From 27 to 29 April, UNHCR and its partners completed the Phase-Two Workshop on Contingency Planning. Thirty-two participants, comprising emergency government and other disaster managers at the national and provincial levels, analyzed hazards, assessed strengths and weaknesses and developed response plans, gaining skills and confidence to conduct the process with local stakeholders in their respective provinces. (Insert participant quote here)

Disaster Management Center Acting Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc, who delivered opening remarks for the workshop, showed appreciation for the support provided by the UN agencies thus far, highlighting that the country was “fortunate to have international experts to facilitate the workshop and to share with them their international experiences.” UNHCR will continue to work with participants from Western Province and West Sepik in their third phase of the Learning Programme, which should result in updating the Refugee Emergency Contingency Plans in these two provinces.

Overall, the strengthened capacity to conduct planning at the local level is expected to translate into greater preparedness, and ultimately more effective response for people affected by disasters. “While Contingency Planning is less dramatic than search and rescue activities or leading a convoy of needed food supplies, in the end it makes all of these activities faster and better coordinated,” said Jim Good, an Emergency and Disaster Management expert with InterWorks LLC who participated as one of the course facilitators. “Simply put, contingency planning saves lives.”