Situation Analysis
Taking account the environment in a Situation Analysis following a crisis
Taking account the environment in a Situation Analysis following a crisis
A situation analysis following a crisis typically looks at key crisis drivers, affected areas, the number and type of affected people, the ways in which people are affected, the most urgent needs and available capacities. In the humanitarian coordination system, initial analysis is conducted through crisis type specific analytical tools such as the Flash Appeal/Multi Cluster-Sector Initial Rapid Assessment (MIRA) and the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO). When analysing the situation, major environmental concerns should not be overlooked: environmental change and climate-related hazards are often key drivers of disaster risk. In addition, environmental issues can have negative implications for the subsequent delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Identifying acute environmental concerns, root environmental causes of the crisis, as well as pre-crisis vulnerabilities tied to environmental issues raises awareness and contributes to environmental mainstreaming. Other relevant environmental considerations for the situation analysis include geographical implications, how the environmental consequences of the disaster might negatively impact affected people and how environmental factors might contribute to present disaster risk or conflict patterns. The nature of a disaster usually makes extensive data gathering very difficult, which means that various environmental information gaps are likely to occur. Environmental emergency preparedness and experience and expertise on environmental issues in disasters are important for filling such information gaps. The knowledge and perspective of local populations and environmental actors are also extremely valuable for an analysis of the context that mainstreams environmental considerations.
Assessing the environmental consequences of an emergency and prioritizing the response actions based on the needs, forms the foundation of a coherent, efficient and sustainable humanitarian response.
Environment is included into response plans in order to improve programme quality and accountability to disaster-affected people.
Environmental mainstreaming is dependent on successful resource mobilization, where environmental concerns must be integrated in funding proposals in order to secure funding.
Successful integration of environment into the implementation of humanitarian response requires that environment be included into preparedness and planning phases, but also effective coordination with national actors.
Response monitoring is about creating evidence for humanitarian actors about what actions should be taken to address shortcomings and fill gaps in in the response, with the aim of improving accountability towards affected populations, local government, donors and the general public.
