Guidance for Response Coordination Mechanisms

How to involve environmental actors in existing response structures

• Determine how the capacities of environmental actors can be best used during emergency response.
  • Examples: providing environmental fact sheets, conducting environmental impact assessments, providing back-office support on environmental matters, advising on local resources and procurement options.
• Determine and/or establish response mechanisms for environmental emergencies.
  • Ensure necessary expertise, capabilities and equipment are available.
  • Ensure that international assistance can be received if needed (see the Environmental Emergency Guidelines for detailed guidance).
• Link environmental actors to existing disaster coordination mechanisms.
  • Include the Ministry of Environment, or equivalent, to enable a coordination structure amongst environmental actors, and assign clear roles as well as responsibilities through dialogue between humanitarian and environmental actors.
  • Include an environmental representative in the Emergency Operations Center to ensure a coordination of environmental activities and monitor environmental concerns during emergencies.
  • Consider the establishment of an environmental emergency coordination cell in the on-site operations centre.
  • For environmental actors: Proactively engage disaster coordination offices and focal points to offer help and expertise on specific environmental issues during emergencies.