Unique Regional Mechanism
DeftEdge has completed an independent evaluation of the ESCAP Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster, and Climate Preparedness (2021-2024). Established in 2005 following the catastrophic Indian Ocean Tsunami, this Fund represents one of the few regional trust funds in the entire United Nations system, serving as an innovative model for addressing transboundary disasters through targeted multi-country cooperation. Now approaching its 20-year milestone, this pioneering funding mechanism has evolved from tsunami-specific focus to broader disaster and climate preparedness across Asia-Pacific.
Methodology
The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis through:
- Extensive document review of project reports, Advisory Council meeting minutes, and previous evaluations
- In-depth key informant interviews with diverse stakeholders from ESCAP, implementing agencies (RIMES, IOC-UNESCO), government officials, and donor representatives
- Theory-based evaluation utilizing a reconstructed Theory of Change
- Analysis of online platform analytics and utilization data
Key Findings
The Trust Fund has achieved "Highly Satisfactory" ratings for Impact, Effectiveness, and Relevance, demonstrating exceptional performance in strengthening early warning systems across the region.
The Fund has catalyzed innovation and institutional development across the region, including the creation of RIMES (Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System), which now serves 62 countries from its initial three.
Strategic Recommendations
- Strengthen community-level engagement While national capacities are strong, more focus is needed on community-level impact measurement and engagement.
- Diversify funding mechanisms Expand resource mobilization beyond traditional donors to address the shrinking global donor landscape.
- Enhance multi-hazard approaches Apply tsunami preparedness frameworks systematically to other coastal hazards.
- Formalize knowledge management Strengthen the Trust Fund's role as a knowledge broker through enhanced online platforms.
- Improve programmatic coordination Reduce fragmentation between implementing partners and ensure greater strategic alignment.
- Integrate cross-cutting issues Systematically incorporate gender equality and disability inclusion considerations.
DeftEdge remains committed to rigorous evaluation that informs policy and strengthens development practice in disaster preparedness and climate resilience. This assessment of ESCAP's Trust Fund demonstrates how effective regional cooperation mechanisms can significantly enhance early warning systems and save lives across Asia-Pacific. The findings and recommendations from this evaluation are already informing the future direction of tsunami and multi-hazard preparedness in the region.