Deutsche Post DHL Group, UNDP to hold GARD against natural disasters

Simisa via Wikimedia Commons - Air Mauritius A340-300 parked at the gate at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolan International Airport in Mauritius

Mauritius is prone to natural disasters and, in particular, to cyclones. As such, it is imperative that plans be developed to enable the airport to be able to support natural disaster management response. The workshop will bring together representatives of all aspects of airport operations, The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center, the Red Cross, United Nations agencies as well as representatives of civil aviation authorities from Seychelles and Reunion Island.

Improving overall coordination

“This important workshop will be the first of its kind to be held in Africa and the first for a small island state and will build upon the support of the UNDP in Mauritius in supporting Disaster Management and Disaster Risk reduction,” noted Simon Springett, United Nations resident coordinator for Mauritius and the UNDP resident representative.

Chris Weeks, director of Humanitarian Affairs at Deutsche Post DHL Group, said, “The GARD workshop allows us to work with authorities to increase the surge capacity of airports after natural disasters. It also helps to improve the overall coordination across various organisations involved in relief efforts when a disaster hits. Using our logistics expertise and the partnership with UNDP, we have together completed 30 GARD workshops and trained 600 people at airports around the world.”

Rahman Bholah, country manager, DHL Mauritius, said, “During natural calamities, the Airport becomes the center for international support after a natural disaster has hit. The GARD programme is coordinated jointly with the national stakeholders – from airport authorities to emergency services such as the special mobile force, police helicopter squadron as well as the security manager. It is, therefore, vital to prepare all relevant stakeholders to be able to work hand in hand in this situation and to develop a contingency plan that will respond well to an emergency and its potential humanitarian impact”.