A Virtual Inception Workshop is being organized to formally launch the regional project OSRO/RAS/902/USA  entitled: “Livestock Emergency Preparedness and Response for Areas at High Risk of Volcanic Eruptions”.  The project will be implemented in Indonesia, Philippines and Vanuatu (with a feasibility study), some of the countries with the most active volcanoes in the world.

The overall aim of this project is focused on knowledge production and dissemination, with the objective of enhancing the capacities of  the public sector and related entities involved with livestock in response to volcanic events.  In particular, it will enable volcanic eruption-prone areas to be better prepared in mitigating the effects of eruptions on livestock and associated livelihoods. The project will also  identify lessons learned, best practices and gaps to strengthen contingency planning, early warning actions, and preparedness.

In the two-day workshop, intensive sessions of presentations and deliberations will be conducted.  Fruitful discussions will identify capacities at national and local level to foster integrated approached for the project implementation.  The intended outcome of the workshop is to pave the way forward, draft the agreed project implementation work plan, exchange experience and disseminate best practices.

 Specifically, the main objectives of the workshop are to:

• Discuss and identify the historic and current situation with regards to livestock and livelihoods impacted by volcanic events in the Philippines at both national and local levels;
• Facilitate insightful discussions on mechanisms for building high-level support;
• Deepen collaboration and synergies amongst relevant stakeholders; and
• Develop national and case-specific work plans to achieve the objectives of the project that meet current COVID-19 restrictions.

 Concept note and Agenda