In 2014 the flood that impacted parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina was the worst flooding in 120 years and required authorities to declare a state of emergency. The floods affected one million people and destroyed infrastructure, businesses, livelihoods, farms and crops. Sarajevo airport played a key role in flying in relief supplies from abroad. As the effects of climate change continue to manifest themselves, Bosnia and Herzegovina expect to face more extreme weather challenges.
“Creating a disaster resilient infrastructure which includes disaster ready airports is crucial in order to save lives and reduce economic loss”, underlined Sukhrob Khoshmukhamedov, UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina Deputy Resident Representative. “Better preparedness of all institutions involved to promptly act when disaster occurs and coordinate the response is a must”, added Khoshmukhamedov.
“During times of emergency and disaster it is essential to have a trained team and a customized surge response plan in place. All team members should know how to handle the dramatic rise in air traffic and the flow of goods and people that typically follows a disaster,” said Chris Weeks, Director of Humanitarian Affairs for Deutsche Post DHL Group. “Sarajevo International Airport is a strategically important airport in case of a natural disaster. In the Region Armenian and Kazakh airport authorities are already GARD trained and therefore well prepared for a surge in air traffic.”
Over 25 participating officials and experts will join the four-day GARD workshop led by Deutsche Post DHL Group and UNDP experts. During the program, participants and trainers will evaluate the current level of preparedness at the airport, conduct training exercises, and develop specific recommendations as well as an individual action plan to ensure that the airport is prepared for future disasters.
Armin Kajmaković, director of International airport Sarajevo underscored the importance infrastructural capabilities and efficient administrative procedures play in quickly and effectively channeling relief efforts from airports to affected communities. “In addition to reassessing airport facilities and strengthening staff expertise, the workshop will lead to a series of follow-up activities including an action plan that we can use to build up our readiness for any potential emergencies,” Kajmaković continued. “We are committed to working together with all emergency counterparts to follow up on implementation and further strengthening our resilience.”