THE USE OF COMMERCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS IN INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE - STRATEGIES TO REDUCE DISASTER RESPONSE FUNDING GAPS

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The 2004 Tsunami drew Nordic countries' attention to problems of disaster relief logistics. Estimates suggest 40% loss due to supply chain waste. With logistics and transport constituting up to 80% of total cost improvement potential is immense. The visio n of this project is to drive a necessary performance change in a sector important for millions of vulnerable people. A 20% efficiency improvement will e.g. add MNOK 250/yr to Norwegian donations. Closely linked with practice in a consortium of Wilh.Wilh elmsen (WW), Everywhere, International Federation Red Cross Red Crescent Society (IFRC), Global Emergency Group (GEG), Heriot-Watt University, MIT and BI NSM, three research questions will be answered: 1.What problems do present funding patterns pose for recipients, responding agencies and others? Tasks: Substantiate numbers on funding availability/needs. Consequence studies of how this (potentially) impact on those involved. 2.What logistics services are needed, currently provided and what competence is needed for responding agencies to become more professional in buying and providing logistics services? Task: Case studies of the agencies with regards to their logistical needs in preparedness and response. Their core competencies will be mapped and profe ssionalization of the services they provide as well as possibilities of outsourcing will be analyzed. 3.What competence is needed for commercial companies to offer services to responding agencies? How can they build relationships to establish trust? Task: Case studies of existing resource networks/competencies in companies and existing/potential relationships between WW, Everywhere and IFRC. Lessons learned from development within general logistics and transport the past 15-20 years will be used. The proj ect is international and innovative focusing maritime services. Environmental impact is considered. Results provide governments with basis for decisions.