Summary
Content
UNJLC's core responsibilities include the consolidation and prioritization of all Cargo Movement Requests (CMR) submitted to the Logistics Cluster and the tracking of supply chain and distribution data. This enables UNJLC to provide an overview of the logistics response and a basis for needs-based planning, identify gaps in coverage and give a more accurate assessment of logistics requirements (specifically sea, road and air assets and warehouse capacity). During the Lebanon operation, both of these tasks have been carried out with use of the same tool, the Joint Supply Tracker (JST), a database created in collaboration with UNICEF staff.
All information on cargo transported though the Logistics Cluster is entered in the JST, both to provide the Cluster with all details on pending cargo and in order to produce consolidated reports on delivery points. In line with UNJLC's practice in other operations, the next step was to map this data to show the overall deliveries through the course of the operation.
Initially, JST information was set up to list its records by tracking number because the first priority was to consolidate the CMRs for onward cargo transport. New tables were therefore created to list the data broken down by delivery destinations, quantities per agency/NGO, and total quantity in each destination point. These tables were then used in the preparation of distribution maps. All CMRs were geographically referenced by P-code, which were included in the database, streamlining the process and meaning the maps could be produced fast and accurately. Charts showing the total volume sent to each village and percentage by organisation were then created. The data for the week was extracted on a weekly basis, and after conversion and map generation, the maps were consistently printed and available for download within 36 hours.
The rational for mapping this information is that it provides an easy to understand and transparent overview of all Logistics Cluster distribution. The maps have been used by the field Logistics Cluster unit to compare high delivery areas with those which suffered most damage intensity in order to advise on the redistribution of goods, since gaps in coverage became immediately apparent within this context. The maps also give an interesting overview of relief activities. It quickly became clear that NGOs were breaking down their operations by caza (district) to target specific geographic areas. These visual tools enabled a clear overview of who was acting where and made it easy to compare results. When taken in sequence, the maps also reveal a clear evolution within the operation, first showing the speed of distribution during the conflict, then after the cessation of hostilities but while the roads were subject to infrastructural damage, and lastly, after infrastructure repair had opened up most routes to full traffic once again.
Once this project was underway, the Lebanese High Relief Commission recognised its relevance and approached UNJLC to assist in compiling and mapping the data of local NGOs to ensure a documented and transparent process of relief distribution over the whole emergency. Maps of all final distribution data will be handed over to the HRC and UNDP at UNJLC's departure. UNJLC has also produced distribution maps on request for different organisations including WFP and NGOs.
After a long outreach program, UNJLC is now in the process of consolidating the INGO and agency data it has collected on those relief goods which were moved outside the Logistics Cluster. This information will be entered into the JST to give a more complete overview of the total operation, however the result will likely be incomplete due to insufficient returns on independent data. The goal for the end of the project is therefore to have two sets of maps, one of the overall food and NFI distribution through the Logistics Cluster, and one estimating distribution for the whole operation. These maps and the corresponding spreadsheets will then be made available to all humanitarian and Lebanese government bodies as a record of the combined relief response.