On March 20-21, 2024, the Logistics Emergency Preparedness Workshop was held in Lima, Peru, where gaps and challenges in logistics preparedness for natural disasters were discussed and validated. Through these discussions, the main difficulties were prioritized, and concrete proposals were developed, resulting in the creation of a Multisectoral Logistics Action Plan for Emergencies (PALME).
This plan addresses both the current gaps in logistics preparedness at the national level and the actions needed to counteract them. It also includes a work section with 7 key points to be worked on in the short term (6 months), focusing on improving response and coordination in emergencies.
- Systematization of the Logistics Working Group (GTL) mechanism.
- Strengthening of Warehousing and Transportation Capacities
- Strengthening of Import Capacities
- National Logistics Warehousing and Transportation Mapping for Emergency Response
- Development of a catalog of items by type of emergency, code, and technical data sheet
- Consolidation of suppliers in a list managed by the GTL.
- Holding conferences to socialize the needs of the Humanitarian Sector with the business sector.
The PALME represents for Peru and the Cluster Preparedness Project is a guide to implementing actions in a coordinated and functional manner, in conjunction with various organizations. This collaborative approach allows for identifying and comprehensively addressing logistics gaps in the humanitarian sector, ensuring that all parties work in alignment. The result is to be able to create tools to be able to respond in a timely and efficient manner to an emergency, bridging logistical gaps and ensuring an effective response.
Presentation of the Plan
On November 28, PALME was officially launched through the Logistics Working Group (GTL), which was reactivated after 6 months through a hybrid meeting with the participation of 9 organizations: Caritas del Peru, Plan International, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Humanity & Inclusion (HI), International Organization for Migration (IOM), World Food Programme (WFP), Care Peru, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) and Ayuda en Acción.
What is the GTL?
The GTL is composed of a network of partners, including logistics and risk management members, many of whom are part of the humanitarian network. Its main objective is to strengthen logistics emergency preparedness by integrating various organizations, both national and international, private companies, government partners, academia, and UN agencies.
Details of the meeting
At the meeting, two priority items were closed: “Systematization of the GTL mechanism” and “Consolidation of suppliers in a list managed by the GTL”. In addition, it was discussed who would take the lead on the remaining five items. In this context, Caritas Peru assumed the leadership of the item related to “Strengthening Import Capacities”. It was unanimously agreed that the topic of Imports would be the first item to be implemented at the next meeting.
Next Steps
Meetings are currently being scheduled with Caritas to define the agenda and frequency of the next sessions, as well as the points to be reinforced in the humanitarian institutions. In addition, we will work together with the entire GTL to prepare a draft proposal for the modification of Law No. 28905, which will be submitted to Congress.