The main objective was to assess the need for a regional DIPECHO strategy for Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrghyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekhistan) based on an evaluation of the five most recent ECHO-funded DIPECHO operations in the region. From the outset it was decided to limit the scope of the assessment to the three most vulnerable countries (in terms of disasters and ability to respond), i.e. Kyrghyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekhistan. The report identifies the major natural threats in each of these countries and assesses the ability of local, national and regional disaster-preparedness mechanisms to deal with them. Based on the assessment of the five projects and on the actions and mandates of other donors and EC services, the report recommends how a regional strategy could be implemented.
