Lessons from recent crisis responses from 15 humanitarian organisations
This study explores the nexus between localisation and environmental sustainability, identifying synergies and trade-offs. The rising demand for humanitarian assistance, exacerbated by the climate crisis, and the sector's resource constraints have created immense pressure on humanitarian organisations to adopt more effective and sustainable practices including strengthening local actors' roles. Shifting power towards a more locally-led humanitarian response is a recognised necessity by the sector, to address the dominance and paternalism of Western aid organisations and to promote more agile, resilient and sustainable practices. As these two agendas gain momentum, it becomes increasingly important to understand their intersection, particularly within the humanitarian supply chain.
This report examines the intersection of environmental sustainability and localisation within humanitarian supply chains, focusing on the challenges, opportunities and best practices for operationalising these two agendas. It explores how they align or conflict with HSC strategies and offers practical recommendations for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) members and beyond, to improve operational effectiveness.