Reacting with rapid aid funds before it’s too late
The issue
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are particularly important areas of biodiversity and species diversity. Selected by strict criteria, they represent a global heritage recognised as being of outstanding universal value, unique and irreplaceable.
As anywhere, these irreplaceable natural sites can be hit by unforeseen natural or man-made disasters (e.g. forest fires, sudden increase in poaching, earthquakes, oil spills).
In crises or emergency situations, which often occur without warning, valuable time for intervention is usually lost for the organisation. The inability to respond immediately to emergencies or environmental disasters can have devastating and irreversible consequences for biodiversity and ecosystems.
Our project
In order to be able to respond immediately, unbureaucratically and efficiently to environmental disasters that are imminent or have already occurred, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Fauna & Flora International (FFI) launched the Rapid Response Facility (RRF) in 2006.
Fondation Franz Weber (FFW) has been an important partner of the Rapid Response Facility since 2013, providing essential financial resources and, as an active member of the decision-making committee, also contributing the knowledge and experience essential to the decision-making process and strategic direction of the Fund.
The RRF is an emergency fund that provides grants to protected areas in acute crisis situations. In particular, it funds efforts to alleviate disaster situations affecting wildlife at UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. In emergencies such as forest fires, oil spills or earthquakes, emergency aid of up to 40,000 US dollars can be granted.
By enabling relevant stakeholders to act on such emergencies within a few days without lengthy bureaucracy, the RRF invests in the long-term survival of unique natural sites and their biodiversity.
More information:
- Website: Rapid Response Facility
- UNESCO’s Project Page: Rapid Response Facility
Our goals
- Respond effectively and immediately to sudden crises affecting nature
- Swiftly supply up to 40,000 US dollars for emergencies in world heritage sites
- Supply bridging funds in order to ensure the sustainability of RRF interventions
Facts and Figures
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