Commission welcomes launch of Post-cyclone Nargis recovery and preparedness plan for Myanmar/Burma

Brussels, 9 February 2009

Today the "Post-Cyclone Nargis Recovery and Preparedness Plan (PONREPP)" for Myanmar - a comprehensive planning tool for recovery in the Irrawaddy Delta after last year’s cyclone is launched in Bangkok. The plan was commissioned by the Tripartite Core Group (Government of Myanmar (Burma), the UN and ASEAN) which coordinated the immediate humanitarian needs and thus played a valuable and constructive role in the delivery of relief in the post-Nargis assistance operation. PONREPP will provide the strategic policy framework for the re-building of livelihoods, healthcare and education systems, and for the elimination of food insecurity over the next three years.

Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner said “The people of Myanmar and their livelihoods matter to us and the unprecedented dialogue between the Government of Myanmar, ASEAN and the UN has helped to ensure effective co-ordination of relief efforts. Better cooperation between the Government and the donor community has contributed to saving lives and preventing human suffering. By ensuring continuity in the coordination and planning of recovery efforts the international community gives a clear sign that we stand by the side of the Burmese people who have been hit hard by cyclone Nargis. Much has been achieved, but a lot remains to be done”.

PONREPP will focus on longer-term recovery and the re-establishment of safe and sustainable lives and livelihoods in the affected communities – covering eight sectors: livelihoods, shelter, education and training, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, disaster risk reduction, environment and protection of vulnerable groups. The envisaged financial volume for this three-year plan amounts to approximately € 544 mio (US$ 700 mio).

The European Commission continues to provide substantial financial support for the medium-term recovery of the Irrawaddy Delta. In 2008, the Commission provided a total of €39 mio of humanitarian aid for the post-cyclone recovery. In this context, the extension of the Tripartite Core Group’s work beyond June this year would help ensuring continued effective delivery of assistance.

The European Union is a major donor in Myanmar (Burma), beyond the cyclone-affected region. Across the country, the Commission is funding programmes in health, education and livelihoods, based on the EU Common Position. Over the period 2007-2010 the European Commission has allocated € 32 million to support these sectors.

Further information:

http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/myanmar/index_en.htm

http://www.deltha.ec.europa.eu/Myanmar/MM2008/MMoverview2008.htm