INFORM subnational risk index 2021, South East Europe

The INFORM subnational model for South East Europe for 3 pilot countries: Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia, was initiated by UNDRR Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ROECA) and the Secretariat of Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South East Europe (DPPI SEE) upon prior consent of all DPPI SEE Member States. The INFORM model has been developed under supervision of the EC's JRC INFORM team and financial support from USAID BHA. The INFORM risk index results were produced in close collaboration with national and regional organization/data providers followed by regular meetings of the Regional Working Group (RWG) on INFORM. The RWG members are 2-3 representatives from each Government in the pilot countries (represented by their national civil protection authorities), including the Sendai Monitor National Focal Point, DPPI SEE Secretariat and UNDRR ROECA. Partners hope to use the model to improve cooperation between humanitarian and development actors in managing risk and building resilience across the region.

INFORM identifies areas at a high risk of humanitarian crisis that are more likely to require international assistance. The INFORM model is based on risk concepts published in scientific literature and envisages three dimensions of risk: Hazards & Exposure, Vulnerability and Lack of Coping Capacity. The INFORM model is split into different levels to provide a quick overview of the underlying factors leading to humanitarian risk.

The INFORM subnational model for South East Europe is developed at the first administrative level (corresponding to the subnational regions, capitals and municipalities) of Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia. The INFORM risk index was calculated for 44 administrative units.

The INFORM index supports a proactive disaster risk management framework. It will be helpful for an objective allocation of resources for disaster risk reduction and management as well as for coordinated actions focused on anticipating, mitigating, and preparing for humanitarian emergencies. It also identifies areas for improvement in national disaster data availability and compliance with implementation of Sendai Framework for DRR, SDGs and other global initiatives.