The experience of countries affected by moderate to high - intensity earthquakes, has resulted in significant capacities and knowledge which could be shared with the entire region in order to reduce the economic damages and human losses   in the region. Existing research centers, academic institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations, specialists and risk reduction management centers in the countries of the region are examples of inter-related capabilities. The social, cultural and geographical commonalities of countries in the region, will contribute to the promotion of information and knowledge sharing amongst nations and communities of the region.

Management Department

Management of the Center will be responsible for effective implementation of overall policies and programs, coordination and ensuring adequate resource mobilization and support for the Center.

The Director of the Center will be provided by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Management of the Center will ensure diversity of staffing and good participation from countries of the region as appropriate and possible. ISDR Special Coordinator based in Tehran will represent the ISDR at the SRR International Network Unit to ensure the necessary cooperation and coordination with the relevant international initiatives and progarmmes.

Functions

1. To develop existing or establish appropriate methods for exchange of information, knowledge and expertise on seismic risk reduction and support related scientific programmes and  public awareness raising activities in the region

2. To mobilize and channel  adequate resources and making necessary arrangements to conduct and support policy oriented  research on seismic risk reduction

3. To hold specialized trainings courses, workshops and seminars on seismic risk reduction

4. To contribute to  implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action including support to the establishment of national platforms on risk reduction and mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into development programs as well as providing technical assistance  

Iran, UN agencies launch first regional seismic risk reduction centre (UN NEWS CENTER - UN HOMEPAGE) 9 May 2007 – Three and half years after a massive earthquake killed more than 26,000 people in the ancient city of Bam, Iran, a regional centre to reduce the damage from such seismic threats was launched in the country today by the Government and the United Nations unit focussed on disaster mitigation. According to the UN Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), which has signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation with the Iranian Government, the Asian Centre on Seismic Risk Reduction will build awareness and provide training in order to improve construction urban planning standards, develop appropriate early warning systems and enhance disaster management and encourage a “culture of safety.”  more information

Resources

1- The Islamic Republic of Iran will cover the costs for the establishment of the Center and annual core running costs of the Center estimated at about  500.000. $

2 -The resources for expansion of the Center and implementation of activities and programs will be covered through donors contribution, partnership of countries of the region, the contribution of the regional and international organizations, UN and its related agencies and interested partners. The UN/ISDR will use its capacities to encourage support and cooperation of international organizations as well as ISDR system for the Center.

A Comprehensive Plan of Action for the RSRC which will be prepared in the near future, will elaborate the functions, structure and organization of the Center in details.