The partnership focuses on strengthening the capacity of the islands of the Indian Ocean member of the Indian Ocean Commission and Zanzibar Island of the United Republic of Tanzania to reduce their vulnerability, exposure and protect the population of the region against loss and damage that result from catastrophic events.

The partnership is implemented through projects. The activities to be carried out are implemented through annual work program and guided by thematic experts recruited by the Indian Ocean Commission. The priority actions to be implemented are driven by country need. Collaboration with national institutions, e.g. Universities, specialised institutions etc…are also established to ensure national commitment and for sustainability of actions. The program is organised in such that countries learn and benefit from the experience of one another. For instance, Madagascar which is not a SID yet vulnerable and the most affected by natural disasters, cyclones in the region, would share its experience and knowhow to the other island nations.

Capacity building needs are assess at the start of the program. National training on data collection and the tools requires are conducted. Regional training on DESINVENTAR and CAPRA to allow countries to put in place their national databases and undertake national country risk profile are conducted. Collaboration with national Universities such as the University of Seychelles for Training in climate change and the University of Reunion Island for Master Degree Programme in Earth Observation. Regional simulation exercises for preparedness to disasters in partnership with non-States are conducted with regional partners. Data collection and land management training has also been conductedThe application of earth observation data and aerial photograph are also used. These images are made available to the countries and on hands training in the analysis of such data are conducted. The program work in close collaboration with the Civil Protection and Disaster Management Centers in each focus island. All national data, reports, digital maps and information collected are hosted in a national institution identified by the respective country. An electronic information exchange platform is being developed to allow access for continuous updating and interactions among the focus islands.

The partnership is coordinated by the secretariat of the Indian Ocean Commission. Reports on the actions are made available to the partners on regular basis. A national focal point and thematic focal points are nominated in each island State to facilitate coordination of action at national level. A regional program steering committee under the leadership of the IOC is in place to follow up and guide the activities. The steering Committee meets once a year. A dedicated regional platform for financial protection against catastrophic risk comprising of regional experts from the Government and private sector is also in place. This regional platform meets twice a year is chaired by the Madagascar and co-chaired by the Seychelles. The secretariat of the Indian Ocean Commission reports on the activities of the programme to the Governments via the Permanent Liaison Officers meeting twice a year and to the Council of Ministers once a year

Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Reunion Island , Zanzibar/Tanzania, European Union, French Development Agency, Australian Government, UNISDR, World Bank