Project Description
International catastrophes, such as the earthquake in Haiti, the floods in Pakistan, or famines in African countries require the timely transport of relief goods to the affected regions. Transport capacities are often chartered for this purpose without assured availability on the private market. This solution has the disadvantage that aid organisations are confronted with waiting times or higher prices, as aircraft may have to be brought from distant regions to the sending country first. A generally applicable, immediately accessible transport concept that clearly assigns the competencies, allocates the funds and regulates the organisational process is not yet available.
From 2010 to 2013, the project investigated how suitable air transport capacities can be provided specifically for disaster situations. The concept of jointly used transport capacities showed a clear allocation of competencies and resources. Using the instruments of the new institutional economics, recommendations for action for an efficient and more effective organisation of aid transport were developed. In this way, aircraft could be ready within a very short time to cover the transport needs of aid organizations. The resulting simplification of organisational and logistical planning for aid organisations allows for a more effective and efficient provision of real disaster relief on the ground.
Numerous expert interviews and workshops have been held in recent years as part of humanitarian logistics projects, including at the 9th European Civil Protection Congress. BIGS participated in specialist conferences and continues to maintain a dialogue with public institutions, aid organisations and logistics companies.