Building Partnerships for Relief and Development
With a shelter workshop, roundtable discussion and demonstrations by the many exhibiting shelter companies, there is a strong focus on shelter at the upcoming International Aid + Trade Event.
Proposed and led by Graham Saunders, Head of Shelter at the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and co-leader of the global shelter cluster, the event will feature a “Shelter provision coordination”
Mr Saunders says “these features aim to better capitalise on the resources, both financial and technical, of the commercial sector, by informing that sector of the particular preferences, needs and complexities of the humanitarian sector”.
In brief, it is intended to make the commercial sector more aware of the preferences for shelter solutions to be locally appropriate, flexible, adaptable, and in some cases utilising locally procured materials.
A broad range of support is required from the commercial sector, from better tents and tent type solutions to understanding the large-scale supply of typical local building materials such as metal roof sheeting.
Innovation is as relevant to the improved use of and access to familiar shelter materials as the use of alternative technologies to develop new types of rapid shelter.
The workshop will include the launch of the draft shelter “performance”
Confirmed speakers for the workshop include Mr Saunders, Vladimir Kozharnovich, Programme Manager from UNIDO, and Tom Corsellis from Shelter Centre.
Following the workshop, the roundtable will provide an opportunity for commercial actors to raise issues, concerns and suggestions, hopefully providing an immediate next step in a potentially ongoing structured exchange between the humanitarian and commercial sectors.
Shelter Demonstrations
Many shelter companies will display their products and be involved in the roundtable discussion. They include:
Edama GmbH
Octagon Europe
Ajmari International
D&D FRB Inc
Harvest Aid Inc
Kitchen Essentials
Iaddic Shelters
Atara Textile
Hesco Bastion
TPI Housing AB
Worldwide Shelters
Global Relief Solutions
Agility
NUH Container
World Shelters
Edama GmbH
Edama will first foldable emergency accommodation container in the world.
Natural disasters will continue to occur in the world and cause many people to become homeless. To provide early assistance and immediate shelter for survivors, Emada GmbH have developed an emergency accommodation system that can be implemented without delay.
Concerned is a holding house that can be erected within 15 minutes to protect against cold or heat. The one room dwelling is designed for a family of up to six persons. If required, it can be enlarged to accommodate a larger family.
Water supply piping, electrical connections and insulation according to DIN standards are integrated. Space for a kitchenette, is provided for and the shelter comes complete with doors and windows. The dwellings are designed to withstand possible after shocks in earthquake areas.
Iaddic Shelters
Their product line of affordable, durable dwellings supplies disaster victims and urban renewal projects with a solid-structure housing solution which offers superior privacy and weather protection compared to temporary accommodations such as tents and tarps.
They can be collapsed and packaged in vacuum-sealed bags for optimal storage and transportation. Once in the field, they are easily deployed and quickly cure to a sturdy structure.
Worldwide Shelters
Worldwide Shelters is an internationally focused company committed to providing low-cost, high quality temporary shelters to organisations, governments and individuals who support those afflicted by displacement.
A key feature of their shelters’ structural integrity is that the frame without a tent can be used as a substructure for a more permanent dwelling.
For information on more shelter companies exhibiting at the event, please contact Sarah Ireland on sireland@aidandtrade.org.
About the event:
The 2008 International Aid + Trade Event brings together the global humanitarian relief, aid and development community to embrace the challenge of integrated aid and development. The event features a range of interactive exhibits where providers of the latest humanitarian relief goods and services will come together with leading agencies and organisations administering relief in the field, bringing the challenge of humanitarian relief to life. NGO and UN pavilions give UN agencies and NGOs the opportunity to meet other agencies, decision makers, visitors and businesses.
The event also includes moderated workshop panel discussions and instructive learning centre sessions which offer exhibitors and delegates the opportunity to exchange information and knowledge on projects and campaigns as well as the chance to discuss real, current and emerging humanitarian challenges. Moderated by BBC journalists Kate Adie and Brian Hanrahan, the workshops provide a forum to discuss best practices for response and relief efforts.
The 2008 event will see several new features including regional and sector-based pavilions such as the African Pavilion, Asian Pavilion, USA Pavilion, the Education Zone and the Satcom Zone, joining the consistently popular NGO and UN Pavilions.
The International Exhibition, Display Area, Vehicle Demonstration Zone, Workshop and Learning Centre Sessions, and numerous networking opportunities all make the event an invaluable two days for anyone involved in the humanitarian relief, aid and development community.
Contact
For more information about the 2008 International Aid + Trade Event, please contact Sarah Ireland on sireland@aidandtrade.org or +44 (0) 20 7871 0188.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
