Project
Localising early warning systems and anticipatory actions
We are supporting civil society organisations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to contribute to a global dialogue on localising early warning systems (EWS) and anticipatory action.
This project is part of a broader effort to inform a 10-year Strategic Roadmap for Localising Early Warning Systems. By mobilising CSOs to share in-depth insights into the barriers, challenges, and opportunities at the local level, we’re working to strengthen people-centred early warning systems – ensuring communities most at risk can act early and effectively before disaster strikes.
The challenge
Early warning systems and anticipatory actions are among the most effective tools for reducing disaster risks and protecting lives, livelihoods and assets. By providing timely alerts and actionable information, they help communities prepare for and respond to climate-related hazards such as floods, droughts, cyclones, landslides, and volcanic eruptions.
In 2022, the UN Secretary-General called for every person on Earth to be protected by early warning systems by the end of 2027. Since then, the number of countries reporting multi-hazard early warning systems has grown. But the 2024 Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems Report reveals persistent gaps, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Despite progress, many early warning systems remain inaccessible, underfunded, and disconnected from the needs of communities most at risk. Too often, early warning systems do not reach the people who need them most. Communities living at the frontline of disaster risk frequently lack timely, relevant, and accessible information to take action before a hazard hits.
Technical limitations, a lack of local coordination, and social or cultural barriers prevent warnings from reaching those who need them most — and being acted upon. Civil society organisations are not sufficiently recognised as key actors and partners in the design and delivery of localised systems. And, critically, the voices of local actors are often missing in decision-making spaces.
Our solution
Civil society organisations are trusted actors embedded in local communities. They are well positioned to bridge the gap between national systems and local needs. However, their role in shaping and delivering localised early warning and anticipatory action remains limited.
This project, supported by the British Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Early Warning, Early Action Fund, and the British Red Cross, will enhance the engagement of CSOs in localising early warning systems. By generating evidence and insight from the ground up, the project will contribute directly to Risk-Informed Early Action Partnership’s (REAP) 10-year Strategic Roadmap by advocating for inclusive, locally driven solutions that leave no one behind.
What will we do?
We will work with CSOs across our membership in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to:
- Carry out a baseline assessment to understand current early warning and anticipatory action efforts at the local level
- Convene national workshops to co-design strategies, build capacity, and develop advocacy messages
- Identify and support local champions to lead long-term advocacy and influence policy
- Conduct a Global Seminar on Localising Early Warning Systems to bring together community voices and decision-makers
- Hold regional webinars to disseminate the outcome of the Global Seminar
Through this collaborative process, we will support the development of a Strategic Roadmap for Localising Early Warning Systems by our partners, REAP – ensuring it is grounded in local realities and shaped by community voices.
Project activities
Baseline assessment
We have conducted a survey of GNDR members to explore the status of early warning systems and anticipatory action in each country. The assessment examines how warnings are generated and shared, the role of CSOs, and challenges communities face in taking early action. A report that outlines the key findings and subsequent recommendations from the assessment was launched at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025.
Download the Global Survey Analysis Report.
National workshops
In six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Peru and Colombia), we convened workshops with CSOs, government agencies, meteorological departments, academia, media and other stakeholders. Building on findings from the global survey, participants identified key challenges, good practices, and recommendations to strengthen early warning systems at the national level.
Each workshop produced a national report, which will feed into global discussions on localised early warning and anticipatory action — contributing directly to the development of the Strategic Roadmap for Localising Early Warning Systems.
Support for local champions
We will identify 18 local changemakers from selected countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America who are leading efforts to strengthen local early warning systems. They will be supported with training, resources, and platforms to scale their impact and drive advocacy at the community and national level.
What do we hope to achieve?
- A stronger, more visible role for civil society in early warning and anticipatory action
- Locally driven advocacy messages to influence national and global policies and practices
- Local CSOs will have a greater understanding of the challenges and barriers to localised early warning systems – as well as best practices
- We will make substantial contributions to the 10-year Strategic Roadmap for Localising Early Warning Systems
- Local leaders will be empowered to driving change from the ground up
Main photo: Supratim Bhattacharjee / Climate Visuals
Community stories
Read stories from communities most at risk of disasters – and the members around the world who are working with them to build local resilience.
Learn MoreProject funded by
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Our Localising Early Warning Systems and Anticipatory Action Through CSOs project is made possible by the support of the Early Warning Early Action (EWEA) Fund/Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This material has been funded by UK International Development from the UK government; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
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