The Contracting Parties,
Being Parties to the Convention Establishing the Association of Caribbean States,
(hereinafter called the Convention), signed in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, on July
24th, 1994,
Taking into account that clause 1, paragraph d, of article III of the Convention,
specifies that the Association is an organization for consultation, concerted action
and co-operation, whose purpose is to identify and promote the implementation of policies
and programmes aimed, among other things, at establishing co-operation agreements
which respond to the diverse cultural identities, developmental needs and regulatory
systems of the region,
Considering that the Ministerial Council of the Association, during its First Ordinary
Meeting, held in Guatemala City, 1st December 1995, approved by Agreement No. 1/95,
the Work Programme for the first phase of the Association, and decided that the initial
activity should be to focus, inter alia, on accomplishing the priority actions in
relation to natural disasters which affect the Member States and Associate Members
of the Association,
Recalling, that the Ministerial Council of the Association, through Agreement No.
1/95, indicated that with the objective of increasing the ability of the Member States
and Associate Members of the Association to cope with disasters and so mitigate their
negative effects, actions will be carried out with the aim of developing a Co-operation
System in this area,
Willing to increase and strengthen regional co-operation and emphasizing the importance
of it in the effective management of natural disasters, especially when oriented towards
reducing the vulnerability of the population, the infrastructure and economic and
social activities of the Parties,
Aware of the vulnerability of the Member States and Associate Members to a diversity
of natural disasters,
Recognizing the adverse consequences of natural disasters on the health and well-being
of the population, bio-diversity, the economy and infrastructure,
Aware that for the development of the region, it is necessary to establish a legal
framework that promotes a Co-operation System for the prevention and management of
natural disasters,
Have agreed to the following:
