Participants included the coordinators of ACS's member countries' and associate member countries' disaster reduction focal points. One of the reasons for the meeting was to hear the results of the assessment carried out by member states and associate members on disaster reduction weaknesses, strengths and projects undertaken by ACS members.
Participants also strove to establish cooperation initiatives.
The assessment was carried out by means of a survey of the 25 member states, of which 18 responded. These areas reflect common concerns about the hazards that prevail in the Caribbean, as well as strategic concepts such as training and education, institutional capacity building, and operational improvements. The Consultant, Nicole Williams, emphasized that cooperation activities in these areas should employ regional knowledge and experience, make sure that communities are empowered by the transfer of knowledge and resources during disaster mitigation and recovery activities, and encourage beneficiary countries to contribute financially to these initiatives. The results of the survey and the way they were presented were hailed by attendees, since it will make it easier to identify areas of cooperation. Participants expressed their satisfaction at the increased possibilities for creating synergy by sharing the knowledge and expertise that already exist in the region.