Constitutive Agreement Coordination Center for the Prevention of Natural Disasters in Central America

The agreement establishes the Coordination Center for the Prevention of Natural Disasters in Central America (CEPREDENAC) as a regional organization with international and internal legal personality in each of the State Parties, allowing it to exercise its functions and reduce natural disasters in Central America. The objectives of CEPREDENAC are to reduce the vulnerability and impact of natural disasters, promote a culture of disaster prevention and mitigation, include risk management in development policies, and strengthen national disaster prevention and response systems. To meet these objectives, the center will promote and coordinate international cooperation and information exchange, as well as develop mechanisms to systematize information on disaster prevention and response. CEPREDENAC is made up of several bodies, including the Council of Representatives, the Presidency of the Council of Representatives, the Executive Secretariat, and the National and Technical Commissions. Funding for the center will come from voluntary contributions from States Parties, donations, legacies, grants and other approved sources. Annual external audits will be carried out to evaluate budget execution. The agreement has an indefinite duration, but can be denounced by any of the State Parties. Amendments to the agreement must have the consensus of the States Parties. This agreement seeks to integrate and coordinate regional efforts for the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters, promoting a culture of risk management and strengthening emergency response capacity in Central America.