Towards a national guideline on recovery, a whole of society approach to strengthen resilience in The Netherlands

forthcoming

The NG-REC-NL project aims to enhance national resilience in the Netherlands by co-creating and implementing a comprehensive national guideline for disaster and crisis recovery that prioritizes inclusivity and long-term societal resilience. Given the escalating frequency of crises, including armed conflict, climate change, and pandemics, traditional recovery models focusing solely on governmental responses are insufficient. This project adopts a Whole-of-Society approach, engaging public, private, and non-governmental sectors, alongside citizen advocacy groups, to collaboratively prepare for and manage crises. The proposed guideline addresses critical gaps in existing disaster risk reduction (DRR) systems, focusing on five key recovery categories: basic relief, information provision, emotional and social support, practical support, and healthcare. The initiative will emphasize participatory processes, incorporating scientific research, policy input, and practical expertise to develop effective guidelines for diverse crisis scenarios. Additionally, Co-Creation Stakeholder Boards (CSBs) comprising local safety regions, civil society organizations, and relevant authorities will play a pivotal role in shaping and testing the guidelines. By aligning disaster recovery efforts with a holistic, all-hazard framework, this project will contribute to the EU's civil protection goals, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and ensure that no segment of society is left behind in times of crisis. Ultimately, the project will lay the groundwork for more effective, coordinated recovery operations that address both individual and collective needs, fostering a resilient society equipped to handle future challenges.