Together We Stand

[ 117 ] Mexico: a set of alliances to face adversity Luis Felipe Puente Espinosa, National Coordinator of Civil Protection, Mexico T he Mexican territory is exposed to a variety of high-level hazards caused by natural phenomena and human activity. We face increasingly devas- tating events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, storms and disasters caused by the forces of nature, climate change or human action. Given Mexico’s geographic location, there is no certainty that these phenomena will decrease in future years. On the contrary, events occur more frequently and are greater in magnitude. The terrible earthquakes of 1985 gave way to the crea- tion of a self-care and self-protection culture but more importantly, to solidarity. Mexico is a clear example that a catastrophe of such magnitude must be confronted with the support of all citizens. In 1986, after suffering the consequences of the earth- quake on 19 September 1985, the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) was created in order to improve civil protection capacities in Mexico. SINAPROC was designed as an effective instrument for preserving the physical integ- rity, possessions and rights of Mexicans. It considers the participation of the public, social and private sectors a priority in order to prevent, control and reduce the impact that can be caused by disasters. It also established that the actions of the federal Government would be carried out in coordination with local governments. These basic precepts, which gave life to the national system, have been enhanced over time. Nowadays, these precepts are the basis of the General Law of Civil Protection, putting disaster risk management at the core of public poli- cies and emphasizing its preventive principles. Over the years, Mexico has developed actions to improve respon- siveness in civil protection, and international cooperation has formed an essential part of the development of policies and instruments focused on disaster risk management. Mexico continues to consider liaison with the social sector as a priority, since it has proved to be a great ally in spreading a civil protection culture, both in the case of the 1985 earthquakes and in the present. The social and private sectors, together with the public sector, have generated synergies that benefit the Mexican people before, during and after events that have affected the national territory. Mexico highlights the importance of private sector partici- pation to contribute improvements to the Government’s Image: National Coordination for Civil Protection of Mexico Image: National Coordination for Civil Protection of Mexico One of the main goals of the National Council for Civil Protection is to create resilience across society The National Council for Civil Protection gathers federal government entities to enhance a culture of prevention and respond effectively to disasters T ogether W e S tand