ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the last phase of the process that led to the institutionalisation of the ASEAN regional disaster management: the operationalisation of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre). The chapter provides an analysis of the actors’ role in shaping the institutionalisation of the instrument. First, it focuses on the actual set up of the AHA Centre, its premises and staff, as well as its technical and operational tools. Second, it focuses on the information tools implemented by the AHA Centre to monitor, coordinate and disseminate information. Finally, it analyses three of the operational instruments currently coordinated by the AHA Centre: the Emergency and Response Team (ERAT), the Disaster and Emergency Logistics System (DELSA) and the Executive Programme (ACE). Despite being involved in some of the projects, the chapter demonstrates how the EU was not influential in providing a valid reference to the AHA Centre and its tools. Other actors played a much more prominent role, not only in providing a reference but also in terms of financial support to the AHA Centre.
