In the event of disaster, the timely delivery of relief services provide a foundation for disaster-affected population to quickly return to their normal life. Disaster relief is an area that requires continuous research and systematic development, particularly in face of its complexity due to the uncoordinated involvement of a variety of actors. Unfortunately, however, only a small number of studies have been conducted up to date.
In this paper I review the core elements of cooperative governance in disaster management such as disaster relief network, the roles and responsibilities of major relief organizations, and coordination and collaboration and propose an alternative perspective for timely and systematic disaster relief activities. My proposal as described hereunder emphasizes the reinforcement of intermediary support actors'' roles and responsibilities in disaster relief activities. I believe following plans will make a contribution to boosting the cooperative governance in disaster relief.
First, it is necessary to introduce a new provision of creating a culture of public-private partnership for disaster relief in the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety and in the Disaster Relief Act. It is also important to establish a reward system that provides a favorable treatment to long-serving organizations and volunteers with outstanding achievements in disaster relief activities, differentiating them from one time actors and volunteers.
Second, in order to reinforce the institutions, it is recommended to integrate two separate systems operating under different laws, namely the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety and the Disaster Relief Act, into one system by unifying legal terminologies in disaster relief, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, and nurturing intermediary support organizations. This will minimize the confusion in disaster management system and eventually contribute to improving the efficiency of disaster relief system.
Third, it is also necessary to streamline the relief supply chain management system by designating the Republic of Korea National Red Cross and the Korea Disaster Relief Association as the main relief supply channel managers. Operational partnership and integration between these two intermediary support organizations will be beneficial to the achievement of this goal.
Fourth, for an efficient donation management, it is advisable to introduce a donation pledge system managed by intermediary support organizations and to minimize the confusion in the field by encouraging cash contributions rather than in-kind donations.
Fifth, for the development of human resources, it is required to establish a comprehensive volunteer training, education, and management system that will enable efficient role assignments, timely mobilization, and rapid deployment.
Lastly, in order to revitalize the Korea Disaster and Safety Network (KDSN), it is recommended to adjust the roles and functions of the KDSN and the Central Public-Private Partnership Committee.
Disaster relief is the action that provide assistance to disaster victims and their families to meet their basic needs, support their efforts to recover, and deliver a message of hope to those in despair. It is my wish that this study contributes to invigorating timely and systematic disaster relief activities.