When people are prepared, animals are protected

IFAW prepares communities in Southeast Asia to rescue animals in the event of a disaster. 

Problem

Southeast Asia is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world, facing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, cyclones, and tsunamis that threaten both people and animals. When disaster strikes, animals lose their homes and food sources and may require veterinary care. 

In the past, animal rescue efforts were fragmented, with organisations working in isolation. Without coordination, response efforts lacked scale and efficiency, leaving many animals vulnerable. Government agencies and NGOs across the region needed a unified approach to maximise impact. 

The other challenge is that many disaster-prone communities are remote, unable to access resources available in major cities. For instance, when severe flooding hit Myanmar in 2015, communities in the Ayeyarwady region were somewhat prepared, with homes built on stilts. However, their cattle—essential for farming and livelihoods—were left stranded in rising waters, vulnerable to disease and death, with no safe refuge. 

Solution

Following the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, IFAW brought together organisations and government agencies to develop a coordinated disaster response strategy. What began as a single-country initiative has since evolved into a regional network spanning the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and beyond. 

In Myanmar, IFAW partnered with local communities and livestock authorities to create Safelands—raised earthen platforms where cattle can seek refuge during floods. Rooted in traditional knowledge, these platforms were built with community involvement, ensuring local ownership and long-term sustainability. Through workshops and training, residents have gained the skills to manage and expand Safelands, fostering resilience for both people and animals. 

Each country is now developing national plans to safeguard animals during disasters. Through shared resources, expertise, and training, the region is building resilience—ensuring that when disaster strikes, no community—or animal—is left to face it alone. 

Following the 2017 eruption of Mt. Agung, IFAW and Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) provided emergency relief for animals left behind. Recognising the need for long-term disaster preparedness, they launched a pilot project integrating disaster risk reduction into village systems. Today, over 680 households are better equipped to protect both people and animals, with local communities now leading their own disaster preparedness education efforts—building resilience for future generations. 

The Safelands project has become a model for community-led disaster resilience, now operating in 11 villages across Myanmar’s delta region. By empowering local committees to manage these raised platforms, the project ensures long-term protection for both cattle and the families who depend on them. Recognised by the United Nations for its sustainable approach, Safelands continues to inspire government investment and replication, safeguarding livelihoods against future floods.