Emergency appeal MDRBO006 : floods and GLIDE n° FL-2011-000020-BOL 08 March 2011 landslides

This Emergency Appeal seeks 518,725 Swiss francs in cash, kind, or services to support the Bolivian Red Cross to assist 2,500 beneficiaries for 6 months, and will be completed by the end of August 2011. A Final report will be made available by 1 December 2011 (three months after the end of the operation).

On 3 March, 78,074 Swiss francs were allocated from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support this operation. Un-earmarked funds to replenish DREF are encouraged. Around 14,000 families are affected in Bolivia, particularly in the Department of where a hillside collapsed in a densely populated area, destroying hundreds of homes. Due to the phenomenon of Source: BRC La Niña, the weather pattern in Bolivia has been disrupted, with drought in late 2010 and early 2011, and many days of intense and constant rains throughout February. These weeks of heavy rain caused floods and mudslides in 9 departments of the country affecting some 14,000 families and causing 56 deaths.

Based on the situation, the government of Bolivia declared a state of emergency on 23 February. This Emergency Appeal responds to a request from the Bolivian Red Cross (BRC) and focuses on providing support to make an appropriate and timely response in delivering assistance and relief to 2,500 families (12,500 people) with food and non-food relief items, and 500 families (2,500 people) with emergency health care, water, sanitation and hygiene promotion and early recovery.

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The situation

The weather phenomenon of La Niña has been felt across Central and South America since last year. In the case of Bolivia, La Niña disrupted normal rain patterns with drought in late 2010 and early 2011, and many days of intense and constant rains throughout February. These weeks of heavy rain caused floods and mudslides in 9 departments of the country, affecting thousands of families and causing 56 deaths.

The Bolivian government declared a state of emergency on 23 February 2011. The areas on red alert are the valley region in ; the Chapare region in Beni, particularly along the banks of the ; the municipalities of , Reyes and San Borja in La Paz. Ninety per cent of the affected population reside in these areas. Approximately 600 of the affected families are from indigenous communities in Beni and Cochabamba.

On 27 February the Vice-ministry of Civil Defense (Vice-ministerio de Defensa Civil-VIDECI) reported 10,992 affected families as the table below shows. However, recent statements by VIDECI state that some 14,000 families are affected, although the exact number per department is still unclear.

Families affected by La Niña phenomenon Department Total Beni 1,294 Chuquisaca 1,221 Cochabamba 4,430 La Paz 2,792 Oruro 500 Pando - Potosí 440 Santa Cruz 65 Tarija 250 Total 10,992

The Vice-ministry of Rural Development states that an estimated 3,000 hectares of food crops have been lost. Furthermore, access to the affected areas is difficult, as several roads and bridges have been affected. A report from the Bolivian Road Administration (Administración Boliviana de Carreteras - ABC) states that 26 highways are closed to traffic due to landslides, most prominent being the Cochabamba-Santa Cruz highway, one of the most important for the country’s export-import commerce.

The meteorological national services forecast that the effects of La Niña will continue until April 2011. Experts expect further flooding in the lowlands of the due to rainfall in the highlands near La Paz.

La Paz

The most prominent event occurred on 25 February when a hillside started to collapse onto Kupini II, a poor neighbourhood of the capital city, La Paz. Emergency services evacuated the area before the landslide hit, and there were not major casualties. The exact affectation is difficult to determine as the hillside is still unstable and landslides are still occurring. Thus far, around 6 million cubic metres has slid, affecting at least 800 houses and road access to 8 neighbourhoods: Valle de Flores, Kupini II, Pampahasi Bajo, Pampahasi Central, Santa Rosa de Callapa, Callapa, 23 de Marzo Cervecería and Metropolitana. The possibility of new landslides is still high as weather forecasts predict continuing rainfall in the coming days.

Furthermore, the Water and Sanitation Public Social Company (Empresa Pública Social de Agua y Saneamiento- EPSAS) interrupted services in the southern section of La Paz to avoid a possible collapse of a high pressure pipe that could cause more damages. Around 80,000 people are affected by the lack of water.

The following table shows the collective centres and camps (formed by tents provided by the Vice-ministry of Civil Defence (VIDECI) and the municipality of ) sheltering the evacuated families after the collapse of the hillside: 3

Location Source of Nº of Nº of Nº Nº evacuation families people latrines/toilets Latrines/toilets Men women

Field Escobar Pampahasi 9 44 3 3 Uría Central, Pampahasi Bajo Escobar Urìa 15 65 pre-school U.E. 24 de Valle de las 160 800 5 5 Junio Flores

Field - Market 10 de Enero 18 78

U.E. Artemio Pampahasi 40 200 1 1 Camargo Central, (field Venus) Pampahasi Bajo U.E. Delia Valle de las 75 300 4 4 Gambarte Flores, Prolongación Kupini y Kupini II

Bajo Valle de las 13 64 Pampahasi Flores, health centre Prolongación Kupini y Kupini II

Villa Salome 220 1,500

San Juan 32 160 Gym San Juan 18 78 Sede Social U.E. Sergio Prolongación 120 600 3 3 Vilegas Kupini, Kupini II

Kupini 5 40 Church Bajo San Kupini II 14 85 2 2 Isidro field

Market Valle de las 39 193 6 6 Zenobio Flores, Lopez Kupini II, Pampahasi, Central, Callapa

Ex U.E. Rose Callapa 9 78 4 4 Mery Barrientos 4

Psychiatric Callapa 206 1,030 2 2 hospital San Juan de Dios Collective Callapa 60 300 centre Tierra de Dios Irpavi Callapa 24 272 Chancadora U.E. FF.AA. Callapa 22 150 Military school TOTAL 1,099 6,037

In addition to the collapse of the hillside, the department of La Paz was also affected on 8 and 9 February when the La Paz River overflowed, affecting the communities of Avircato, El Palomar, Huayhuasi and Huaricana. Around 135 hectares of crops were destroyed, as well as the protective walls and a bridge. Some 509 families were affected. Further downstream, the La Paz River turns in to the Beni River which also overflowed and affected around 900 families more.

Cochabamba

The tropical region of Cochabamba, Chapare has been affected since 11 February by the overflowing of several rivers: Espíritu Santo, 24, Chimore, Chapare, , Sacta and Ichilo. Around 10,900 hectares between the municipalities of , , Chimore, and Entreríos are flooded. There are severe losses of crops and at least 2,180 families were affected.

The municipalities in the lower part of the valley also suffered floods and flash floods, particularly due to the overflowing of the in an Heavy rain in February has caused serious damages in infrastructures, roads and agricultural fields. Source: BRC area with a poor drainage system. Furthermore, the road network is severely affected in this Department, and there areas that can only be reached by river, with higher cost in time and funds. In total, the department of Cochabamba has at least 4,430 affected families.

Beni

Recent assessments estimate that around 2,650 families are affected in the municipalities surrounding the Beni River, whose water comes from the highlands near La Paz, although the numbers need to be confirmed.

Between 13 and 15 February, the communities of Nuevo Reyes, Zoraida, San Marcos, Guagua I, Puerto Salinas and Rio Viejo petitioned for support to the authorities of due to the overflow of the Beni River. A day later, on 16 February, nomadic indigenous groups also petitioned for support as they were unable to find dry land to settle. Local authorities estimate that some 1,500 families were affected. A collective centre was installed in Coliseo Cerrado to shelter 60 families.

In addition, Rurrenabaque Municipality declared a red alert on 21 February as the river water was rising. By 23 February, local authorities estimated that some 1,000 families were in need of assistance, particularly in the rural areas. Four collective centres have been installed in Rurrenabaque which are assisting some 52 families.

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Coordination and partnerships

Recently there has been an increase in coordination between national and international organizations. On 28 February there was a meeting in the Major’s Office of La Paz and sectors of the National Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) have started to meet. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) organized a meeting in the Governor’s Office on 28 February, and the World Food Programme also organized a meeting with the government and other organizations on 1 March. The National Disaster Relief Unit (Unidad Nacional de Socorro y Desastres) of the BRC has been present on all these meetings, as well as following the situation with the National Civil Defence. Similarly, the branches of the National Society are participating in the departmental EOCs and sending reports to headquarters.

In addition, the governmental authorities are working alongside OXFAM and Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI) to install 38 pre-fabricated transitional homes for the affected population.

Red Cross and Red Crescent action

The Bolivian Red Cross is actively working alongside governmental authorities with first aid. They are coordinating with the civil defence authority to carry out evacuations and assessments. Thus far, the National Society has deployed 100 volunteers, carrying out activities in the departmental branches of La Paz, Cochabamba and Beni, and in the municipal branches of Rurrenabaque and Reyes.

The National Society coordinated with the Regional Representation of the Andean Countries, and a delegate from the Pan American Disaster Response Unit travelled to Bolivia on 2 March. The delegate assisted in a damage and needs assessment and in the development of a comprehensive plan of action. On 3 March, 78,074 Swiss francs was allocated form the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support further assessments and to attend to the immediate needs of 600 families in La Paz. The Spanish Red Cross is also preparing a proposal requesting funds to AECI and will work alongside the BRC with communities affected by floods outside La Paz. The German Red Cross is also preparing a proposal to work in the department of Beni.

The needs

Beneficiary selection: The BRC has identified 6,000 possible target families: 2,700 families in La Paz Department, 1,300 families in Beni Department, and 2,000 families in . During the current emergency appeal operation the National Society will select 2,500 families from the most vulnerable, particularly from the departments of La Paz and Cochabamba.

Simultaneously, the BRC will target more families through bilateral operations with the German Red Cross (1,200 families in Beni Department) and the Spanish Red Cross (509 families in La Paz Department).

Immediate needs: • Food: The World Food Programme (WFP) identified emergency food parcels as priority after analyzing reports from the departmental and municipal EOCs, and has asked the BRC for their support to provide food parcels. The National Society evaluated their conclusions and decided to prioritize their relief to the families in Cochabamba, Beni and La Paz departments. • Agriculture: The floods severely affected food crops of banana, yucca, corn and rice. Cattle were also lost, particularly in the southern zone of Beni department, and in the Indigenous Territory of the Isiboro Secure National Park (Territorio Indígena del Parque Nacional Isiboro Sécure- TIPNIS). A detailed assessment of agricultural needs has not been completed; however, the possible impact of the recent event in the country’s food security should be evaluated, as Bolivia is already facing difficulties in this aspect, which could have important social and political repercussions. • Shelter: There still not a clear understanding of the amount of families evacuated to collective centres and camps, although there are 1,099 families in emergency shelters in La Paz. These collective centres and camps are being assisted by the municipal authorities in collaboration with non- governmental organizations, but there is a need to provide safe water for consumption.

Longer-term needs: due to the possibility of a food shortage in the country, there is a need for activities to support families to recover their crops and livelihoods.

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The proposed operation

This emergency operation in response to severe rain and a landslide, targeting 2,500 families (12,500 people) with food and non-food relief items, and 500 families (2,500 people) with emergency health care, water, sanitation and hygiene promotion and early recovery. The operation focuses on these interrelated priority areas which complement and/or further actions by other actors in the affected regions, based on the damage and needs assessments carried out by the BRC and other actors.

Relief distributions (food and basic non-food items) Outcome: The most vulnerable families will benefit from the provision of essential food and non- food items to meet their immediate needs resulting from the emergency situation. Outputs (expected results) Activities planned 2,500 families from the • Conduct emergency needs and capacity assessments. departments of La Paz, • Develop a beneficiary targeting and distribution plan and a Cochabamba and Beni will registration system to deliver intended assistance. receive food parcels and • Prioritize local tendering following IFRC standards. hygiene kits. • Identify distribution points and monitor supply movements to end

user.

• Monitoring and reporting from BRC headquarters. 200 families from La Paz Department will receive kitchen • Complete a general National Intervention Team (NIT) training. kit.

After several coordination meetings in La Paz, the WFP expressed to the BRC that they would support 7,000 families with food for one month. However, they also requested the National Society to cover the rest of the affected families and for a longer period of time if possible. In response to this request from the WFP, the National Society will distribute food parcels to 2,500 families, of those, 1,150 families will be from Cochabamba, 400 families from Beni, and 950 families from La Paz. In addition, the BRC will distribute hygiene kits to these 2,500 families, and then further select 200 families who will receive a complete kitchen kit. In order to stimulate the economy in the region, the BRC with the support of an IFRC staff from the Regional Logistics Unit, will procure the kits locally.

The following tables show the contents of these packages that will be distributed.

Food Parcels Item Size Quantity TOTAL Rice 5 kg. bag 3 bags 15 kg. Sugar 5 kg. bag 2 bags 10 kg Noodles 5 kg. bag 2 bags 10 kg. Flour 5 kg. bag 1 bag 5 kg. Salt 1 kg. bag 2 bags 2 kg. Coffee 1 kg. bag 1 bag 1 kg. Oil 1 lt. bottle 2 bottle 2 lt.

Hygiene Kit Item Quantity Toothpaste 3 Toothbrush 5 Soap 3 Medium size towel 2 Laundry soap 3 Feminine pads 3 Toilet paper 10

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Kitchen Set Item Quantity Stove 1 Gas tank 1 Pots and pan set 1 Ladle 1 Glasses 5 Plates 5 Cutlery 5

Finally, the BRC will complete a National Intervention Team (NIT) training during the operation to strengthen the response capacity of their volunteers.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion Outcome: The risk of waterborne and water related diseases has been reduced through the provision of safe water, adequate sanitation as well as hygiene promotion for 500 families. Outputs Activities planned 500 families receive safe • Conduct rapid water and sanitation emergency needs and water. capacity assessments in coordination with the relevant local authorities. • Procure water tanks and equipment. • Monitor water quality in the selected communities. • Complete a refresher course for the NIT trained in Water and Sanitation. The health status of the • Establish a timeframe of activities. population is improved • Coordinate with community leaders and government authorities. through hygiene and • Identify and prioritize target communities and camps. sanitation promotion • Conduct training with locally recruited volunteers to continue activities. hygiene and sanitation promotion activities. • Produce hygiene and sanitation promotion materials based on existing materials. • Carry out community workshops on hygiene promotion. • Establish cleaning brigades with the support of the community. • Monitor the correct use of the hygiene kit.

The water, sanitation and hygiene promotion activities will be carried out in the La Paz region; where there is an identified need to provide safe water to the collective centres and camps. The National Society will work as auxiliary to the government who is administering the emergency shelters and providing the rest of their needs. The BRC will collect clean water that is available in areas of the city of La Paz to distribute to camps and centres that lack access to water.

In addition, the national non-governmental organization One Roof for My Country (Un Techo para mi País) will be building shelter solutions for some of the affected families, and the National Society will collaborate in this project with water and sanitation activities related to the houses. This will be more clearly defined in the following weeks, but could include the provision of water tanks to store water and support with volunteers.

The BRC volunteers will also carry out hygiene and sanitation promotion in the collective centres and camps through the use of informative material previously developed by the National Society. In order to guarantee a comprehensive effort, the BRC will first coordinate with community leaders, local authorities and other national and international non-governmental organizations.

In addition, the National Society will complete a refresher course for those NITs who were trained in water and sanitation in 2009, when they learnt how to do water analysis, basic treatment techniques and how to install pre-fabricated tanks. This course will be part of the operation.

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Emergency Health Outcome: The health risks of the emergency on the affected population are reduced through provision of health promotion and community-based health care. Output Activities planned 500 families have reduced • Conduct rapid evaluation of health needs in those communities health risks as a result of habit identified as priority. changes and community-based • Complete a workshop for volunteers on community health health care education. • Train leaders and pro-active community members on community first aid. • Complete health workshops and fairs for the whole community. • Print informative material developed by the National Society.

The health component of the emergency appeal will start with a rapid evaluation of health needs on those communities already identified by the BRC as priority areas. This activity will be completed by volunteers members of the NIT trained in health. Similarly to the water, sanitation and hygiene promotion activities, the National Society will first coordinate with community leaders, local authorities and other national and international non-governmental organizations. Once the assessments are completed and the results have been shared in coordination with other actors, the BRC will train volunteers that will later support the formation of community health brigades to continue the health promotion activities that include workshops with community members and leaders and health fairs will be held with the whole community.

It is important to mention that the National Society recently started a DREF operation in the Beni department to counteract the dengue outbreak that started in January 2011. For more information please refer to http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/11/MDR46001do.pdf

Early Recovery Outcome: Contribute to the early recovery of vulnerable families who have lost their livelihoods as a result of the floods. Outputs Activities planned 500 families receive technical • Research and develop a technical assessment and intervention and economic support to strategy in prioritized affected areas. recover their livelihoods. • Establish mutual collaboration agreements with national institutions (agricultural associations and/or NGOs). • Training beneficiary families. • Early Recovery Training to volunteers. • Provide technical support throughout the operation. • Conduct monitoring and evaluation activities. • Establish exit strategy.

The current operation will provide an opportunity for the National Society to implement a pilot project in early recovery, therefore strengthening their capabilities for future operations. The National Society will hire a consultant to complete a detailed evaluation of the community’s needs and to recommend the best lines of actions to assist the identified families. This will be particularly necessarily due to the fact that the affected population is both urban and rural. Through the consultant’s assessment, the National Society will analyse different options such as the possible distribution of seeds, tools, vouchers, micro-businesses, or any other alternative to support the affected families in their recovery process.

Once the strategy is identified, the National Society will hire an early recovery technician to oversee the implementation of the activities, and will also establish collaboration agreements with other non- governmental organizations that could support the implementation of the programme.

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Logistics

Outcome: The local logistics capacity of the Bolivian Red Cross to respond is strengthened with technical support for local procurement. Outputs Activities planned Enhanced logistics capacity and technical • Provide technical support for the local procurement process of 2,500 support to facilitate the hygiene kits and 200 kitchen kits. procurement and • Deployment of a logistics IFRC staff to support procurement if distribution of relief items. required.

The Regional Logistics Unit has the primary task of providing additional logistics capacity by:

• Assessment of logistics infrastructure, setting-up an efficient logistic system and identifying the best supply chain to support the operation. • Carry out receipt of relief goods shipped by air and sea and arrange transportation to distribution points. • Liaise and coordinate with other key actors to ensure best uses of all information.

Communications – Advocacy and Public information During an operation, communications between affected populations and the Red Cross and Red Crescent, as well as with the media and donors, is an essential mechanism for effective disaster response and the cornerstone to promote greater quality, accountability and transparency. The National Society has developed a communications plan to promote the visibility of their activities, through videos, photographs and other media. The BRC will share this information with donors as well as with the communities where they will work. The BRC will also include the donors’ logos in the informative materials and relief items to be distributed.

Capacity of the National Society The National Society has gained significant experience in disaster response during the last thirteen years. For the current emergency appeal the technical team of the National Disaster Relief Unit is coordinating with all the branches, deploying over 100 volunteers. The BRC has completed evaluations in the communities affected by La Niña in the municipalities of Rurrenabaque, Reyes and San Buenaventura.

As part of the operation, a delegate will be hired to coordinate efforts and use this opportunity for capacity building in the National Society, particularly in the areas of water and sanitation and early recovery. During the current operation the National Society will also strengthen their capacities on IFRC standards for local procurement. Additionally, the BRC will train more volunteers to strengthen their National Intervention Teams, complete a refresher course in water and sanitation for their previously trained NIT, and will buy computer equipment to facilitate administrative, monitoring and reporting activities.

Finally, during this emergency operation, the IFRC and the National Society will try to further advance the National Disaster Response Plan and the contingency plans of the branches.

Capacity of the IFRC The IFRC, through PADRU and the Regional Representation for the Andean Countries, is providing support to the National Society for the emergency response. A Disaster Management delegate has been deployed to support the development of the plan of action and relief distributions. Additionally, PADRU will continue to provide technical support, including for the tendering and purchasing processes within the country. This support could include material and technical support for all of the objectives, as needed, as well as the deployment of a member of a Regional Intervention Team.

Budget summary See attached budget (Annex 1) for details. 10

Matthias Schmale Bekele Geleta Under Secretary General Secretary General Programme Services

How we work All IFRC assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's) in Disaster Relief and the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (Sphere) in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable.

The IFRC’s vision is to inspire, encourage, The IFRC’s work is guided by Strategy 2020 which puts facilitate and promote at all times all forms of forward three strategic aims: humanitarian activities by National Societies, with 1. Save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen a view to preventing and alleviating human recovery from disaster and crises. suffering, and thereby contributing to the 2. Enable healthy and safe living. maintenance and promotion of human dignity and 3. Promote social inclusion and a culture of non- peace in the world. violence and peace. Contact information For further information specifically related to this operation please contact:

• In Bolivia: Dr. Abel Peña y Lillo, President of the Bolivian Red Cross; email [email protected]; phone (5912) 220 2934/ 212 9225; fax (5912) 235 9102. • In Peru: Fernando Casanova, Regional Representative for the Andean Countries; email [email protected]; phone +511 221-8151; fax +511 441-3607. • In Panama: Alvaro Garita Solis, Disaster Management Delegate; email: [email protected]; phone: +507 6747 31 48; fax: +507 316-1082; • In Panama: Douglas Baquero, Regional Logistic Coordinator; email: [email protected]; phone: +507 6747 3146; fax: +507 316 1347. • In Panama: Jan Gelfand, Head of Operations; email: [email protected]; phone: +507 317 3050; fax: +507 317 1304. • In Panama: Zuleika Maynard, Resource Mobilization Officer; email: [email protected]; phone: +507 317 3050; fax: +507 317 1304. • In Geneva: Pablo Medina, Operations Coordinator; email: [email protected]; phone: +41 22 730 4381; fax: +41 22 733 0395.

MDRBO006 date BOLIVIA FLOODS and LANDSLIDES 06/03/2011 BUDGET SUMMARY Budget Group APPEAL Budget TOTAL BUDGET CHF

Shelter - Relief - Shelter - Transitional - Construction - Housing - Consruction - Facilities / Infrastructure - Construction - Materials - Clothing & Textiles - Food 132,525 132,525 Seeds & Plants - Water & Sanitation 13,950 13,950 Medical & First Aid 0 Teaching Materials 9,300 9,300 Utensils & Tools 22,320 22,320 Other Supplies & Services & Cash Disbursments 146,475 146,475 Total Supplies 324,570 324,570

Land & Buildings - Vehicles - Computer & Telecom 2,418 2,418 Office/Household Furniture & Equipment - Medical Equipment - Other Machiney & Equipment - Total Land, vehicles & equipment 2,418 2,418

Storage 0 0 Distribution & Monitoring 7,905 7,905 Transport & Vehicle Costs 15,066 15,066 Total Transport & Storage 22,971 22,971

International Staff 33,480 33,480 Regionally Deployed Staff 7,000 7,000 National Staff - National Society Staff 24,924 24,924 Other Staff benefits - Consultants 0 - Total Personnel 65,404 65,404

Workshops & Training 39,897 39,897 Total Workshops & Training 39,897 39,897

Travel 11,625 11,625 Information & Public Relation 6,696 6,696 Office Costs 1,674 1,674 Communications 6,696 6,696 Professional Fees - Financial Charges 5,115 5,115 Other General Expenses - Total General Expenditure 31,806 31,806

Cash Transfers to National Socieities - Cash Transfers to 3rd parties - Total Contributions & Transfers 0 0

Program Support 31,659 31,659 Total Programme Support 31,659 31,659

Services & Recoveries 0 0 Shared Services 0 Total Services 0 0

TOTAL BUDGET 518,725 518,725 DREF MDRBO006 4 March 2011 FL-2011-000020-BOL Bolivia: Floods

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Most affected regions

The maps used do not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of the International Federation of the R ed Cross and Red Crescent Societies or National Societies concerning the legal status of a territory or of its authorities. Map data sources: ESRI, DEVINFO, GIST, International Federation - MDRBO006.mxd