The FAO Emergency Management Centre (EMC) helps countries and regions address threats to agrifood systems by focusing on preparedness, rapid response and coordination during emergencies. Guided by the One Health approach, the EMC works to protect food security and livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable areas.

By integrating One Health principles into its actions, the EMC contributes to the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31, advancing key Programme Priority Areas: BP3 (Better Production – One Health) and BL4 (Better Life – Agriculture and Food Emergencies).

About

Established in 2006 to combat the global spread of avian influenza, the EMC began as the Crisis Management Centre – Animal Health (CMC-AH). Over time, the Centre’s focus expanded to address a growing array of threats to agrifood systems.

In 2022, the EMC adapted its scope to meet the increasing global challenges posed by natural disasters, pandemics and other crises impacting food security and livelihoods. Drawing on the expertise of various FAO divisions, the Centre now supports emergency management across all sectors of agrifood production and health, including animal and plant health, as well as fisheries.

Today, the EMC delivers cross-sectoral emergency management services to FAO Members, helping countries build resilient agrifood systems capable of withstanding multi-hazard threats such as pandemics, climate-induced disasters, pest outbreaks, and conflicts.

Objectives 

The EMC works to strengthen resilience in agrifood systems, reducing countries’ dependence on external support by enhancing their capacity to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Its efforts are guided by three core pillars:

1. Preparedness

• Empower countries to manage agrifood emergencies through targeted training, workshops and simulation exercises.
• Guide authorities using the Progressive Pathway for Emergency Preparedness (PPEP), offering self-assessments and customized follow-up workshops based on identified needs.

2. Rapid response support

• Deliver timely assistance during emergencies affecting agrifood systems through in-person assessments, remote guidance, or financial aid, upon government request.
• Ensure early action to mitigate the impact of crises on food security and livelihoods.

3. Emergency management coordination

• Facilitate collaboration during emergencies through Incident Coordination Groups (ICG), working with key partners to support affected regions.
• Strengthen national and regional coordination, fostering self-sufficient management systems.
  

Collaboration

The EMC partners with global technical organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as well as international experts.

These collaborations address multi-hazard threats to agrifood systems, leveraging cross-sectoral expertise to build resilience and promote sustainability.

Through its innovative tools and platforms, the EMC provides tailored emergency management services to strengthen preparedness, rapid response, and coordination at all levels. These services help FAO Members identify their needs and implement strategies to build robust, self-reliant systems capable of responding effectively to threats affecting agrifood production and health.

Key publications

Managing animal health emergencies with a One Health approach

Good emergency management practice: The essentials

Progressive pathway for emergency preparedness

Manual for the management of operations during an animal health emergency

Emergency Management Centre for Animal Health Incident Coordination Groups

Conducting After Action Reviews for animal health emergencies