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Start Network’s global Forecast-based Warning Analysis and Response Network (FOREWARN) is a network of multidisciplinary stakeholders consisting of humanitarian professionals, academics, scientists and risk experts. Its aim is to provide support so that humanitarian professionals can take action before risks become disasters. In line with Start Network’s localisation agenda, four national FOREWARNs were created and piloted in Bangladesh, Madagascar and the Philippines from 2019, and in Pakistan from late 2021.

Members of Start Network in Madagascar, together with FOREWARN Madagascar and Alliance Urgence members developed an Anticipatory Action system to anticipate tropical cyclones in the country through the Start Fund. Start Network worked with the National Meteorological Disaster Management Authority (BNGRC) to ensure access to high-quality cyclone forecasts and risk information.

“I filled out a voucher form to indicate what I need to survive low temperatures. I expressed my family's need for blankets, sweaters, thermos, rice, salt, oil, lentils, and sugar. A few days later, I got a call to collect the items that I choose. This paper voucher was easy for me," Rita, a community member from Terai shares her experience during Start Fund Nepal's anticipatory response to the cold wave in January 2022.

The British Embassy in Kathmandu (BEK) has announced its continued support to anticipate and rapidly respond to crises through Start Network by providing an additional £ 1.5 million in funding to Start Fund Nepal.

Communities benefit through improved access to information, financial assistance, and disaster response capacity-strengthening tools when local governments employ an inclusive anticipation approach in managing volcanic risks.

Following the success of last year’s Start Fund COVID-19 response in Nepal, Start Network members are piloting a country-based contingency fund to respond rapidly to, and in anticipation of, small to medium scale crises in the country. Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), this member-led trial, known as Start Fund Nepal, has been designed by local, national and international organisations. Members of the Start Fund Bangladesh team have also been supporting the design based on their experience of managing a country-based pooled fund since 2017.

National FOREWARN group launches in Bangaldesh and the Philippines enabling them to use local expertise, forecasts and resources to act before a predictable crisis hits within country.

In early 2019, The Start Network undertook a member survey which probed for examples of how the Start Network is influencing their operations.