Mobile apps help map Ukraine’s recovery needs

While fighting rages in Ukraine’s East, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) helping people map the damage to prepare for a swift recovery.

Citizens in the war-torn regions of Donetsk and Lugansk are uploading information and photos of damage to homes, hospitals, schools, kindergartens and libraries to a web-based map through a mobile phone application.

The interactive map, found at redonbass.org, aims to support the State Agency for Donbas Restoration, other authorities and international aid providers to assess, prioritize and support recovery needs for the region.

“We are here to help Ukraine address current challenges and provide necessary humanitarian and development assistance” said Inita Pauloviča, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine.

“Supporting internally displaced persons and early recovery of social institutions are our top priorities. We stand ready to provide the Government and people of Ukraine with any assistance needed” she added.

The map and mobile application were created through a partnership between UNDP and the Ukrainian NGO Social Boost.

Information from the map will contribute to an ongoing Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessment for Eastern Ukraine. UNDP is part of the assessment that brings the United Nations, the European Union and the World Bank Group together to analyse the impact of the conflict and offer recommendations for short-term recovery and peacebuilding over the next two years.

Experts from a recently launched UNDP – Government of Japan project to help restore critical infrastructure for social care and servicesinfrastructure for social care and services will also use the map.

For more details about this project contact United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine. 

From UNDP Press Release