In response to disasters such as floods affecting libraries and archives across Central America, the UNESCO Cluster Office in San José, Costa Rica launched the Central American Network of First Aid Volunteers to safeguard documentary heritage. The network was launched in Panama on June 21 with the support of the Ministry of Culture. It aims to develop national teams of volunteers dedicated to preserving documentary heritage during and following disasters. After the launch, a series of training sessions and simulations on disaster risk management was organized for Panamanian volunteers, including representatives of the National Library, National Archives, the Ministry of Culture, the Fire Department, the National Civil Protection System, and the National Association of Scouts of Panama. These sessions covered important topics such as how to conduct risks assessments and salvage books, manuscripts, and other documents after a flood.

Source: UNESCO