U.S. Chamber BCLC, InterAction, FedEx Launch Initiative to Map Recovery Projects in Haiti

New Tool to Bring Transparency and Accountability to Recovery Efforts

WASHINGTON, July 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Agencies and donors participating in the ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts in Haiti are in need of current information about where assistance is needed and which areas of response are already being addressed. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC); FedEx; and InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) focused on the world's poor and most vulnerable, are working together to develop a web-based mapping platform to bring transparency and accountability to these efforts in Haiti. This online platform will share critical data about resource allocation, programmatic activities deployed in Haiti and unmet needs. The prototype can be found at http://haitiaidmap.org.

"The challenges facing Haiti's recovery are immense but, until now, it has been difficult to get a clear view of the whole picture," says U.S. Chamber BCLC Executive Director Stephen Jordan. "The mapping tool will be a vital resource for helping companies, NGOs and government agencies understand where the critical needs are and where they can make the biggest difference."

Humanitarian organizations – primarily those with membership in InterAction – will provide data on their activities and ongoing needs, while donors will be able to generate real-time reports about where they can provide the most assistance. The completed mapping platform will provide aggregated information about the different sectors, the financing of projects, and planned spending in Haiti.

"Not only will this technology help to dramatically improve the transparency of recovery and reconstruction in Haiti, but this effective, flexible and sustainable method of capturing program data can be utilized in future humanitarian emergencies," stated InterAction President and CEO, Samuel A. Worthington.

"Having recently visited Haiti to see firsthand the state of the recovery efforts, I'm certain this initiative will improve the flow of resources to bolster the recovery effort," said Shane O'Connor, program advisor, FedEx Global Citizenship. "The potential this project has to create a prototype that may be replicated to help with relief and recovery efforts around the world is especially promising. FedEx is honored to play a role in helping make it happen."

The prototype currently is being tested and shared with the broader humanitarian community in Haiti, including agencies working on recovery efforts with the Government of Haiti. InterAction, BCLC and FedEx believe transparency will be a powerful tool toward greater, more flexible coordination within InterAction members, their partners, the Government of Haiti, the UN-OSE, Interim Haiti Recovery Committee and Haitian civil society. The completed platform is expected by the end of the year.

About BCLC

The Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC), a 501(c)(3) affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is a resource and voice for business' social and philanthropic interests. BCLC's Disaster Assistance and Recovery Program connects business resources with on-the-ground needs in disaster-stricken communities in the United States and internationally. Its Global Corporate Citizenship Program facilitates effective private-sector engagement in international development. Visit www.uschamber.com/bclc

About FedEx

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $35 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 280,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com

About InterAction

InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations. Our 190+ members operate in every developing country, working with local communities to overcome poverty and suffering to improve quality of life. Visit www.interaction.org

SOURCE InterAction