In response to the spring 2009 humanitarian crisis, the cluster approach that had already been piloted during the 2005 Pakistan earthquake was revived. In this context, also the Early Recovery Network was set up in late June 2009 and is support by the Early Recovery Adviser to the Humanitarian Coordinator to assist with early recovery strategic planning and help forge inter-cluster linkages on early recovery-related issues.

The Early Recovery Network is composed of focal points of each of the clusters. It is the responsibility of the Early Recovery Network to reach out to key development stakeholders in early recovery - such as the international financial institutions, civil society organisations, international and national NGOs, the private sector, the media, etc. – and include them in the planning and implementation of early recovery interventions.

In this context, the purpose of the Early Recovery Network is two-pronged:

1.     Reinforcement of the ER approach
It is to ensure that an early recovery component is integrated and mainstreamed into the work of each and every cluster and is understood as a common approach to lead the relief work towards recovery.

2.    Support to joint ER activities
Ensure that a platform is available to formulate common approaches and carry out joint early recovery activities, such as needs assessments.