Parametric insurance in action: protecting vulnerable communities in Syria

The World Food Programme’s Drought policy demonstrates how parametric insurance can enable humanitarian organisations to respond faster and more effectively to climate-driven crises.

Placed by Howden’s Parametric Solutions team and underwritten by Swiss Re and Hiscox, the solution uses satellite-based vegetation data to monitor drought conditions across key agricultural regions in Syria, triggering payouts when predefined thresholds are met.

In its first year, the policy paid out almost €7 million following one of the most severe drought events recorded in the region, enabling faster food assistance for vulnerable communities facing escalating food insecurity. The programme highlights the growing role of innovative risk transfer solutions in strengthening resilience, improving disaster preparedness and providing reliable, pre-arranged funding in fragile and conflict-affected environments.