Since 2005, the cluster system has been the main coordination structure for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Moreover, the cluster approach can adapt to specific contexts to ensure it is fit for purpose – for example the coordination and programming requirements in sudden-onset natural disasters may be different from those in protracted conflict and/or displacement crises. At country level, depending on the scale of the crisis, clusters are commonly activated at national level whilst sub-national or decentralised coordination mechanisms support the response as relevant. 

This includes 1) the more traditional thematic sub-national clusters/FSCs but also, especially in recent years, 2) area-based approaches to coordination (focused on geography and multi-sectoral and integrated responses rather than technical sectors such as food security).