community-based disaster risk management and the media media kit

chapter 2. media and disaster risk management
are developed and implemented with the active participation of all
stakeholders, particularly the benefi ciaries/ communities.
3. Encourage survivor participation in recovery: It is imperative
that the opinions of survivors are considered in the development
and implementation of recovery strategies. However, under the high
pressure imposed to rebuild infrastructure as soon as possible, the
authorities and other aid organizations may overlook this aspect.
The media can encourage the participation of survivors. The media
can also conduct opinion polls among disaster survivors, and solicit
the people’s opinion on how recovery plans can be made more
relevant to the needs of the community.
4. Infl uence for integrating risk reduction and prevention: The
process of rehabilitation and reconstruction provides a golden
opportunity to integrate risk reduction considerations in rebuilding
infrastructure to ensure that it is safer from future disasters. The
media can contribute to sustainable social development by providing
relevant information which will highlight, promote and advocate
the need for the integration of risk reduction considerations into
rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Media Strategies
In order to perform the above-mentioned tasks, the media can follow
different approaches. Some of them include the following.
• Organizing expert dialogues: Dialogue among experts on the
causes of disasters, risks, and vulnerabilities and on the identifi cation
of appropriate solutions would play an important role in facilitating
communication among stakeholders on disaster problems and also
in raising people’s awareness. Therefore the media must consider
holding forums among representatives of scientifi c organizations,
e.g. meteorological department, National Disaster Management
Offi ce (NDMO), Mekong River Commission committee, UNDP,
WFP, FAO, Red Cross, etc.
• Public auditing: The media can conduct surveys and opinion
polls to rate the relevance, quality and quantity of the relief and
rehabilitation assistance.
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