1. CARAV
PEOPLE’S CARAVAN ON
DISASTER RISK REDUCTION IN
NEPAL
NEPAL
Report of Jointntly Celebrated Event of ISDR Day– 2009
Joint Initiation of
Report prepared by
ECO-Nepal
1
3. Abbreviation
AIN Association of INGOs
BCPR Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery
CBDM Community Based Disaster Management
CBDRR Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction
DDC District Development Committee
DDRC District Disaster Relief Committee
CDO Chief District Officer
DM Disaster Management
DPNet-Nepal Disaster Preparedness Network-Nepal
DRR Disaster Risk Reduction
ECHO European Commission for Humanitarian Aid
GLOF Glacial Lake Outburst Flood
GoN Government of Nepal
I/NGO International/Non Governmental Organization
PDMA Participatory Disaster Management Approach
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UN/ISDR United Nations/International Strategy for Disaster Reduction
VDC Village Development Committee
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4. Table of Contents
CHAPTER- ONE
INTRODUCTION OF THE PROGRAMME
1.1 Background 5
1.2 Objectives 6
1.3 Strategy 6
1.4 Expected outcomes 7
1.5 Steering Committee 7
1.6 Key Stakeholders 7
1.7 Implementing Partners and Role 8
CHAPTER- TWO
ACTIVITIES OF THE EVENT
2.1 National Symposium 9
2.2 Rally 13
2.3 Exhibition 14
2.4 Convention 14
2.5 Meeting with Right Honorable Dr .Ram Baran Yadav 9
2.6 Media Coverage 9
2.7 Acheivements 9
CHAPTER- THREE: ANNEXES
1: Briefing, Strategy and ToR of ISDR Day 19
4. National Symposium on DRR Policy Framework in Nepal 19
5. Disaster Scenario and progress of DRR policy in Nepal 20-27
6. National Symposium on DRR policy Framework in Nepal 2009 28-35
7. National Sysmposium on Adaptation of DRR Policy and fromewark in Nepal 36-40
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5. CHAPTER- ONE
INTR ODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Disasters have been increasing globally with nearly 321 disaster events marked, claiming life of
235,000 people and affecting 210 million people in 2009. Between 2000 and 2007, on an
average 66,812 people have lost their lives and US$8.1 billion worth of property has been lost.
Nine of ten major disasters have been recorded in Asia only. To recognize the importance of
reducing disasters to achieve sustainable development, the UN has designated the second
Wednesday of each October as the International Day for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) since 1990.
This years’ ISDR Day was commemorated on 14th October 2009 around the globe and in
Nepal also.
Nepal is a country exposed to a variety of hazards like floods, landslides, droughts, heat and cold
waves, earthquakes and epidemics. The vulnerability of the Nepalese is further aggravated by
localized poverty, rugged topography and limited service delivery by the government and by
global phenomena such as climate change, rising food prices and the economic crisis.
Nepal’s efforts to celebrate ISDR Day is in line with support to Hyogo Framework for Action
2005- 2015 (HFA) to reiterate the commitment of communities at local, national and international
levels, including governments, donors and other stakeholders to make safer future. This year’s
ISDR Day was celebrated amidst various functions at the initiation of the Government of Nepal
(GoN), United Nations (UN) Systems, Disaster Preparedness Network Nepal (DPNet-Nepal),
Disaster Preparednes Programme of the European Commission Humanitarian Aid department
(DIPECHO)-V Project in Nepal, Association of International Non-governmental Organization
(AIN) and national Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
The event was a historical one with Rt. Honorable President Dr. Ram Waran Yadav directly
interacting with the representatives of community people and stakeholders and committing to
address the problems; Deputy Prime Minister Honorable Mr. Vijaya Kumar Gachhadhar attending
as chief guest and other imminent personalities like Ms. Margareta Wahlström, Assistant Secretary-
General for Humanitarian Affairs, and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator and Special
Representative of UN/ISDR, and residential representative of UNDP Mr. Robert Piper
participating in the event.
The remarkable feature was the people-led 'People's Caravan on DRR in Nepal' with thousands
of representatives from Network of Disaster Affected Communities (NDAC) and general public
attending the 2 day-event. People prepared their declaration with wider participation and discussion
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6. in National Symposium, where Dr. Govinda Kusum, Secretary of Ministry of
Home Affairs (MoHA) was Chief Guest on 13th October. People’s declaration
has been handover to Rt. Hon. President, Chief Guest and Special Guest of
convention on 14th October. The chairperson of NDAC Mr. Jagannath Kurmi
had an opportunity to reflect community issues in the National Consortium.
1.2 Objective:
The overall objective of the ISDR Day events was to enable people
to raise their voice and seek adequate policy measures to address their
rights so as to reduce vulnerabilities
The specific objective was to seek and underline commitment to
enactment of the DM policy by relevant policy makers in the country.
This included obtaining a commitment to institutionalization of DR in
Nepal through country and sector wide approaches and to ensure that
major donors and government recognizes that DRR framework is people
centered and people led.
1.3 Strategy
Approach
The purpose of the ISDR Day ‘Celebration’ as has been designed is a people
led event triggering our collective efforts towards a strong DRR framework in
Nepal. The key to the celebration is the involvement of people, who will not
only provide direct testimonial for the need for DRR framework but also
demonstrate their commitment to work with government to ensure a strong
policy framework that reaches out to the grassroots. Thus, it has been utilized
ISDR day as a trigger, a catalyst towards building the much required DRR
policy framework in Nepal.
Strategic Plan and process
First consultative meeting for celebration of ISDR Day– 2009 was held on 7th
August 2009 at ActionAid Nepal Office and on 11th September at Practical
Action, and was decided that Prof. Dr. Jiba Raj Pokharel lead this programme
as Team Leader, Ram Chandra Neupane will support as Event Manager and
Keshav Sharma as Media Manager. Similarly, Environment and Child Concern
Organization Nepal (ECO-Nepal) would support on logistic management under
a Steering Committee. Mixed methods were adopted for this year’s ISDR Day
celebration in principal which included:
• Joint initiative of GoN, UN agencies, DPNet-Nepal, AIN, DIPECHO
V partners of Nepal and NGOs with Community peoples (NDAC)
• Interactive Symposium and developing a people's declaration
• Organization of rally as People's Caravan on DRR in Nepal
• People's Convention in open ground
• One day exhibition in open ground
• Media mobilization
• Mobilization of youth groups such as sister organization of political parties
and student unions
• Making people-led implementation under the NDAC banner
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7. 1.4 expected outcomes
The expected outcomes of the event were as following:
• Joint declaration by community people’s and major stakeholders, committing to the enactment on the
DM act and policy,
• Increased public awareness on DRR issues,
• Mobilized community, informed on their rights and seeking appropriate policy framework in Nepal on
DRR
1.5 Steering Committee
• Following the discussions on 7th August and 11th September 2009, it was decided to form an ISDR Day
Steering Committee comprising representatives from MoHA, UN agencies and DPNet-Nepal, Mr.
Sten Van Leuffel on behalf of DIPECHO partners and Ms. Reshma Shrestha on behalf of AIN-Task
Group on Disaster Management (TGDM),
• Similarly, three member’s fund management team was formed comprising Mr. P. V. Krishnan, DIPECHO
Project Manager, ActionAid Nepal, Ms. Vera XXX, Handicap International and Ms. Anjali Thakali
Shakya on behalf of AIN-TGDM.
• Further, an Executive Team was formed comprising Prof. Dr. Jeeb Raj Pokharel as the Team Leader,
Mr. Ram Chandra Neupane of ECO-Nepal as the Event Manager and Mr. Kesab Sharma of Practical
Action as the Media Advisor.
1.6 Key Stakeholders
• The celebration of ISDR Day-2009 has been historical with more than 20 major organizations participating
actively and some others indirectly and particular initiation of MOHA together with that of these
organizations for the success of this event. Meaningful participation and commitments from President
and Deputy Prime Minister and their offices has also been commendable.
• Multilateral/UN agencies such as the UNDP and GTZ contribution for the success of the event has
been instrumental
• The DIPECO V partners in Nepal are active in DRR issues. The DIPECHO partners were the
catalysts for the initiations. These organizations included Oxfam GB Nepal, ActionAid Nepal, Mercy
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8. Corps, Care Nepal, Danish Red Cross, Mission East, Practical Action Nepal and Handicap International.
• In addition to DIPECHO V partners, other members of AIN such as Save the Children, Plan Nepal,
Danish Church Aid, Lutheran World Federation, ADRA Nepal and Concern Worldwide have also
actively participated in making the event a grand success.
1.7 Implementing Partners and Role
During the course of celebration of the event, different stakeholders were responsible for different tasks:
• DPNet-Nepal- organizing National Symposium on 13th October and developing People’s Declaration.
• NDAC-coordination, invitation from local level and delivery of overall programme.
• Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS)- First Aid and organizing rally.
• Disaster Management Network Nepal (DiMaNN) and, Kirtipur Volunteer Society (KVS)- managing the
rally.
• Media personnel and youth organizations of different political parties- participating, covering news and
supporting the rally and other events.
• ECO Nepal- logistic management and media coordination with support from Co-Action Nepal. The
details of responsibilities of ECO Nepal were as follows:
1. To manage the affairs of the joint initiative as guided by the Executive Team and the Steering
Committee
2. To maintain proper books of accounts and records separately and exclusively for this event
3. To provide statement of receipts and payments to the steering committee on a periodic basis and
advice the steering committee and executive team on the status of finances
4. To develop a final statement of accounts clearly mentioning the source of funds, receipts and
expenditures thereon
5. To act as per advice of the executive team and steering committee with regard to expenses
6. To follow best practices as per national statutes in accounting and procurement
7. To submit a statement of accounts to all contributors as well as publicize the final statement of
accounts to all DRR stakeholders in the country
ECO Nepal faced challenges in coordinating the agencies and performing tasks ranging from mobilization of
volunteers, organizing meeting with high level government officials and political leaders including the head of
the state, rapporting with INGOs, UN agencies, and above all arranging logistics. ECO Nepal puts its full effort
to address challenges and making the event a notable success with support from its staff and the supporting of
all collaborative agencies. (The Strategy, briefing paper and ToR has been attached in Annex 1)
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9. CHAPTER- TWO
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENT
There were a series of activities for the event planned and undertaken despite a short time available after the
final decision of organizing the event and in addition Dashain festival breaks in between.
2.1 National Symposium
2.1.1 Introduction
On 13th of October 2009, a half day National symposium on "DRR Policy Framework in Nepal" was held in
Katmandu, which was organized by DPNet-Nepal under the banner of N-NDAC. The theme of the symposium
was primarily:
• To present testimonies of disaster affected community
• To update the disaster scenario of Nepal
• To provide information on developments towards implementation of Disaster Management Policy, Act
and Strategy
• To discuss disaster management policy framework rigorously resulting in a declaration
It was attended by 165 participants, majority of whom were from the representatives of affected communities
providing opportunity to share their testimonies as well as the DRR champions to share updated information and
new developments. In addition, speakers included Secretary and Undersecretary of Ministry of Home Affairs,
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10. Chairman of DPNet-Nepal, representatives of Armed Police Force, representative of National
Society of Earthquake Technology (NSET), and representative of the National Federation
of the Disabled Nepal.
2.1.2 Opening Ceremony
National Symposium was inaugurated by Dr. Govinda Kusum, Secretary of MoHA. He
informed the formation of the ‘National Platform of Disaster Risk Reduction’ where
representatives from different I/NGOs are involved. He mentioned that MoHA is in process
of revising the Act, Policy according the endorsed National Strategy for Disaster Risk
Management. He committed to perform this task as soon as possible. He said that data
collection and management plays important role in DRR, but we have lack of uniform data,
which creates duplication. To reduce duplication, effective coordination and cooperation
among stakeholders is needed. He requested all stakeholders for cooperation. He informed
about National Platform on DRR and expressed that the platform should be enhanced further
for coordination and cooperation among different stakeholders. He wishes for the success
of the symposium.
2.1.3 Paper Presentation
Paper 1
Preamble has been enacted for national calamity. In order to carry out relief work, government
may give orders to any one concerned to work like prohibition of the activities in disaster
area that may cause adverse effect o relief works, deputation of the employees of
governmental and non-governmental offices or of institutions and so on. Formation of a
permanent need assessment team at district level, training and orientation are emergency
needs identified. Communication and transportation, temporary settlement, health and nutrition,
sanitation and drinking water should be managed to affected people. Mr. Thir Bahadur GC
under Secretary, MoHA presented the paper.
Paper 2
More than 4,926,562 people are affected in disaster between 1971-2007. Key players and
initiatives at global level that are working for Nepal are UN system, bilateral agencies,
international financial institutions, Nepal risk reduction consortium, regional and global networks
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11. and INGOs. Nepal has been highly benefited by these agencies. Favorable environment for qualitative shift in
DRR has been created in Nepal. Surya Narayan Shrestha, Deputy Executive Director of NSET presented the
paper on behalf of DPNet-Nepal.
Paper 3
Physically challenged people are being highly affected in comparison to others. Men and women suffer differently
by disaster. International instruments and policies are being introduced for DRR. In additional to this, transportation
and communication facilities should be made available for disaster management. Participation of people from
grass root level including physically challenged, women, children, poor, low caste to high class people for DRR
in national as well as international level should be increased.
Paper 4
In true aspect, disaster affected people are not losing only their fundamental right; they are losing lives and
livelihood options. It is very important to associate for disaster management. Association must include people
from every races, religion, gender, community and so on. The basic technologies to reduce disaster risk are
legal management, knowledge regarding disaster, participation, relief for affected people and governmental
sensitivity and commitment..
2.1.4 Discussions and remarks
Dr. Govinda Kusum, Secretary,
MoHA
We have been celebrating ISDR from 2002, but
this year, we are planning to lead community people
in each event. DRR is the main duty of GON and
MoHA is the main agency to look after Disaster
management. There should be proper act and
policy to ensure the rights of people. We have
already prepared the legal documents and handed
over to government but has not yet been adopted
by GoN. As disaster do not wait for us, we need
to finalize the policy and Act as soon as possible.
For this, N-NDAC has been playing lead role to advocate for their rights. We have prepared a declaration; this
will be shared in symposium and will handover the document to the President of Nepal and the Deputy-Prime
Minister. I would like to thank all the government and non-government organizations for their active involvement
in this event and would like to thank all participants for their participation. I believe that the event will be
successful to achieve its goal.
Thir G.C, Under Secretary, MOHA
In the National Disaster Council, representatives from different I/NGOs are involved. MoHA is in process of
revising the Act, Policy and Strategy and after finalizing them, documents will be sent to high commission body.
We commit to perform this task as soon as possible. Data collection and management plays important role in
DRR, but we lack uniform data, which creates duplication. To reduce duplication, effective coordination and
cooperation among stakeholders is needed. We request all for cooperation as our destination and objective is
same. I hope National Platform on DRR would be enhanced further for coordination and cooperation among
different stakeholders. I wish for the success of the program.
Birendra K. Pokharel, Representative of Community people (PwD)
Development agencies should take seriously the issue of vulnerable group and the needs of people with disability
(PWD) need to be included in every stage of disaster. The debate on rights of PwDs has been rising globally
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12. and seeking for universality approach of Disaster Management. I urge that Strategy and Act should
be inclusive to secure the rights of vulnerable group including PwDs. As of now, we have found
inclusive approach neither in government policies nor in plans of development partners. We need to
prioritize PwDs while providing relief operation after disaster.
NNDAC: Jagannath Kurmi, Chairperson, NDAC
I thank all the participants for their concentration and hearing the voice of affected people. We
should work for community people and should understand their feelings. I acknowledge organizers
for giving opportunity to share the story on behalf of affected people in front of the forum. However,
we need to focus on implementation rather than in speech.
Shailendra K. Shrestha
I thank DPNet-Nepal for the invitation and I would like to inform you that I look after disaster
management department in armed Police Force (APF). APF has headquarter in every region and
trying to reach at every district in future. Law of Nepal gives us the mandate to save the lives of
people and provide relief materials during disaster. Civil awareness is very important to fight against
disaster. APF has been involved in rescue operation during flood, landslide and other disaster. We are
always there at the time of incident though there are some limitations.
Surya Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson, DiMaNN
I thank all for their active participation in the symposium. I suggest involving community people
themselves in each step of DRR. I think the donor organizations always influence and enforce our
work. We are not being able to utilize the money (support) provided by the donor organizations. So,
advocacy and lobby to GoN is very important to secure the rights of affected people. I appreciate
community people for sharing their experience and the entire presenters for sharing their knowledge.
Thanks to all participants, media persons, volunteers, and supporting agencies for their contribution.
I would like to invite all to participate in the rally and convention on 14th October, 2009.
Meen Bahadur Poudyal Chhetri, Chairperson, DPNet-Nepal
I thank all the participants and I am pleased to see participation of grass root people to high-level
government officials in a single forum. We felt that DRR issue has been taken seriously now a days,
which is very good initiative for effective DRR. We have done lots of efforts within short period of
time to mark ISDR day. I thank Secretary of MoHA for his valuable time. It is a pleasure that GoN
has adopted the strategy.
2.1.5 Reflection from Community Representative
Vocal presentations of Case Testimonies of various disaster affected community representatives
were one of the most significant agenda of the symposium. Disaster-wise testimonies are summarized
below:
Landslide: Ms. Rampyari, Nuwakot
I am a disabled lady from Nuwakot district. On 22nd Srawan 2057, there was a huge landslide due to
incessant rainfall for two days in this hilly region. People ran away to safer place including my family
but I could not do so due to myself being a disabled person. I cried for hours, scared of landslides but
in vain. After an hour or so, my father came to hold me, only then I could manage to go to safe place.
Since then, I have started to work for people with disabilities. I feel that we have to help ourselves
particularly during emergency. I appeal to all concerned to make special arrangements for people
with disabilities while evacuation activities are carried out after the disaster strikes.
Flood: Ms. Apasara, Kailali
Floods swept away hundreds of houses and property worth millions in a short span. In far-west,
several hectares of land was covered with sand. In Kailali, 3 people died but no Government agency
helped us. NRCS provided us beaten rice and noodles. Flood swept our crops before the Festival-
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13. Tihar. How could we celebrate the festival? Government should provide us
the employment opportunity. Community must be involved in the whole
process of disaster management cycle to protect the rights of the affected
people.
Epidemics: Kalpana Sharma, Jajarkot
In Nepal, especially in remote areas, many people die suffering from different disease. In Jajarkot, doctors did
not arrived in time because of road inaccessibility and many people lost their lives. If government had
provided medicine and relief materials in time, we could be able to protect their life. GON need to think and
work for the affected people. It is necessary to feel the pain of the affected people by the GoN and other
agencies.
2.1.6 People's Declaration
The symposium culminated into a nine points People's Declaration, rationalizing on the need for an immediate
policy framework on DRR in Nepal and seeking measures to ensure rights of disaster affected and disaster
vulnerable people of Nepal (Detail in Annex 2).
2.1.7 Closing Ceremony
Mr. Meen Bahadur Poudyal Chhetri wrapped up the symposium by expressing his thanks and gratitude to all
the participants and informed that he was very happy to see participation of grass root people to high-level
government officials in a single forum. He felt that DRR issue has been taken seriously now a days, which is
very good initiative for effective DRR. He shared that we have done lots of efforts within short period of time
to mark ISDR day. He thanked Secretary of MoHA for his valuable time and shared happiness that GoN has
adopted the strategy. He summarized the event and concluded the Symposium by thanking all again for their
active participation.
2.2 Rally
2.2.1 Opening
The opening ceremony of the rally was inaugurated by the CA members. More than 2500 people participated
in the rally. The main magnetism of the rally was decorated Safa tempo followed by the persons with disabilities,
school students, disaster affected community, various organizations, government officials and general public.
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14. 2.2.2 Rally in the street
At 8 AM in the morning of 14th October 2009, more than
2500 people gathered in the open ground attending the
people's event. People carried variety of placards and
banners. This was a massive awareness campaign. The
tempo was decorated with flex print posters and pamphlet
with earthquake information and message. It was
equipped with high quality audio system. The participants
had carried 200 meters long banner on both sides in order
to avoid traffic problems. The rally started from Army
Open Ground headed through Bir Hospital, Jamal,
Ghantaghar, Old Bus Park, Sahid Gate and merged to a
mass meeting in Nepal Army Open Ground, Tundikhel.
2.2 Exhibition
Parallel to above activities, exhibition stall was one of
the other major attractions of the event. Around 1000 of
people visited the exhibition stalls. The exhibition stall
was decorated with hundreds of posters, banners, flex
print etc. All the DIPECO partners participated in the
exhibition. Non-governmental and UN organizations
erected stalls providing necessary information. All the
organization who participated in exhibition exhibited
disaster related products, including posters, leaflets, and
many more disaster related materials to bring awareness
among the common people. The exhibition was
inaugurated by South Asian Coordinator of DIPECHO
Samuel Maria Feinal.
Conv
2.3 Con v ention
It was the 'hot spot' of this year's ISDR Day event,
wherein people in large numbers from the remote
districts gathered in Katmandu and demanded for
immediate enactment of a strong DRR/DM policy in
Nepal. A documentary providing voiced testimonies from
various disaster affected field was shown in the meet.
Message delivering song by 'Gandarva' helped adding
energy and pushed the mass to dance on his beats. The convention hall was fully decorated with
different pictorial posters of disaster management information and knowledge. While live voices of
people were most remarkable, the convention also had appreciable participation from political parties,
CA members, government officials, people with disability
and civil society.
Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar
Inaugurated and addressed the ceremony. Other many
political leaders addressed to the convention, giving
momentum to the need for a strong policy framework on
DRR. The event was addressed by Ms. Margarett
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15. Walstrom, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, and Deputy Emergency
Relief Coordinator and Special Representative of UN/ISDR.
Chairperson of NDAC Mr. Jagganath Kurmi was handover the people’s Declaration to Deputy
Prime Minister Mr. Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar and Margarata Walstrom in the convention.
This event was a People's Caravan with the aim of attracting highest levels of attention of
people of all walks of life, media and policy makers, in particular. The convention created a
positive knot amongst stakeholders, helping to mobilize and motivated policy makers to take
appropriate action.
2.2.5 Reflection of Community Representatives
Landslide: Ms. Bishwokarma:
I have both sorts of impressions in attending this event: happy because issues are heard and
we have been able to raise our concerns and sad because the problems are continuing killing
many people and damaging a lot of property. In my opinion, there is a need for early warning system and
provision of quality relief at times of disasters like landslides.
Flood: Ram Krishna Thapaliya, Dang:
In Dang, community people have been affected by flood. Thousands of people from 7 VDCs have been
displaced. Usually, water enters our houses and all the food grains and property is lost or becomes useless.
Devpuri VDC has been affected a lot. Following disasters, we have initiated saving and credit micro-finance,
grain collection and other livelihood programs but it is insufficient. Therefore, the government and other agencies
should help the disaster affected people.
Other many people from community and representative from different NGOs, Networks were addressed to the
convention.
Honora .Ram Baran adav
2.4 Meeting with Right Honor a b le Dr .R am Bar an Yadav,
President of Nepal
Right Honorable President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav personally took initiative to
organize a special meeting based on short notice with the delegates of People's
Caravan on Disaster Risk Reduction represented by N-NDAC and to appraise
the People's Declaration on DRR in Nepal. This event profoundly marked as
'a mile stones' in Nepalese history ever and probably it was also a remarkable
event in ISDR Day celebration history in the world.
COVERA
VERAGE
2.5. MEDIA COVERA GE
Various print and electronic media gave due consideration to the event. Around
12 media persons participated in rally while in an interaction meeting there
were around 2 dozens of media persons. The media persons interviewed the
participants in different events and broadcasted their point of view for DRR.
Leading newspapers such as Kantipur National Daily and The Himalayan
Times covered the news of the events. Likewise, the one of the event manager
Mr. Ram Chandra Neupane from Eco Nepal and Team Leader Jeeb Raj
Pokhrel were interviewed in National Television-Sagarmatha. There was media
coverage from other television stations too (Annex- 3).
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16. 2.6. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The total estimated budget of the ISDR celebration was Rs. 1,790,161.93 and the Total expenses made Rs.
1,695,488.42. The Amount of Rs. 825,000.00 was contributed by DIPECHO project partners of Nepal and Rs.
610.590.00 was supported by AIN members. GTZ has been supportedRs. 100,000.00 Similarly UNDP has
been committed to make payment of Rs. 165.449.00 directly to the vender for Stage, Exhibition and Convention
center/decoration cost. Sum of Rs. 5,550.59 has been made surplus which will use according to the suggestion
of fund support agencies. The detail audited financial is attached in Annex- 4.
2.7. ACHIEVEMENTS
A. Initiation by the President: Right Honorable President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav personally invited the
delegates to the events for a meeting, interacted with them, listened to their grievances and committed for the
support. It was a historic initiation .He was found to fully understand on current trends of disaster globally and
in Nepal and the painful impacts associated with them. He highlighted the need of preparedness, immediate
rescue and rehabilitation to cope with the disasters. He appreciated the efforts of GON and I/NGOs and civil
societies and also appeal to all to strengthen their efforts to fight disasters; He reflected that rights of disaster
affected as fundamental rights and wished a successful event.
B. Government commitment: At various levels, government has committed for mainstreaming DRR and
also working for appropriate policies and legal documents. Participation from Deputy Prime Minister and MOHA
representatives is an achievement because; this has started to be the priority of government as well.
C. People's declaration: At the event, there was a people's declaration where affected people have clearly
declared DRR as people's rights and also identified that rights of disaster affected people can be protected
through appropriate legal and policy provisions. It can be expected that disaster affected people shall be
participated in the decision making process that affects their life.
D. International commitment: The celebration of ISDR day was an event to reflect the coordinated efforts
of various agencies and the people affected for DRR. It is anticipated that donors and the international community
have learnt the collaborative efforts and it is further expected that UN system and other agencies shall increase
their investment on DRR in Nepal.
E. Awareness on rights and responsibilities- capacity building: Participation of community people
and policy makers as well as donors in the event was instrumental in building awareness on the importance of
DRR, significance of collaborative efforts for DRR and role of putting people in the centre for DRR planning.
It is expected that the capacity has increased and all participants' incusing media persons have realized enhanced
understanding on DRR in Nepal.
F. Media mobilization: A lot of media persons participated in the programme and it is expected that local
level disaster issues shall be covered in the national media in the future.
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17. CHAPTER- THREE
ANNEXES
Annex-1: Briefing, Strategy and ToR of ISDR Day
Joint ISDR Day 2009 Celebration, Nepal
BRIEFING PAPER
This briefing paper is derived from the Strategy Paper and should be read in tandem with the same
Background:
ISDR Day is celebrated every year, to mark the series of events and efforts that led to formulation of the international
strategy on disaster risk reduction (Hyogo Framework for Action on DRR) as well as to reiterate the commitment of
communities at local, national and international levels, including governments, donors and other stakeholders to achieving
the objects outlined in the HFA document.
In Nepal too, ISDR day is celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm and is marked usually by a series of events like seminars,
symposiums, awareness events and meetings. While the country is currently going through historic transition, there is
increasing levels of risks that is being observed over the past few years, putting severe challenge on the people and the
government to address ground issues that threaten human security while paving way for a sound democratic republic.
Humanitarian community is very active in Nepal. Their involvement and investment in disaster risk reduction is on the rise.
This has clearly led to an increase in demand for a clear policy framework on disaster risk reduction that encompasses all
components of comprehensive disaster management from relief to development and beyond. There is a growing belief and
conviction that comprehensive disaster risk reduction measures should be taken up immediately by formulating necessary
policies and should not be delayed at any cost.
Thus, some of the key stakeholders in DRR in Nepal including DIPECHO partners, AIN, DPNet, NDAC et al has decided
to join hands and have a unified plan and action to mark the 2009 ISDR Day by giving opportunity to the people from the
grassroots, who are affected and impacted by disasters and who live under constant threat of disasters, to raise their
concerns directly with the policy makers in the country.
Thus, the ISDR Day 2009 will be different, enabling people to raise their voice and seek adequate policy measures to
address their rights so as to reduce vulnerabilities. This will be done through a series of people led events to mark the day,
contributing to the ongoing efforts to ensure rights of disaster affected communities through a sound and efficient DRR
policy framework in Nepal.
Objective
The specific objective of the ISDR Day events is to seek and underline commitment to enactment of the DM policy by
relevant policy makers in the country. This will include a) Obtaining a commitment to institutionalization of DR in Nepal
through country and sector wide approaches and to ensure that major donors and government recognizes that DRR
framework is people centered and people led.
Projected Outcome of ISDR Day action
• Joint declaration by government and major stakeholders, committing to the enactment on the DM act and NSDRM
strategy.
• Increased public awareness on DRR issues
• Mobilized community, informed on their rights and seeking appropriate policy framework in Nepal on DRR
Methodology
ISDR day will be a joint initiative by various stakeholders, led by DIPECHO partners, AIN and DPNet. Key to the joint
initiative will be active and total involvement of donors, UN and government of Nepal.
Unlike usual events that mark ISDR day, the highlight of ISDR Day 2009 will be that it is a people led event and culminate
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18. all other events into a single event of mass appeal and optimized value. Communities affected by and vulnerable to
disasters will be mobilized to come to Kathmandu. This will be facilitated under the banner of NDAC, an association of
people affected by disasters.
Proposed Activities
ISDR Day Symposium: On 13th of October 2009, a three hour symposium will be held in Kathmandu. The symposium
will give opportunity to the representatives of affected communities to share their experiences. In addition, speakers will
include parliamentarians, civil servants, DPNet, activists and government representatives. About 100 participants are
expected to the symposium, including large number of community leaders and representatives.
The symposium will lead to a declaration, rationalizing on the need for an immediate policy framework on DRR and seeking
measures to ensure rights of disaster affected and disaster vulnerable people. The declaration will be signed by all the
participants in the symposium, to be presented to the Prime Minister on the following day.
Peoples Rally: On the morning of 14th October 2009, a rally will start from Ratnapark <<xxx>>>, move through Kathmandu
and culminate in Singhadurbar<<xxx>>> or Singhadurbar to Ratnapark. There will be huge public gathering in the venue
with over 1000 people attending the public event. The public event will show the documentary on voices from the field and
will have direct testimonies from some of the disaster affected people. Ministers and political leaders will address the
gathering, giving momentum to the need for a strong policy framework on DRR. This is more or less a mass event with the
aim of attracting highest levels of attention of people, media and policy makers.
ISDR Day Convention: This will be the highlight of the ISDR Day event, wherein people in large numbers from the
districts will gather in Kathmandu and demand for immediate enactment of a strong DRR/DM policy in Nepal. While voices
of people will be the most important thing, the convention should also have sound participation from political parties, CA
members, government and civil society. The event will not be for more than 3 hours in total. The video documentary on
testimonials will be shown. The convention should create a positive note amongst stakeholders, helping to mobilize and
motivate policy makers to take appropriate action.
Debate/Dialogue in mainstream TV on ISDR Day: On 13th October 2009, there will be a panel discussion in TV to
debate and discuss on the state of DRR policy in Nepal, need for immediate enactment of policy and how DRR policy will
provide key framework to securing rights of people. The panelists should include one senior political leader/CA member,
one senior bureaucrat, one academic thinker/practioner, one NDAC representative and one DRR activist. A senior DRR
professional will moderate the panel discussion.
Management of the ISDR day events
ISDR Day Working Group: The DIPECHO coordination meeting of 7th August 2009 has formed a working group to take
necessary decisions that will lead to successful ISDR day. The working group members have been regularly meeting. They
will also periodically report to AIN, DPNet and DIPECHO partners in Nepal.
ISDR Day Event Team Leader: Prof. Jeebraj Pokharel, renowned and respected DRR thinker and activist has agreed to lead
our joint efforts. Please see the ToR for the Team Leader for more details. Under the Team Leader, the following managers
will be directly involved. Team Leader will report to the ISDR Day Working Group
ISDR Day Event Manager: Eco-Nepal has been selected to manage the logistics and administration for the ISDR day
celebrations. This will include local arrangements, venue, invitations, press and media involvement, transport, visibility
and efficient organization.
ISDR Day Media Advisor: Keshab Kumar Sharma of Practical Action will act as Media Advisor and will be supported by
Co-Action Nepal and Eco-Nepal. Media advisor will develop appropriate media strategy, not only for wide coverage of the
event but act as pressure group to ensure quick enactment of DM policy
Costs and Responsibilities (To be finalized immediately)
Cost Sector Est. Costs Commitments and source GAP
Symposium 150,000
Rally 150,000
Convention 800,000
Media 250,000
Management 90,000
Honorarium 175,000
TOTAL 1,620,000
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19. Key stakeholders and their expected contribution
DIPECHO Partners:
• Each of the 8 DIPECHO partners will facilitate brining 40-50 community leaders from the disaster affected/
vulnerable population to attend the ISDR Day. The DIPECHO partner will bear the cost of their travel, accommodation
and per diem. The grassroots representatives are expected to arrive by the morning of 13th of October and leave
in the afternoon of 14th of October. The DIPECHO partners are free to include VDC level, district level administrators,
NGO activists etc.
• DIPECHO partners will also provide maximum possible support to meet the costs for the events in Kathmandu
Association of International Agencies
• AIN will mobilize its members to contribute to the event through funds
• AIN will mobilize its members to bring as much as grassroots workers to the convention on ISDR Day with their
own costs
DPNet
• DPNet will ensure participation of government and administration to the symposium and the convention
• DPNet will raise money to meet the gap of budget
• DPNet will make a 15 min presentation on the symposium on the state of disasters policies in Nepal
NDAC
• Will mobilize grassroots workers
• Organise and give shape to the rally and convention
• Make appropriate presentations in the symposium, rally and convention
• Ensure safety and security of grassroots workers
• Support the event in all possible way. This is their event.
DiMANN
• Will mobilize grassroots agencies
• Will participate and provide participatory leadership to rally, symposium and convention
UN Agencies
• Participation in the series of events
• Provide ISDR related materials for distribution
• Provide funds to meet costs (we should pursue this)
Donors
• Participation in the events
• Provide funds (we should pursue this)
Government
• All relevant ministries under the nodal agency, ministry of Home Affairs should participate in all events and
contribute in whatever way possible. This is a joint event and thus their event too.
Operation of Budget and authorization of expenditure
For the sake of efficient and simple operations of the budget and this program, the money will be pooled and transferred
to Eco-Nepal for use as appropriate. Partners/Contributors can sign an MOU with Eco-Nepal for this purpose and transfer
funds accordingly. Funds will be managed by ECO-Nepal with recommendation of the Team Leader. Eco-Nepal will submit
a detailed statement of accounts to the working group and all partner contributors within 15th of November 2009.
Strategy for UNISDR day
1. Background
Nepal is a country exposed to a multitude of hazards. These hazards range from epidemics, floods, heat and cold waves,
landslides, droughts to earthquakes. While being exposed to these of hazards, the vulnerability of the Nepalese people is
further aggravated by poverty, physical isolation and limited service delivery by the government. The resulting high levels
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20. of vulnerability are further heightened by international phenomena such as climate change, rising food prices and the
economic crisis.
Given these high levels of vulnerability, Nepal is in clear need of strong and efficient Disaster Management structures and
procedures. The geography and resulting physical isolation of the communities makes it indispensable to focus on local
realities and build a DM system that starts in the community and builds up through the different levels (community, VDC,
district, national level)
The Government of Nepal (GoN) expressed repeatedly its commitment to DRR, most recently at the occasion of the launch
of the DIPECHO V round in Kathmandu on 19th of August 2009. In spite of such commitment and steps undertaken in the
past, the current DM policy framework for Nepal is still incomplete. Clearly, there is a need to establish a robust framework
that will integrate DRR into government and partners’ planning.
After the launch of DIPECHO V in Kathmandu on August 19th, partners from both (I)NGO’s, UN, Nepal civil society and
MoHa declared their commitment to join hands and organize jointly UNISDR day on October 14th, 2009. It is the intention
of this paper to outline the strategy and action plan for the process that will lead up to this day.
2. Objectives
Overall objective: Risk Free Nepal
The lack of a legal framework for DM in Nepal leaves the people of Nepal exposed to hazards. This results in unnecessary
loss of lives, property and livelihoods. For people vulnerable to disasters, it is their basic right to have adequate preparedness
measures to reduce the impact of disasters on their lives. The overall objective off GoN and partners, should therefore be
a risk free Nepal, but this process will take years to complete.
Specific Objective: commitment to enactment of the DM policy
A major step in the process leading up to this overall objective is the enactment of both the DM policy and NSDRM
strategy. In line with their commitment, the process for adoption of the NSDRM strategy has been taken on by the MohA
and will be completed within months. To complete the legal framework and thereby strengthen the rights of vulnerable
people in Nepal, further efforts have to be made to ensure the enactment of the DM policy in Nepal. UNISDR day 2009
should be a trigger to restart the process that will lead up to this enactment.
a) To obtain a commitment to INSTITUTIONALISATION of DRR in Nepal
• Develop and implement a robust national policy framework that builds on the community level plans up
to a nation wide plan, incorporating a national DM authority.
• Support districts and VDCs to develop and update DM plans that build on community plans. This
process should be yearly and part of both budget and workplan of the government at all levels.
b) Commitment for COUNTRY and SECTOR WIDE approach on DRR in Nepal
• Countrywide DRR strategy
Over the last decade, significant efforts have been made to strengthen DRR approaches, mainly focusing
on floods in the Terai. Recent developments have clearly demonstrated that DRR has to expand beyond
the Terai area and be integrated nation wide, including hilly and mountain districts.
• DRR across all sectors
According to the National Strategy on Disaster Risk Management, Epidemics rank by far as the most
lethal hazards in Nepal as the recent outbreak of AWD and Cholera clearly demonstrated. Typical DRR
methods, such as capacity building and awareness raising should play a crucial role in the prevention of
the outbreak of such diseases.
c) Recognition by major donors and GON that DRR processes are people centred and led
• Commitment to fund community DM plans throughout Nepal
3. Expected Outcomes
a) Joint declaration by government and major stakeholders, committing to the enactment on the DM act and
NSDRM strategy.
b) Increased public awareness on DRR issues
c) Mobilized community, informed on their rights and seeking appropriate policy framework in Nepal on DRR
4. Targeted Groups:
a) GON
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21. b) CA members
c) Major institutional donors and stakeholders (UNISDR, OCHA, UNICEF, WORLDBANK, INGO’s, Red Cross)
d) General public
e) Disaster affected persons
5. Strategy
Too often in Nepal and elsewhere, events are organised to celebrate various “international days” without clear objectives
or commitments. It is the express intention of the core group on UNISDR day, to use this opportunity to try to go beyond
this event based approach and use the day as a trigger to contribute to a strong DRR framework in Nepal.
The concerned stakeholders shall frame UNISDR day in a process that leads up to the enactment of the DM policy for
Nepal. As the DM act has to pass through the constituent assembly, the GoN and CA members should both be a target and
an integral part of the event.
Coordinator/secretariat
The commitment of the AIN meeting on August 24th to have a joint organisation between (I)NGO’s, UN, Red Cross, MOHA
and others presents both challenges and opportunities. The different organisational culture of the involved agencies will
make it difficult to effectively coordinate, and to identify joint objectives.
To ensure purposeful coordination, it is suggested that a central focal point will be identified. Preferably this will be a
senior Nepali person with the following profile:
• Respected, well known senior profile who can talk and interact confidently with all stakeholders at the highest
level
• Proven commitment to and knowledge of DRR in Nepal
• Available and willing to take up the coordinating role
• Functions to fulfil the ISDR day objective with a clear mandate (ToR will have to be developed)
Tasks of this person would be to:
• Manage the multi stakeholder process leading up to the event
• Rally all stakeholders behind the agreed objectives
• Ensure a strong dialogue with the MOHA/SWC so they can be a supportive part of the process
• Ensure involvement of Nepali networks of disaster affected victims
• Work out a media plan and coordinate between the partners to provide the media with strong testimonies and
messages in the period leading up to UNISDR day
To enable the coordinator to fully take on this job, he/she will have access to secretariat functions, a service which could
be easily provided by one of the partners. Partners will ensure the coordinator has a working budget that will allow him to
execute his responsibilities.
Media manager
This person will have to mobilize and manage media resources and design the media plan in close collaboration with the
coordinator. He/She will be a Nepali person with extensive media contacts and knowledge of DRR. He/she can probably be
found within the participating agencies.
Event coordinator
On UNISDR day itself, an organisation will have to assume the responsibility of managing the event. This should be a
Nepali organisation, familiar with the cause of DRR in Nepal and capable of managing a high profile event. This organisation
will be the front of the event, but will be supported by partners both financially and logistically.
Media plan
The media has proven to be a strong ally for the cause of DRR in Nepal. To ensure maximum involvement and be given
opportunities to report on DRR prior to UNISDR day. A media plan will have to be elaborated with clear milestone events.
Cost plan
The cost of the event, including the steps leading up to it will be shared jointly by all partners.
5. Activities
The core group should identify which of the activities that have been mentioned will be selected and who will ensure their
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22. implementation. The activities should be selected in function of their effectiveness to deliver messages from disaster
affected victims from the entire country (victims from floods, epidemics, fires, landslides, drought and food insecurity)
through the media and the event to the government and CA members.
a) ISDR public media event organized by MoHa, DPNet and NDAC with support of DIPECHO partners,
This event will be featuring testimonies of:
• Victims from East & West floods
• Victims from AWD outbreak
• Representatives of NDAC
• Local government officials involved in DRR and response
b) ISDR Day Parade and Press Meet:
• XXX participants including around XXX from disaster affected communities outside kathmandu.
c) Public notification about the program and importance of the ISDR Day: Count-down of the day in all media, TV
Interaction Program, debates, etc.
d) Ensuring the voice of voiceless (Disaster sufferer) in the new constitution of Nepal: An interaction program with
constitutional members and disaster sufferer to interact on the issues so that the issues are to be incorporated in
the new constitution.
e) Addressing the endorsement of the newly drafted Disaster Management Act and Strategy in action: A delegation
to Chairperson of the Constitution Assembly, Prime-Minister and other major Political Parties to awake them to
endorse the drafted documents of Act and Strategy in action.
f) Sharing lesson learned about a sudden burst of disasters 'Epidemic-2009' in the country
g) Talk program on existing situation of Hospitals and their future strategies to ensure the hospitals are safer:
Doctors and Disaster Managers and concerned stakeholders
h) National Symposium on DRR/??
Terms of Reference for Team Leader
Background and Overview
Please read the attached strategy paper and background note for details on this joint initiative, objective of ISDR day
event and expected outcome. These documents will act as the guiding notes for the Team Leader to deliver results.
Key responsibilities of the TL
Overall:
• To achieve the set objective of ISDR Day Joint celebration and ensure that projected outcomes are realized.
It should be noted here that the objective is not just to organize a series of celebration events, but to ensure that
the ISDR day triggers a mass movement towards realization of the rights of disaster affected people. The ISDR
Day should pave way for debates and conscious efforts amongst policy makers and stakeholders to formulate
a strong DRR policy in Nepal
Specific responsibilities
• To coordinate with different stakeholders, particularly government, UN and donors and ensure their active
participation in the event
• To mobilize political and government leadership, and ensure that highest political leadership and leaders from the
government (Prime Minister, Home Minister etc.) are joining the people led event
• To ensure that the event is not hijacked by political interests other than highlighting the voices of the disaster
affected/vulnerable people
• To ensure that voices of people are heard at every level, leading the event as a people led event than an agency
led event
• To raise money to meet the costs required to achieve the objectives
• To coordinate and lead the various events, particularly the symposium on 13th October and convention on 14th
October to achieve the desired objectives
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23. • To lead drafting the declaration and get it unanimously accepted and signed by participants to the symposium
• To direct, lead and focus the entire discussions and events to achieving the set goal of having a strong policy
framework on DRR
• To give direction to the team members, both strategic and operational
• To be responsible for overall safety and security of participants
• To inform security agencies like CDO, home ministry, police, army etc. on the event and receive their blanket
approval and security coverage available to any normal citizen of Nepal
• To receive permission for using public space, private space and other utilities for the event
• To ensure that all actions, events run on clockwork precision, highly professional and systematic
• To control costs and ensure that each and every action is done with high cost control measures, ensuring highest
return with minimal investment
• To mobilize full potential of media and use media as a strong advocate for policy initiative and securing rights of
people
• To ensure that there is no hardship faced by common citizens due to the large public events and organize rally
and convention in such a way that traffic and normal life of people in Kathmandu is not affected
• To plan the agenda, schedule and speakers for the symposium and convention in consultation with working
group
Duration
The services of the TL will be required for the period starting from acceptance of the ToR/contract throughout the
action period, till 25th of October 2009.
Reporting
• To report on a weekly basis to the working group on the progress and actions
• To liaise with other key stakeholders and update them on the progress made
• To represent the joint initiative at various bodies and networks
• To be responsible for the media advisor, event manager and other support personnel
• To submit a detailed report on the event, achievements, outcome, future course of action and also drawbacks to
the working committee, by 25th of October 2009
Don’ts
• To interact with media on behalf of any of the stakeholder and air concerns/opinions on the role/action/strategy
of any of the stakeholder, particularly INGOs, NGOs, government, UN, donors etc.
• To be critical of any of the stakeholders
• To be partial to any of the stakeholders
• To act as a representative of any particular agency
• To take up actions or deeds that are against the spirit of the joint initiative on ISDR day
Do’s
• To be neutral, professional and highly dignified in approach, ensuring that respect to all stakeholders is maintained
at every level
• To be highly diplomatic, strategic as well as tactical in approach
• To have clear guidelines for team members and ensure their highest levels of efficiencies
Person profile
• Highly respected professional on DRR in Nepal
• Strategic thinker, diplomat, motivator and go-getter
• Highly organized and systematic
• At ease with various stakeholders, from highest office of the government to donors, UN and other agencies
• A highly committed person, who believes in the right of disaster affected and vulnerable people
• Versatile with government structure, mechanisms, functioning and policies
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24. Terms of Reference for Event Manager
Background and Overview
Please read the attached strategy paper and background note for details on this joint initiative, objective of ISDR day
event and expected outcome. These documents will act as the guiding notes for the Team Leader to deliver results.
Key responsibilities of the EM
Overall:
• To contribute to the achievement of the set objective of ISDR Day Joint celebration and realization of outcomes
by providing highly efficient, professional and systematic organizational, administrative and logistics support.
It should be noted here that the objective is not just to organize a series of celebration events, but to ensure that
the ISDR day triggers a mass movement towards realization of the rights of disaster affected people. The ISDR
Day should pave way for debates and conscious efforts amongst policy makers and stakeholders to formulate
a strong DRR policy in Nepal
Specific responsibilities
• To plan the event and set of actions to achieve successful completion of symposium on 13th Oct, rally and
convention on 14th October
• To organize the events of joint ISDR day celebration in a highly professional manner, ensuring highest levels of
efficiency at lowest possible costs
• To book venues and seek clearances for organizing the event from administration and authorities
• To ensure safety and security of all participants at all times
• To map potential low cost accommodations in Kathmandu valley and suggest possible venues for boarding for
all outstation participants
• To plan, design and develop appropriate slogans, visibility materials, propaganda and campaign materials so as
to have a coordinated, concerted campaigning for rights of people on DRR
• To ensure that all public events are organized without causing any hardship or hassle to common public and
commuters in terms of traffic or other disturbances
• To plan and organize exhibition of visibility materials for various stakeholders in and around convention venue
• To keep all stakeholders updated on a regular basis on the logistics arrangement
• To organize the symposium, convention and rally and ensuring provision of basic needs and amenities to all
participants during the events
• To support media advisor as and when required under the overall guidance of the team leader
• To be responsible for the team who will support organizing the event
• To seek volunteers who can help during the day
• To develop appropriate banners and hoardings for the event
Reporting
• To report on a regular basis to the TL on the progress and actions
• To liaise with other key stakeholders and update them on the logistics and organization matters
• To be responsible for support personnel
• To work with the Media Advisor as per direction of TL to ensure a unified approach to ensure quality and
efficiency of program
Don’ts
• To interact with media on behalf of any of the stakeholder and air concerns/opinions on the role/action/strategy
of any of the stakeholder, particularly INGOs, NGOs, government, UN, donors etc.
• To be critical of any of the stakeholders
• To be partial to any of the stakeholders
• To act as a representative of any particular agency
• To take up actions or deeds that are against the spirit of the joint initiative on ISDR day
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25. Do’s
• To be neutral, professional and highly dignified in approach, ensuring that respect to all stakeholders is maintained
at every level
• To be highly diplomatic, strategic as well as tactical in approach
• To have clear guidelines for team members and ensure their highest levels of efficiencies
Duration
The services of the TL will be required for the period starting from acceptance of the ToR/contract throughout the action
period, till 15th of November 2009.
Person/organizational profile
• Previous experience and expertise in organizing large public events
• Organized, systematic and professional in approach and conduct
• Micro manager, with eye for details for ensuring highest quality
• Diligent and hard negotiator to get best value for money
Terms of Reference for Media Advisor
Background and Overview
Please read the attached strategy paper and background note for details on this joint initiative, objective of ISDR day
event and expected outcome. These documents will act as the guiding notes for the Media Advisor to deliver results.
Key responsibilities of the MA
Overall:
• To contribute to the achievement of the set objective of ISDR Day Joint celebration and realization of outcomes
by providing highly efficient, professional and systematic media support by mobilizing and motivating media to
address key issues related to DRR and focus on need for DRR policy enactment.
It should be noted here that the objective is not just to organize a series of celebration events, but to ensure that
the ISDR day triggers a mass movement towards realization of the rights of disaster affected people. The ISDR
Day should pave way for debates and conscious efforts amongst policy makers and stakeholders to formulate
a strong DRR policy in Nepal
Specific responsibilities
• To develop media strategy for the ISDR day joint initiative, optimizing use of media prior to and during the event
to achieve the set objective
• To liaise, interact with and invite media friends for the ISDR day events
• To ensure that there is highest media coverage, in all forms of media, to the issues highlighted through ISDR day
joint initiatives
• To draft appropriate press releases to mark the event
• To circulate press releases/press kit to relevant media personnel
• To use media leverage to seek participation of senior political and government representatives
• To ensure that media personnel are appropriately updated about the event at all times
• To organize a press conference in the sidelines of ISDR day convention
• To decide on who will give press conference, brief the participants and control the proceedings in consultation
with TL
Reporting
• To report on a regular basis to the TL on the progress and actions
• To report the final media outcomes of the event to TL by 20th Oct, 2009
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26. Don’ts
• To interact with media on behalf of any of the stakeholder and air concerns/opinions on the role/action/strategy
of any of the stakeholder, particularly INGOs, NGOs, government, UN, donors etc.
• To be critical of any of the stakeholders
• To be partial to any of the stakeholders
• To act as a representative of any particular agency
• To take up actions or deeds that are against the spirit of the joint initiative on ISDR day
Do’s
• To be neutral, professional and highly dignified in approach, ensuring that respect to all stakeholders is maintained
at every level
• To be highly diplomatic, strategic as well as tactical in approach
• To have clear guidelines for team members and ensure their highest levels of efficiencies
Duration
The services of the TL will be required for the period starting from acceptance of the ToR/contract throughout the
action period, till 25th of October 2009.
Person/organizational profile
• Experienced, professional media advisor
• Contacts with media and government at various levels
• Demonstrated media management skills
• Team player and go getter
26
