Enhancing Cooperation for Disaster Management

In order to support enhanced coordination and collaboration in the event of a disaster in Fiji, the Australian Government, through the Fiji Community Development Program (FCDP), will bring together various agencies and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for a two-day workshop.

The workshop will be held at the Sky Lodge Hotel in Nadi from 5 – 6 November and aims to provide an opportunity for CSOs and other agencies to come together and plan a collaborative approach to Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in the Western Division. A major component of the workshop will be focused on training for preparation before and response after natural disasters. It will facilitate discussion and planning to assist better coordination between donors, government and CSOs as the 2015/2016 cyclone season looms.

The Fiji Meteorological Centre has predicted that at least ten to fourteen (10 to 14) tropical cyclones are expected to occur within the region and an elevated risk is expected for Fiji. Fiji has a high chance of being hit by cyclones during the current cyclone season and the combined efforts of government agencies, CSOs and international partners provide the platform for proper preparedness and rapid recovery post-disaster.

FCDP Team Leader, Michael Brownjohn said that through the workshop FCDP hopes to enhance the understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the CSOs and Government agencies in DRM and strengthen linkages between CSOs and Government agencies for more effective DRM and coordination.

(MBJ quote on cross cutting issues)

Stakeholders have identified the need to increase understanding and appreciation of the roles and influence of CSOs in the broader context of disaster risk management (DRM) in Fiji, The workshop will provide opportunities to enhance linkages between CSO DRM activities and district/divisional/national disaster management coordinating bodies and plans.

The workshop will also involve discussions on practical and consistent DRM messages that CSOs can communicate to their partner communities in preparation for the Fiji cyclone season.

Media organisations are invited to send a reporter/ photographer to the event. Please find workshop program attached.

For further information please contact Sunayna Nandni at FCDP on sunayna.nandni@fcdpfiji.org or 93067501111

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