The Challenge: Engaging the Private Sector in DRRM
In a country with high disaster risk, engaging Nepal's private sector in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) remains a significant challenge. To address this, PARC, in collaboration with the Tayar Nepal communication team, conducted a half-day interaction program to sensitize 26 journalists from the business beat of Nepal's major media houses.
Setting the Stage: Lessons from the Past
Suman Shakya, a consultant for USAID Tayar Nepal, opened the program by recalling the 1988 Dashrat Rangashala stadium disaster, where a stampede resulted in 93 deaths. He stressed how unprepared Nepalese businesses are, citing a survey that 40% of firms do not reopen following a disaster and highlighting the need for business continuity plans.
A Survivor's Perspective: The Interaction Session
The event was made particularly poignant by the presence of Junar Babu Basnet, a senior journalist who was a survivor of the 1988 disaster. Right after the main presentations, the floor opened for interactions, and Mr. Basnet shared his personal experience and professional insights.
"Everything is connected... we journalists must act as a watchdog in terms of policies implementation, and also work on disaster communication. People quickly forget and learn very little from past incidents... Hence, we journalists keep doing follow-ups constantly."
- Junar Babu Basnet, Gorkhapatra Daily
A Call for a New Perspective
Gajendra Singh Budhathoki, editor-in-chief of Taksar Economic Magazine, also urged journalists to look beyond financial figures and report on issues of risk minimization. He shared his own experiences as a wheelchair user, noting how the private sector's failure to implement accessible building codes creates risks for everyone in society.
Conclusion: A Fruitful Interaction
The event concluded with a lively session where journalists from across the media landscape shared their views. The consensus was clear: DRRM issues are a crucial area for business beat reporters who can play the role of change-makers with aspiring, positive stories. The program was a successful step towards fostering a more informed and collaborative media environment for private sector engagement in DRRM.
