Disaster
Preparedness Network (DP-Net)
Workshop Report
12-13 July,
2002
Nagarkot,
Bhaktapur
1. Background
Because of the vulnerable topographic condition of Nepal, i.e. young Himalayas in the northern side, it is highly active seismic- zone and mountainous fragile land scope Nepal is one of the disaster prone countries of the world where flood, landslide, earthquake, fire and outbreak of epidemics frequently occur. If we a glance at the history of disaster in Nepal we find that the earthquake of 1934 (1990 B.S) measured 8.4 in Richter scale. It killed 16,875 people and demolished 318,139 houses. Similarly, the earthquake of 1988 killed 721 people and 21,976 houses were completely distorted. In the flood and landslide of July 1993, considered to be the biggest ever, 1275 people lost their lives, almost 500,000 people were affected and the development infrastructures worth about US $ 100 million were destroyed. In average, more than 1,000 deaths a year are caused by disasters in Nepal.
Before 1990 only few voluntary organizations and some government bodies (RNA, Police, for example) were involved for relief and rescue activities. After the restoration of democracy in 1990 there is the notable development in NGO sectors. Approximately 40,000 NGOs including non-registered exist in Nepal at the moment. Some of those are involved in the field of disaster management. Because of remarkable existence of NGO/INGO and GOs in Disaster Response there is an opportunity to work together as well as the threat of duplication in action.
The actors in Disaster Management field realized a need of common forum so that the chance of duplication could be avoided and knowledge and resource could be shared. Keeping these facts in mind, the concept of DP-Net (Disaster Preparedness Network) was incepted in 1998. During this period, this forum has become able to initiate some good activities but still it has not been able to achieve expected results. So, there is a dire to revitalize the DP-Net. Therefore, a 2-day workshop was organized in Nagarkot on 12-13 July 2002, in which 35 organizations working for disaster preparedness participated. (List of participants is given in annex-1.)
2. Objectives of the workshop
(i) To share knowledge and experience of disaster management among the DP-Net partners,
(ii) To make an appropriate frame work of DP-Net for revitalization
3. Date and venue: 12-13 July 2002, Hotel Chautari, Nagarkot, Bhaktapur
a) Opening ceremony
The chief guest, Mr. Ramesh Kumar Sharma, Chairman of Nepal Red Cross Society inaugurated the workshop. Inaugurating the workshop the chief guest said that NRCS always believes in "power of humanity". He further added that NRCS gives priority for coordination and participation. He wished for success of the workshop. Mr. Amod Mani Dixit Founder member of DP-Net and General Secretary of N-Set welcomed the participants. On the occasion Mr. Dixit said "The DP-Net was born 5 years before but there must have a collective effort to make it mature." He further added "We have 2 days to think about the betterment of DP-Net. We should extract the best out of this workshop.”
At that opening ceremony, Mr. T. R. Onta, Executive Director of Nepal Red Cross Society justified the need of DP-Net. He illustrated some achievements and on-going activities of DP-Net. He further added that NRCS has developed a questionnaire to collect information of partners that would be helpful to develop a comprehensive DP plan. Mr. Onta also requested the workshop participants for sincere and wider thinking to bring the new momentum of DP-Net.
Similarly, Dr. Min Bahadur Poudel Director of Disaster Management Department, Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighted some of the activities carried out by Ministry of Home Affairs. He said "No single agency can cope with challenge of the disaster and there should be a collective effort, so that DP-Net is an ideal forum."
Knowledge Sharing Sessions (12 July, 2002)
To explore the potential resources and to identify common problems it is necessary to exchange ideas among the partners. By sharing of experiences the partners can replicate good practices of the others. Therefore, special knowledge sharing sessions were conducted on 12th July 2002. The 18 agencies presented major activities and shared their experiences. From the knowledge sharing sessions partners identified the existing resources available to the DP-Net partners, common problems, and some of the replicable practices. Some of the of the key information given by the partners are given below:
1. Nepal Red Cross
Society
a)
T. R. Onta,
Executive Director Presented the major activities NRCS. Some of the key points
are given below:
Þ NRCS is different than other common NGOs because of its working nature and legal foundation. It was established in 1963 after HMG Nepal became a signatory to the Genera Conventions. So the government has also obligation to establish NRCS.
Þ NRCS has top to bottom expansion of organizational structure and it has internal network of 75 district chapters, 1,003 Sub-chapters, 3515 Junior/Youth Red Cross circles and there are 7,88,637 members of NRCS.
Þ NRCS has 6 different committees (i.e. Disaster Management, Health Service, Organization Development, Community Development and Junior/Youth Red Cross Committees). NRCS has been conducting 42 different programmes under these Committees.
Þ Red Cross Movement has its strategy for 2010, and under this strategy NRCS has 4 core working areas (I) Disaster Management (2) Health program (3) Organization Development (4) Dissemination of International Humanitarian Law and
Þ Under the Disaster Management Department NRCS has been conducting several disaster management activities. some of them are given below:
- Community Based Disaster Preparedness Program (CBDP)
- Disaster Preparedness Program
- Warehouse Management
- Relief material supply and distribution
- Flood mitigation program
- Acting together for livelihood management plan in flood situation..
- Human Resources Development for disaster management
- Refugee Assistance Program
- Publication of IEC materials to generate awareness on disaster preparedness
- Simulation etc.
Þ NRCS has good coordination with GOs and NGOs from top to bottom of organization pattern.
b) Rajendra Kumar Rokaha presented on NRCS's Disaster Preparedness Programme (DPP). Some key points presented by him are given below :
Þ NRCS has 26 warehouses 12 different strategic points (i.e. 1 Central warehouse has the capacity of 7,000 family package, 4 regional warehouses have the capacity of 3,000 Family packages each., 2 zonal Warehouses have the capacity of 1000 Family packages each, and 19 local depots have the capacity of 500 family packages each and altogether NRCS has the capacity of 30,000 family packages).
Þ NRCS produces train volunteers and staffs on Disaster Management. (2,500 persons have been trained till date.)
Þ Disaster Management Department conducts several training programs i.e. "Disaster Management Training of Trainer (ToT)" - 14 days long, "Advanced First-Aid Training" - 14 day long, "Basic Disaster Management Training" -5 days long, "Refresher Training" - 5 days long "Flood and Fire Fighting Training" -5 Days long and "Warehouse Management Training" - 3 day long.
Þ NRCS has Installed GIS system for hazard and vulnerability assessment and mapping.
Þ NRCS has Princep Disaster Relief Fund (Rs. 1.89 million). 70% amount of its interest goes for relief materials, 15% is allocated of administrative work and 15% goes for principal amount.
Þ NRCS is linked with disaster management system DMIS and regional response team of IFRC.
c)
Adesh Tripathee
presented on the CBDP programme of NRCS and some key points presented by him
are given below :
Þ NRCS has been implementing CBDP programme in 16 vulnerable districts. 185 communities are covered and approximately 45,000 people have benefited.
Þ Under the CBDP programme the capacity of vulnerable community is being developed for the immediate rescue and relief in order to reduce the loss of human lives and proprieties.
Þ Under the CBDP program following major activities are being conducted
§ Publication of CBDP manuals
§ CBDP orientation to DC and capacity building
§ CBDP training of Training for community workers (volunteers)
§ Training for community people (Disaster management - 3 days, community based First aid-3days, CBFA-3 day and community management - 3 days)
§ Hazard mapping
§ Establishment of early hearing system
§ Preparation of DP plan in communities
§ Collection of revolving fund
§ Collect of food grain
§ Collection of rescue materials
§ Small scale mitigation activities
§ Knowledge sharing,
§ Simulation exercises.
Lesson learned from CBDP program:
- Non-structural mitigation measures (i.e. plantation, conservation of nature, improvement of agriculture system, bioengineering, land use rule etc) are more sustainable and cost effective than structure mitigation measures.
- Immediate relief service is possible only by the community participation (CBDP) where as collection of "Revolving Fund" and "Food Grain" is the best idea for disaster preparedness.
- Women participation ensures the sustainability of program.
- Indigenous practices of community people must be systemized and fitted with disaster preparedness to sustain the program.
2. ENPHO/DSVI
After completion of presentation from Nepal Red Cross, Mr. Nabaraj
Pradhan, Project Coordinator 'flood effect mitigation program on rural
population' ENPHO/DSVI presented on major of the major activities of the
organization. Some of the key information is given below:
Þ ENPHO/DSVI started flood effect mitigation program from December 2001 in partnership with NRCS, which is funded by ECHO. This programme has covered 6 Terai districts i.e. Jhapa, Saptari, Siraha, Rauthat, Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts.
Þ In this program, community participation is very high.
The major activities of the program are as given
below:
- Hazard mapping
- Stack of relief materials at flood prone districts, specially targeted 6 districts.
- Small hydro engineering work for flood mitigation.
- First Aid Training for community people.
- River training
3. Department of soil conservation and watershed Management (DSCWM)
Dr. B. P. Gyawali presented on the activities of (DSCWN). Some of the key points are given below:
Þ DSCWM was established in July 1974 and this department has been planning, implementing and monitoring social conservation & watershed management activities based on the principles of integrated watershed management and people's participation.
Þ The main policy of the department in the disaster management is to protect the land from the potential calamities of flood and landslides on the basis of upper watershed mobilizing people.
Þ Under this department, 5 major activities (i.e. (I) land use planning (ii) land predicating conservation, (iii) infrastructure protection, (iv) Natural hazard prevention and (v) community social conservation & extension) are being conducted.
Þ Under this department 20 structural and non-structural mitigation projects have been implanted.
Þ Under the Watershed Information System Development Section of DSCWM following disaster management activities have been conducted
- Development of IEC materials and distribution to local people.
- Preparation of Hazard maps and distribution to the concerned districts.
- Conduct Disaster Management training for district officer and midlevel technicians.
- Training for hazard mapping.
4. Water Inducted
Disaster Prevention Technical Centre (DPTC)
Mr. Prakash Man Shrestha presented on the activities conducted under this department. Some of the key points presented by him are given below:
Þ DPTC was established in 1991 and Japan Government funded for its activities.
Þ The main objective of this department is to strengthen capability of His Majesty's Government of Nepal to cope with water induced disaster through technology development, provision of training and establishment of database.
Þ The major activities of DPTC are (I) watershed management with emphasis on erosion and sedimentation (ii) landslide prevention and (iii) river training.
Þ Under the community disaster management program advocacy part (i.e. implementing low-cost technology, participatory disaster mitigation activities) and disaster rehabilitation (i.e. organization framework preparation, damage assessment system and emergency rehabilitation plan) parts are incorporated.
Þ DPTC has been conducting development and dissemination of Disaster Information program. Under this program several trainings & seminar are organized, GIS system is installed and course curriculum for T.U. and school are being developed.
After completion of presentation from 4 DP-Net partners Mr. Amod Mani Dixist, Chairperson of that session concluded the first technical session. Dr. Bishal Nath Uprety, Secretary of NCDM, chaired the second session.
5) Lutheran World
Federation (LWF)
Mr. Tulshi Sharma presented on the major activities of LWF. Some of the Key points are given below:
Þ It is Geneva Based Humanitarian Organization which is the Federation of Churches
Þ LWF has been working in different humanitarian and development works in partnership with NGOs
Þ In Nepal, LWF has been conducting following activities.
- Relief materials distribution to disaster victims
- Relief work for liberated bonded labourers in Kailali
- CBDP programme
- Capacity Building of community people for disaster preparedness
- Awareness campaigns on disaster
- Training on disaster management minimum standard (sphere project)
- Participation and initiation for DP-Net
- HIV/AIDS awareness programme
- Refugee Assistance programme.
6. Nepal Society of
Earthquake Technology (N-Set)
Mr. Amod Mani Dixit presented on the major risks of earthquake in Katmandu valley and the activities of N-Set. Some of the key points are given below.
Þ The tragic earthquake incident in 1988. A team of professionals and conscious people realized the need of an organization for earthquake. as a result N-Set was borne in 1994.
Þ N-Set developed a vision for 2020 A.D., keeping the potential earthquake risks in mind.
Þ N-Set carried out a study report on earthquake risk in Katmandu valley.
Þ N-Set published earthquake scenario of Kathmandu valley based on field study and people have been widely sensitized by this scenario report.
Þ N-Set has been advocating about the importance of medical preparedness, improved emergency preparedness.
Þ N-Set has link with in 58 municipalities of the country for risk assessment.
Þ N-set conducted school building risk assessment and renovation.
Þ Training for mason, labor and technical person retro-fitting.
Þ Conducted simulation exercises on mass casualty management system.
Þ Participated in earthquake safety day and demonstrated safety building construction.
Þ N-Set has been closely working with ADPC, OFDA, WHO, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Home Affairs for earthquake risk diction in Kathmandu valley.
7. Nepal Center for
Disaster Management (NCDM)
Mr. Dipendra Purush Dhakal, Chairman of NCDM presented on the activities of NCDP. Some of the key points are given below:
Þ NCDM was established in February 2002 to mitigate the impact of Natural Disaster in the country.
Þ NCDM firmly believes in helping to empower the people and enhance the capability of local community in disaster preparedness and management. Training and awareness are the most effective measures to mitigate the effects of natural disaster in the country.
Þ NCDM has a plan to work in following areas:
- Study and research on disaster
- Awareness generation on disaster management
- Work as a focal point for disaster management.
- Create a natural disaster relief fund.
- Develop coordination mechanism with national and international agencies for disaster management.
- Develop database on natural disaster as an information center.
- Conservation of environment for mitigation of disaster.
8. CARE Nepal
Mr. Santosh Sharma presented a paper on behalf of Care Nepal. Some key
points presented by him are given below:
Þ CARE Nepal started to work in Nepal in 1976. At present it has covered more than 15 districts and 14 projects are being implemented in them.
Þ Main working sectors of CARE Nepal are disaster management, watershed, forestry, agriculture, irrigation, non formal education, and local government.
Þ CARE Nepal has started Action Together for livelihood management plan in flood situation in Jaleshor in coordination with Nepal Red Cross Society. Under this programme following activities are conducted.
- Urban vulnerability assessment
- Orientation programme of the project in the sample communities
- Formation of community based disaster management committee participatory rural appraisal.
- Conducted Basic Disaster Management training for 21 persons
- Conducted community based first-aid (CBFA)
- Awareness campaign
- Drafting of code of conduct.
- Small mitigation activities
- Exploration of alternative livelihood mechanism
Þ CARE Nepal has following other activities related to disaster management.
- Disaster management plan is under preparation
- Delivered emergency kits to project sites for the safety of staff.
- A generator is kept for emergency use to operate communication channel.
- Disaster is incorporated with development activities.
9. UNDP Nepal:
Mr. Man Bahadur Thapa, national Programme Manager, UNDP presented a paper on 'Mobilizing Community for Sustainable Development: The case of community led disaster management in Nepal.” Some of the key points are given below:
Þ The main objective of participatory disaster management programme is to improve Nepal's capacity at local and national levels on disaster preparedness and management, and to influence development related organization to deal with disaster as a regular development activity and not as a separate entity.
Þ Following 3 Major activities are being implemented under this programme.
(i) Capacity enhancement: Disaster management training, workshop, cross visit, meeting, disaster database, GIS etc.
(ii) Institution development: Form/strengthen SGCOs through social mobilization, training on transparent record keeping.
(iii) Micro-infrastructure: River training, landslide control, management through bioengineering etc.
Þ People’s participation is very high (about 50%) in the programme, women are also actively participating.
Þ Some interesting lessons are learned from this programme, which are given below:
Policy-lesson
learned
· An unplanned and unsustainable development activity leads to disaster.
· Development activities should be integrated with disaster management activities.
· Linking disaster to development should be the priority of the donors.
· Community involvement in any development initiative can reduce half of the cost compared to contrary executed activities.
· Pre-disaster initiatives are much more effective and sustainable than the post-disaster activities.
· Need based/relevant programmes are sustainable than donor-driven and contrary executed.
Lesson learned - Implementation
·
Awareness raising and social mobilization should be an
entry point,
·
Peer communication is one of the effective tools to
mobilize local community,
·
Direct involvement of community members in financial
transaction helps to build trust,
·
Group saving is one of the mechanisms to make the
activities sustainable in a long run and also enhance the social cohesion,
·
Local communities should be encouraged to explore
resources within their vicinity,
·
Disaster mitigation activities should be designed with
the local community at the local level,
·
Decision making process must be participatory.
10. Department of
Geology and Mine, HMG
Mr. G. R. Chitracter presented on the major activities of this department. Some of the key points are given below:
Þ In the early days (in 1978) there were 5 seismic stations which were not enough for the measurement of earthquake but now (from 1994) 21 stations are functioning.
Þ Among the top 8 seismic stations of the world 5 stations are in Nepal.
Þ New system: Data acquisition and processing installed in 2001 and all the data are stored in GIS Arc view.
Þ Nepal is very vulnerable from the earthquake because of the natural phenomenon i.e. Young Himalayan and the Tectonic Plate movement from Indian Ocean to Tibetan range.
Þ Earthquake can be measured in Nepal within half an hour strikes anywhere in the world.
Þ Under this department earthquake hazard map is under preparation.
11. Nepal Geological
Society
Mr. Gajendra Khanal presented on the major activities of Nepal
Geological Society. Some of the key points are given bellow:
Þ Nepal Geological Society was born in 1980 because of the effort of a team of geo-experts and professionals.
Þ This society has been actively involved in geo-science, natural hazard, mitigation, relief delivery and advocacy from inception.
Þ More than 10,000 copies of IEC materials on earthquake published and distributed to the community people.
Þ This society conducted geo-science training to science teacher of schools to give importance to geology for earthquake preparedness.
Þ This society has closely worked with HMG Nepal, UNDP, LWF, ICEMODE,
N-Set and other INGOs for earthquake preparedness.
12. Kathmandu
Metropolitan City, Social Welfare Department
Mrs. H. D. Ranjit highlighted on the activities of this department and
some of the key points are given below:
Þ Disaster Management is one of the top priority programmes of this department.
Þ Some public awareness activities have been conducted on 'how to disseminate the safety measure message' on earthquake to the people.
Þ Public awareness campaigns have been organized for disaster preparedness.
Þ Community based earthquake management training organized.
Þ IEC materials on earthquake preparedness published and have been distributed with the aim to have one set of IEC materials in every house of Kathmandu valley.
Þ The executive board of Metropolitan City has approved Building Code for earthquake safety, which is going to be effective very soon.
Þ The rate of build map pass is increased from Rs 5/sqft to 10/sq ft and 25paisa/sq. will be allocated for earthquake safety program from which approximately NRs. 25 lakhs per year will be collected for earthquake safety.
13. World Health
Organization (WHO), Nepal
Ms. Halen Sheply highlighted on the major activities WHO, Nepal in the
field of disaster management in Nepal. Some of the key points are given below:
Þ Capacity building program implemented in different departments/sections of ministry of health for health sector disaster management.
Þ Disaster preparedness plan for emergency health is developed in coordination with UNDP and other agencies.
Þ Guideline and checklist for health program in emergency situation are developed.
Þ Emergency health capacity of major hospitals is enhanced.
Þ Mass casualty management training organized for medical personnel and volunteers.
14. Nepal Police
Mr. Mohan Binod Pokhrel highlighted on disaster management related
major activities of Nepal police. Some of the key points are given in below:
Þ The main objective of Nepal police is to keep peace and maintain law and order, so disaster response is atop priority of Nepal Police.
Þ Under the operation department there is a separate section for disaster response.
Þ Nepal police is the first organization to reach at disaster impact zone, start initial assessment and conduct search and rescue operation.
Þ Nepal Polices has an additional reserve force for disaster response and emergency operation (i.e. at local unit 5-10 persons, at district headquarter level 10-15 persons, at zonal level 25 persons, at regional level 35 persons and at national headquarter 50 persons) The reserve force can be mobilized at any time immediately for disaster response.
Þ Nepal Police has very effective communication channel for disaster operation.
Þ But Nepal Police is in need of advanced equipment for effective and timely disaster response.
15. OXFAM, Nepal
Mr. Ram Prasad Luintel presented on the activities of OXFAM country
office Nepal. Some of the key points are given below:
Þ OXFAM was borne because of the effect of II World War (i.e. 1944) to work on humanitarian ground.
Þ Currently it is nearly in 78 countries of the world to accomplish 8 major objectives. But Nepal country office has focused on 3 major objectives, i.e. (I) Gender Equity (ii) Marginalized community improvement and (iii) Disaster Management Programme.
Þ Under the disaster management programme refugee assistance programme, relief service, advocacy, river training and river basin programme in 6 districts (i.e. Rupandehi, Nawalparadi, Chitwan, Rauthat, Bara and Sharlahi) are being conducted.
Þ OXFAM is carrying out its activities through 35 NGO/CBOs.
Þ Under the institution development programme : advocacy, public health, livelihood support activities, construction/mitigation are being implemented.
16. Action Aid Nepal
Mr. Shyam Sundar Jnavaly presented on the major activities of
Action Aid. Some of the key points are given below:
Þ Action Aid was established in 1982. It has been working in Nepal from the very beginning for the capacity building of most marginalized and vulnerable groups.
Þ Livelihood and economic right, social and economic right and peace and governance are the priority areas of Action Aid, which has been working in twenty-five districts of the country.
Þ Action Aid, Nepal has developed country strategy paper on emergency & disaster management programme.
Þ Action Aid has categorized its response in emergency and disaster management into two parts i.e. (I) immediate response and (II) strategic response.
Þ Under the immediate response, relief and rehabilitation activities are conducted. Similarly, preparedness and awareness and policy research, advocacy and networking activities have been conducted under strategic response.
Þ Action Aid implemented CBDP in Sindhuli district in 1997 and is going to implement CBDP in 12 other districts.
17. Nepal Scout
Mr. Gautam Adhikari highlighted on some of the major activities of
Nepal Scout. Some of the important points are given below:
Þ Nepal Scout was established in 2009 and it has affiliation with World Scout Movement.
Þ Nepal Scout has its network in all 75 districts of the country. National Headquarter alerts its district chapters for the disaster response.
Þ Nepal Scout has very motivated and trained youth volunteers and they can be mobilized for disaster response.
Þ Nepal Scout started community development department in 1970. Under this department several community development programmes are implemented.
Þ Small disaster mitigation activities like tree plantation and conservation of nature are conducted through school children.
Þ Relief materials distributed to disaster victims from time to time at the event of disaster.
18. HMG, Ministry of
Science and Technology
Mr. Rajednra Sidgel highlighted the major activities of this ministry.
Some of the key points are given below:
Þ This ministry developed a policy on "Science and Technology - 057". Under this policy 'Information Technology', Bio-Technology' and 'Metrology' are the top priority activities.
Þ This ministry is the focal point for SAARC Disaster Management Information System.
Þ This ministry organizes Earthquake Safety Day every year.
Þ A Disaster Management workshop is going to be organized very soon.
Þ Ministry of Science & Technology is going to develop early warning system for flood.
Þ This ministry will be able to help DP-Net by developing web-site and information system.
19. Royal Nepal Army
Captain Subash Thapa presented a paper on "Royal Nepal Army in
Disaster Response". Some of the key points presented by him are given
below:
Þ RNA defines Disaster as "A major incident which causes a serious disruption to life, arising with little or no warning causes or threatening death or serious injury to rendering homeless, such number of persons in excess of those which can not be dealt with by the public services operating under normal procedures".
Þ RNA is only the highly organized and well-prepared agency, which has top to button organizational pattern in all 75 districts, and RNA can mobilize its resource force whenever needed.
Þ RNA has a well-defined emergency plan and the disaster is categorized based on the magnitude. The disaster response operation can be done categorically as follows :
(i) Category - A disaster: Which affects one or marathon one region of the country at the same time, which is called National Disaster. At the incident, RNA Headquarter mobilizes its one reserved brigade (8000 army strength for disaster response having multi disciplinary specialized team i.e. search & rescue team, team of engineers, medical doctors etc.)
(ii) Category - B: It affects one or more than one district at the same time. In this incident the regional brigade headquarter mobilizes its force for disaster response and which gives report to National Headquarter.
(iii) Category-C: This type of disaster affects certain area of a district. In this incident local Battalion or company will be mobilized for disaster response.
(iv) Category- D: This type of disaster refers to accidents: road, air crash, industrial etc. In such incidents highly specialized team will be mobilized.
(v) Complex Disaster: This type of disaster refers to terrorist activities/war between countries and in such incidents ‘State of Emergency' shall be imposed and there must be the nation-wide multi disciplinary approach to cope with the situation.
(vi) The RNA follows the principles of 'planing', 'effective mobilization', 'integrated approach' 'economy of effort', 'human factors' and coordination with media for disaster response.
(vii) RNA has a chain of command and bottom up channel for logistic mobilization for disaster response.
(viii) RNA is going to establish a separate department for disaster management.
(ix) RNA has some limitations for disaster response i.e. lack of scientific equipment for disaster response, lack of enough budget for disaster management and lack of highly trained manpower for effective response of disaster.
In conclusion, RNA is well-prepared agency for disaster response which has basic infrastructure for immediate response operation. However, it needs advanced scientific equipment for effective disaster response which is the demand of time.
On the first day (12 July) all the sessions and presentations were focused on sharing of knowledge. The knowledge sharing session became helpful in developing a good undressing among the DP-Net partners. The potential resources and strength of the partners were identified, which can be exchanged. Similarly, the problems/issues which have to be taken in account for the betterment of DP-Net were identified. Some of the issues raised in the workshop are given below:
Issues Raised in the Workshop
i)
All the DP-Net
partners have been developing IEC materials for Disaster Preparedness, why not
to publish alternatively so that the cost and resources can be saved? (Raised
by Amod Mani Dixit, N-set).
·
All the partners
agreed with this issue and they committed to follow this idea in coming days.
ii) Landslide and flash flood are frequently originating from Slavic Hills (Churya Hill) because of its fragile soil condition. The Churya hills are very fragile because of the human intervention for unsustainable development i.e. deforestation and collection of stone in massive quantity from this hill for the construction of Koshi Dam. So, why not to work in Churya Hill for the conservation of its ecology for sustainable development? (Raised by Mr. Uprety, Oxfam).
· All the partners realized the causative factors of flash flood in the Eastern Terai Region to have been human interventions. Also, the partners agreed to make plan by keeping the causative factors of flood in mind in coming days.
iii)
The landless people
who lose their land because of flood and river erosion are not officially recognized
by the government as landless. They do not get any land. Why not to advocate in
this issue to concerned agency (Raised by
Ram Prashad Luitel OXFAM)
·
The DP-Net
partners including representative of Government realized this issue and they
agreed to address it in coming days.
iv)
Some of the
partners already installed the GIS for Disaster Preparedness and some of other
agency like NRCS has currently installed the GIS, why not to share the data and
information so that the cost and time can be saved (raised by T. R. Onta, NRCS)
· The Concerned partners agreed to share the information for GIS by following certain criteria.
v)
Till date, the
agencies that have been working in the field of disaster management don't have
integrated plan for DP, why not to make a common plan so that collective effort
can be made? (Raised by Mr. Laxmi Raman Ban, HMG, Health Services Department).
·
All the partners
agreed to share resources for the collective effort to address the need of
disaster victims.
vi)
Disaster and
Development are very closely interrelated factors and more than 20% GDP goes
for disaster related interventions, why not to address both factors from very
beginning of any programme. (Dr. M. B. Thapa, UNDP )
·
All the partners
agreed to take this fact in account in their developmental program.
vii)
Nepal is one of the
disaster prone countries having difficult topographic situation, poor
communication and transportation system. If any disaster strikes in remote
village immediate relief and rescue is not possible from central level. Why not
to implement CBDP program from related agency so that immediate rescue and
relief can be done from local people (Raised by Adesh Tripathi, NRCS)
·
The partners
realized the need of CBDP program for immediate rescue & relief from
community people.
DP-Net
Revitalization session
Day II (13
July, 2002)
The second-day sessions were focused on DP-Net future strategy and plan. Series of discussions took place for the revitalization of DP-Net. At first, Mr. Amod Mani Dixit presented a paper on 'Networking and Cooperation' which created a favorable environment to make productive discussion for future strategies and programs of DP-Net. The summary of the presentation and the decision of the workshop are given below:
1)
Summary of
presentation in 'Networking and Cooperation'
Þ Increasing loses due to disasters and increase in disaster risks demand a radically approach i.e. (I) Establishment of National focal points (ii) Global forum for NGOs (iii) Shift of emphasis from post disaster intervention to preparedness.
Þ New concepts based on a decade of experience have emerged, such as (I) Decentralization of disaster risk reduction and (ii) community involvement for disaster management.
Þ Net working is very essential for effective and timely disaster response.
Þ There is a need of DP-Net for:
- Information exchange
- Sharing experience
- Identification and sharing of available resources
- Enhancing replication of best practices
- Facilitating in-country networking
- Develop standards for uniformity
- Experienced institutions assist others
- Providing a sense of belonging
- getting rid of "Holier than thou attitude"
- Develop synergies
- Create stronger collective voice
- Facilitating sub-regional and regional net-working
Similarly, there are many nets working groups in the country and abroad so there is a strong need of DP-Net in Nepal. Even though networking is very important there should be certain criteria for well functioning network which are given below:
- Network needs to address well-defined problems,
- Network needs clear objectives that are shared among members.
- Network should have strong coordination
- There must be agreement and willingness to share resources.
- Members must have some basic level of ability and/or capacity to make a contribution.
- There must be strong self-interest in the network.
- The participants must be involved in the management of the network.
- Outside funding is necessary to facilitate the birth and initial funding of the network in developing countries.
2. Discussion on DP-Net's charter and future plan of action
Mr. Dixit's N-Set presentation on "Networking and Cooperation” crated a fertile atmosphere for the next plenary session. The chairperson of this session, Mr. T. R. Onta requested Mr. Man Bahadur Thapa to present the DP-Net's charter. After Dr .Thapa's presentation, the chairperson, Mr. Onta put the proposal to all the partners to decide on (I) whether the DP-Net should be registered as a separate NGO or remain as a common forum of GOs and NGOs (i.e. a loose federation) and (ii) The future plan of action of DP-Net. All the partners actively participated in the discussion on those subject matters to find out proper solution. The views of all the partners were compiled and finally the meeting decided as following:
Decision no. 1: (DP-Net
registration)
The meeting decided that DP-Net should be remained as a loose federation (i.e. common forum) of GOs, NGOs and INGOs involved in disaster management activities. After development of basic foundation and building of capacity it will go for registration as a separate organization by next 2 years.
Decision no. 2 (DP-Net charter amendment)
The DP-Net partners felt that the existing Charter of DP-Net is not appropriate to cope with the emerging trend of disaster and it should be revised. So, the meeting decided to form following taskforce having 7 members to revise the charter, and the team should complete the revision task within last week of August 2002 and it must submit the Charter in the next meeting which will be held in 2nd week of September 2002.
1) Nepal Red Cross's, representative - Convener
2) Mr. Man Bahadur Thapa, UNDP - Member
3) Dipendra Pursush Dhakal, NCDM - Member
4) Amod Mani Dixit, N-Set - Member
5) Gopal Dahal, LWF - Member
6) Laxmi Raman Ban, Department of Health Services - Member
7. Ram Prasad Lutel, OXFAM - Member
Similarly, the meeting gave some guideline and commendation for the revision of the Charter. They are given below:
i) The preamble of Charter must be revised so that the historical background of t he DP-Net can be clearly stated.
ii) The objectives and activities addressed by the Charter must be revised and at least following objectives/activities must be incorporated.
- Advocacy policy
- Network strengthening
- Capacity enhancement of partners
- Information center and knowledge sharing
- Coordination mechanism for disaster response
iii) Direct programme implementation role of DP-Net should be avoided. It should act only as coordinating, advocating and knowledge sharing federation of GOs, NGOs and INGOs.
iv) It should attract new members i.e. media, regional NGOs, CBOs.
v) It must be linked with other networks working in regional and global forum.
Decision no. 3 (Targeted activities/plan of
action)
In the meeting, all the partners actively took part on the discussion for future plan of action of DP-Net. Finally the meeting decided to conduct following activities until December 2003.
i) Collection and publication of DP-Net partners’ profiles.
ii) Development/opening of web-site of DP-Net.
iii) Identification of policy-advocacy gaps in disaster Management in Nepal.
iv) Organizing interaction program with planning commission and other related agency to ensure disaster preparedness from the beginning of any development program.
v) Develop code of conduct for disaster management in the context of Nepal.
vi) Initiate for information center (i.e. collection of DP -- IEC materials, Disaster data base etc.)
vii) Organize knowledge sharing workshop.
Closing Ceremony
The two-day long workshop was conducted in very participatory way where the entire participants shared their ideas and gave valuable input for the revitalization of DP-Net. The workshop ended with a brief closing ceremony. At that time, from the participants’ side, specially representing the governmental agencies, Captain Shubash Thapa, RNA gave a brief speech. Captain Thapa said that "DP-Net is a most essential forum for every actor in disaster response and there should be active participation of RNA in DP-net in coming day." He further said that he would request to the higher authority of RNA for the contribution in DP-Net. While expressing the views about the workshop, Mr. Amod Mani Dixit said that the workshop became very successful to identify the potential resources and capacity of all the partners for Disaster management. He further added that he personally, as other partners, got a good chance to exchange ideas for disaster management forms this workshop. In his view, the workshop became a milestone to boost up the DP-Net's pace. Mr. T. R. Onta, Executive Director of NRCS, thanked all the participants for their sincere input to make the workshop productive. He summarized all the activities of the workshop and pointed out the major decisions of the workshop. The chief guest of ceremony Mr. Ramesh Kumar Sharma, Chairman of NRCS, concluded the workshop with some special remarks. Mr. Sharma said, "The workshop provided a forum for the partners to understand each other and it enhanced the trust to work together." Mr. Sharma ensured that NRCS would continuously support to uplift the DP-Net to make it more functional. At last, Mr. Sharma extended thanks to all the participants for their active and valuable effort to make the workshop productive.
Strengths of workshop
i) The workshop was conducted in a very participatory way.
ii) The potential resources and capacity of the actors in disaster were identified.
iii) Governmental organizations actively participated.
iv) All sessions were conducted orderly and systematically.
v) Common problems of partners were identified.
vi) Wide knowledge sharing to each other.
vii) Level of commitment for DP developed.
viii) Future activities of DP-Nets fixed
ix) Good participation from communication agencies.
Weakness of workshop
i) Some of the partners could not present the written documents.
ii) The duration of session was felt short
iii) Some of the partners could not participate in the workshop.
iv) Some of the invitee could not participate.
Conclusion
A DP-Net workshop on CBDP modality was organized 4 years ago, in 1998, but after that workshop there was a vacuum of experience sharing and joint planing. Similarly, the DP-Net itself covered a curvature path. This workshop filled the gap of communication, and knowledge sharing. Also, a clear guideline was prepared to gear up its motion. Finally, the workshop became very successful to build solidarity for disaster preparedness in Nepal.