Presentation on a National Workshop on DRR Innovation and Excellence in Nepal, 6/29/2010

1. Innovations in DRRPolicy Advocacy Initiatives in Nepal National Workshop on DRR Innovations and Excellence in Nepal 29 June 2010, Kathmandu P. V. Krishnan, DIPECHO Project Manager, ActionAid Nepal

2. DRR Advocacy Advocacy can be defined as the artand science of informing and influencing policy makers onwards to general public to create an enabling environment through legislation, implementation and sensitization on policies and instruments that helps people to realize their rights and responsibilities

3. Nepal – An already impoverished state carrying the burden of disaster risks Nepal is prone to multiple hazards Policy framework is rudimentary, that has not encompassed emerging trends and current realities Government has shown exemplary commitment to DRR Focused multi-agency approach in recent times has contributed to strengthening policy resolve at various levels

4. Strategic Approach Multi-agency initiatives have focused on a multi-pronged approach to policy advocacy. This includes: Working with people, mobilising community led advocacy (NNDAC, DMCs network) Engagement by civil society networks (DPNet, DIMANN, NNDAC) Cohesive approach by INGOs, NGOs, UN and Donors (AIN, UNDP, ECHO etc.) Proactive Government Machinery (MoHA, MoLD, DHM, NPC) Political Engagement (CA members, political parties)

5. Sensitizing Political Leadership Innovation through engagement with political leadership Sensitizing CA members on DRR, launching and distribution of DRR Toolkit to political leadership Brought DRR mainstreaming and need for revision in DM Act to top political agenda

6. Achievements People’s Caravan on UNISDR Day; DRR Toolkit launching are collective advocacy efforts Public announcement from President of Nepal, Prime Minister, Dy. Prime Minister, Home Minister, Home Secretary, Jt. Secretary (MoHA) that revised DM Act will be taken up soon Revised DM Act has moved fast within the ministries in last 6 months and is a step away from legislation. Act will complement and strengthen NSDRM.

7. Conclusion A multi-channel approach involving all key stakeholders People as fulcrum of advocacy move Connecting political leadership to the emergent issue and seeking their support Pro-active involvement with government Unified stance, focused goal – 1 GOAL approach

8. THANK YOU!