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Risk Communication An overview of objectives, principles, barriers and benefits. Halifax, NS March 22 nd , 2012. Definition.
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Risk CommunicationAn overview of objectives, principles, barriers and benefits Halifax, NS March 22nd, 2012
Definition Risk communication is the interactive exchange of information and opinions concerning risk and risk-related factors among risk assessors, risk managers, and other interested parties - Adapted from FAO/WHO, 1998
Objectives • Awareness • Understanding risks and decisions • Appropriate involvement • Trust and confidence • Effectiveness and efficiency
Principles • Knowing the audience • Involving the scientific experts • Involving communication experts • Being a credible source of information • Sharing responsibility • Assuring transparency • Timeliness
Strategy ? • A communication strategy throughout all stages of the risk analysis process • Multiple dimensions: • Types of recipients (e.g. partners, contributors, stakeholders) • Government agencies, research organizations, academia, industry, aboriginal groups, private land owners, NGOs, the media, etc. • Size of groups involved • Location and timing of communication • Types of tools and media (e.g. Interactive vs. passive): • Workshops, site visits, presentations, conference, webinars, public meetings, conference calls, videoconferences, websites, SharePoint sites, posters, handouts, etc.
Challenges/Barriers In the risk analysis process: • Access to information • Participation In all contexts: • Differences in perceptions • Differences in receptivity • Lack of understanding of the scientific process • The media
References • FAO, 1998. The Application of Risk Communication to Food Standards and Safety Matters, a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation. Rome, Italy, 2-6 February 1998. • IPPC. 2007. Training material on pest risk analysis based on IPPC standards. Training course day 5 - Presentation A - Risk communication. https://www.ippc.int/index.php?id=186208&type=publication&subtype=&category_id=&tx_publication_pi1[pointer]=1#publication • Health Canada, 2006. Strategic Risk Communications Framework Within the Context of Health Canada and the PHAC's Integrated Risk Management. Ottawa, 26 p.http://www.riskcommunications.gc.ca • The Presidential/Congressional Commission on Risk Assessmentand Risk Management. 1997. Risk Management in Regulatory Decision-Making. Final Report, Volume 2, 1997.