Volunteer training on disaster risk reduction |07 November 2023
A three-day training on disaster risk reduction started yesterday morning, involving community volunteers and staff from the Red Cross Society of Seychelles.
This initiative is led by PIROI, also known as the Indian Ocean Regional Intervention Platform, and facilitated by Zoe Trevisan.
As part of its regional disaster risk management programme, PIROI extends its support to the National Societies (NS) of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in the south west region of the Indian Ocean. Under the PIROI 2023 Disaster Management Cooperation, the project's primary objective is to reduce the impact of natural disasters, epidemics, and the effects of climate change on the population of the south west region of the Indian Ocean.
Ms Trevisan emphasised that “the Red Cross Society of Seychelles is undertaking a series of activities aimed at strengthening the management capacity of the RCSS and fostering an effective approach to disaster response through national and community-based structures and capacity building”.
Throughout the workshop, participants will gain a deeper understanding of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and the tools used for enhanced vulnerability and capacity assessment (EVCA). The main goals include enhancing the knowledge and preparedness of school populations and communities regarding disaster risk, as well as developing the understanding of community volunteers and staff in DRR.
Seychelles, as an island state, is vulnerable to natural hazards associated with climate change, including extreme weather conditions, heavy rainfall, drought, sea level rise, erosion, and health crisis caused by emerging diseases. These factors directly impact utilities, water supply, sanitation, health, and productive sectors, along with coastal infrastructure, flooding of agricultural land, and health epidemics at both national and international levels.
Community volunteers play a pivotal role in the Red Cross strategy for community involvement in disaster risk reduction.
At the conclusion of the workshop, it is anticipated that volunteers will possess a better understanding of disaster risks and its reduction. Furthermore, schools and communities will be aware of the EVCA tools at their disposal for assessing risks in their respective areas.
PIROI comprises various members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including the Comoros Red Crescent, French Red Cross, Malagasy Red Cross, Mauritius Red Cross, Mozambique Red Cross, Seychelles Red Cross, Tanzania Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Based in Réunion Island, PIROI consolidates skills and resources close to vulnerable areas, thus enhancing its adaptability and response to disasters.
Moreover, PIROI's regional intervention force benefits from extensive regional networks and coverage, with over 800 local committees and more than 35,000 active volunteers collaborating with the seven program-member National Societies. Partnership agreements established with the IFRC and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) in 2012 solidify PIROI's pivotal role in managing the region's natural risks.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the training session yesterday.
Vidya Gappy
Photos: Louis Toussaint
