5-6 February, PPRD East 3 experts from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) hosted a National workshop on Crisis Communication and Public Awareness in Yerevan, Armenia.
The main purposes were to provide a solid institutional basis for an effective Crisis Communication coordination with an inter-agency and multi stakeholder approach and to support with the development of a communication strategy.
The participants included 22 professionals from the Crisis Management state academy, Crisis management national center, Department of population protection and disaster risk management, Department of Disaster and Emergency management, the international department, as well as Crisis academy photo journalists and journalists.
Some key takeaways from the participants were that timely, precise and transparent information are key to gain and keep the trust of the public. Also how to answer to rumours and fake news, coordination with other agencies, proper information to each target group and in the field of crisis communication: silence is not golden.
In a parrallell activity on February 5, PPRD East 3 Expert from the Red Cross met Armenian Red Cross Society volunteers in the programme pilot area Stepanavan, Armenia. The meeting focused on discussing survey methodologies and public awareness campaigns, specifically targeted at forest fire risks. The training is part of Work Package D of the PPRD East 3 programme, with a primary goal to enhance community awareness and preparedness against forest fires.
Together, the group designed a public awareness campaign tailored to meet the needs of Stepanavan. Additionally, they explored best practices from Georgia Red Cross Society volunteers, aiming to integrate successful strategies into our efforts. The campaign will aim to reach diverse age and gender groups, ensuring inclusivity and maximizing the impact on the community.
