Climate change and ecosystem degradation place new demand on disaster risk reduction approaches Partner for resilience’s describe integrated risk management (IRM) as an enhanced, holistic approach to increase community resilience by integrating risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem management and restoration.

With the objective to build a common understanding of Integrated Risk management, Bihar Pfr Partner’s Participated in IRM workshop at Seva Kendra, Patna from 15^th April 2019- 16^th April 2019 with the objective of deepen the understanding of ECO DRR, the discussion covered key elements related to ecosystems and their natural ability to buffer disasters. The end of the session, a small Q&A and an engaging exercise. In the second session, the discussion was done on the need for sustainable livelihoods practices for resilient societies Once we conclude the two talks then discuss how to strengthen existing policy frameworks/plans at different levels using the IRM approach in the form of a checklist.

Partners were oriented on the landscape approach and its use in the respective line of work. The session was followed by an exercise to see how upstream and downstream areas are connected. The exercise was interactive in the form of group work to identifying key Driver of risk in a different landscape. In the second session, a detail discussion was done on ESSVA tool (Ecosystem Services shared value Assessment ) followed by group work to understand the Ecosystem services in partner’s area.

Setting of Stage

Fr. Amal Raj Director of the Bihar forum welcomed the guest and resources person Margene Striker (PfR global coordinator, from red cross Netherlands) and Mr. Dushyant Mohili Pfr India coordinator was welcomed by Form director.  He shared about the contribution of Bihar Partners towards Risk reduction measures initiated by all 04 diocese partners since 2008 after Koshi Flood. He also presented the project cycle from response to preparedness to risk reduction. While addressing the partners, he added to learn the new IRM concept to build community more resilient. After the tone setting, the facilitators along with Mr. Abhishek co-facilitates the entire session.

This workshop is an important initiative to identify and finalize the Key area of action under Integrated Risk management approach. Identification of Stakeholders establishing a relation with Institution (Agriculture university, Indian metrological department, Forest department, etc.) for building resilience and community approach such as landscape mapping. A key emphasis of this workshop is developing strong integrated Risk management capacity among the partner staffs.