A Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning Workshop for Media Professionals was held from 23rd to 27th June 2025 at the Berjaya Resort, organized by the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The objective of the workshop was to enhance the capacity of media professionals in disaster preparedness and response, with a particular focus on executive and operational-level engagement. Key areas of discussion included the role of the media in emergency communication, the dissemination of timely and accurate information to the public, and the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of media personnel working in high-pressure environments.
The Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS) was among the participating organizations – Today Seychelles, the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), the Seychelles Nation – and was represented by Ms. Bettina Azemia, Communication and Resource Mobilisation Coordinator.
For the RCSS, the workshop provided a valuable opportunity to reinforce the critical role of communication in disaster risk reduction and emergency response. It also offered a platform to engage with media professionals and other stakeholders on strategies to improve collaboration, preparedness, and public awareness during emergencies.
On the final day, participants took part in a field visit to Le Niole, a community that was severely affected by the torrential rains of December 2023. The visit, facilitated by representatives of the Seychelles Land and Transport Agency (SLTA), offered practical insight into the impact of disasters at the community level and underscored the importance of risk-informed communication and coordinated response efforts.
The RCSS remains committed to strengthening national disaster response mechanisms and continues to support initiatives that build resilience and enhance public preparedness through effective communication strategies.
