RISK COMMUNICATION VELIA ARRIAGADA RIOS INGENIERO AGRONOMO SERVICIO AGRICOLA Y GANADERO CHILE

The classical definition of risk analysis describes a process consisting in :  hazard identification  risk assessment  risk management  risk communication.

What is risk communication process?  It is an open exchange of explanatory information and opinions between risk managers and stakeholders through risk analysis process.

KEY POINTS  transparent explanation of the risk assessment policy  risk factors identification  risk perception understanding  criteria applied in risk assessment  the constraints, uncertainty, assumptions and hypothesis assumed  clarifying how much broader was applied the expert judgment.  Basis considered for the risk management decisions

STAKEHOLDERS AND SHAREHOLDERS AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL  consumers  Industry  producers  academic and scientific community  official agencies  and any other interested party

Why risk communication?  To achieve a common understanding of risk  To develop credible regulations  To inform interested parties about an issue which is submitted to a decision making  To lead to better understanding about the scientific process involve in a PRA  to allow to the decision makers to take better decisions, enhancing trust and confidence in the regulatory agencies.  To promote the participation and appropriate involvement of all interested parties  Strengthen the working relationships among participants;

Why risk communication? In summary  to ensure that all information and opinion, essential for effective pest risk assessment and pest risk management is exchanged among interested parties and incorporated into the decision making process.

The main problems  The misinterpretation of the concept of “risk”. Confusion with threat or hazards.  The judgment of a message about risk by the perception of confidence in the risk communicator.  The use of the preliminary studies, like reference and final information, no waiting the final study.  The potential bad use of the consultation by certain stakeholders to enlarge or block the regulatory process, normally by commercial reasons.

Suggested principles related to risk communication process This process should :  Be applied consistently, open, transparent and documented in order to promote awareness and understanding of the Phytosanitary issues under consideration during the pest risk analysis process  Promote consistency and transparency in formulating pest risk management options/recommendations and provide a sound basis of information for understanding the pest risk management decisions proposed;

Suggested principles related to risk communication process  Accept and involve the stakeholders and shareholders as a legitimate partner, ensuring the effective communication and consultation (with no exclusion) of all interested parties that should be established and maintained throughout the risk analysis process

Suggested principles related to risk communication process  Clarify the condition of “preliminary” of the risk assessment documents published for consultation.  Be applied as a legitimate process that doesn’t must use to undue enlarge the establishment of Phytosanitary measures.

Proposal  For a better understanding and application of the risk analysis process especially the stage of risk communication is suggested:  To include in the review of the ISPM N° 2 or in ISPM N° 5 the concept of Phytosanitary Hazard and Phytosanitary Risk  To include in the review of the ISPM N° 2 a section with the principles related to the risk communication process.

Thanks a lot