1. 1 Risk Communication An overview of objectives, principles, barriers and benefits Halifax, NS March 22 nd, 2012

2. 2 Definition Risk communication is the interactive exchange of information and opinions concerning risk and risk-related factors among risk assessors, risk managers, and other interested parties - Adapted from FAO/WHO, 1998

3. 3 Objectives Awareness Understanding risks and decisions Appropriate involvement Trust and confidence Effectiveness and efficiency

4. 4 Principles Knowing the audience Involving the scientific experts Involving communication experts Being a credible source of information Sharing responsibility Assuring transparency Timeliness

5. 5 Strategy A communication strategy throughout all stages of the risk analysis process Multiple dimensions: –Types of recipients (e.g. partners, contributors, stakeholders) Government agencies, research organizations, academia, industry, aboriginal groups, private land owners, NGOs, the media, etc. –Size of groups involved –Location and timing of communication –Types of tools and media (e.g. Interactive vs. passive): Workshops, site visits, presentations, conference, webinars, public meetings, conference calls, videoconferences, websites, SharePoint sites, posters, handouts, etc. ?

6. 6 Challenges/Barriers In the risk analysis process: Access to information Participation In all contexts: Differences in perceptions Differences in receptivity Lack of understanding of the scientific process The media

7. 7 References FAO, 1998. The Application of Risk Communication to Food Standards and Safety Matters, a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation. Rome, Italy, 2-6 February 1998. IPPC. 2007. Training material on pest risk analysis based on IPPC standards. Training course day 5 - Presentation A - Risk communication. https://www.ippc.int/index.php?id=186208&type=publication&subtype=&category_id=&tx_publicati on_pi1[pointer]=1#publication https://www.ippc.int/index.php?id=186208&type=publication&subtype=&category_id=&tx_publicati on_pi1[pointer]=1#publication Health Canada, 2006. Strategic Risk Communications Framework Within the Context of Health Canada and the PHAC's Integrated Risk Management. Ottawa, 26 p. http://www.riskcommunications.gc.ca http://www.riskcommunications.gc.ca The Presidential/Congressional Commission on Risk Assessment and Risk Management. 1997. Risk Management in Regulatory Decision-Making. Final Report, Volume 2, 1997.