ROMANIA Reimbursable Advisory Services Agreement on Consolidation of the Strategic Planning Capacity of the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration for Renovation of the National Building Stock for Energy Efficiency and Seismic Risk in Romania (P169420) OUTPUT 7 Awareness raising of key stakeholders and citizen engagement Final Report November 2021 Project co-financed from the European Social Fund through the Operational Programme for Administrative Capacity 2014–2020 www.poca.ro Disclaimer This document is a product of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/the World Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. This document does not necessarily represent the position of the European Union or the Romanian Government. Copyright Statement The material in this publication is copyrighted. Copying and/or transmitting portions of this work without permission may be a violation of applicable laws. For permission to photocopy or reprint any part of this work, please send a request with the complete information to either (i) Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration (17 Apolodor Street, Sector 5, Bucharest, Romania); or (ii) the World Bank Group Romania (Vasile Lascăr Street, No 31, Et 6, Sector 2, Bucharest, Romania). 2 This report has been delivered under the provisions of the Reimbursable Advisory Services Agreement on Consolidation of the Strategic Planning Capacity of the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration for Renovation of the National Building Stock for Energy Efficiency and Seismic Risk in Romania (P169420), signed between the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development on January 8, 2019. It corresponds to Output 7 under the above-mentioned agreement. 3 Acknowledgments This report was prepared under the guidance and supervision of Christoph Pusch (Practice Manager, Urban, Disaster Risk Management, Resilience and Land, Europe and Central Asia) and Anna Akhalkatsi (Country Manager, Romania and Hungary). Drafting of the report was coordinated by Carina Fonseca Ferreira (Disaster Risk Management Specialist) and Alanna Simpson (Lead Disaster Risk Management Specialist), leading a team composed of the following experts: Rebecca Bicksler, Matei Sumbasacu, Viorela Sfarlea, David Finnigan, Mihai Florin Voicu, Mihai Șercăianu, Bogdan Suditu, Radu Văcareanu, Anda Scupin, and Viorel Popa. The team would like to express its gratitude for the cooperation and guidance from the representatives of the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration, in particular Mrs. Carmen Iliescu, Mrs. Elena Călărașu, Mrs. Anca Ginavar, Mrs. Delia Popa, Mrs. Ana-Maria Georgescu, Mrs. Ana-Maria Cătrună, and Mrs. Adela Lăutaru, as well as the colleagues from URBAN INCERC, in particular Mr. Emil-Sever Georgescu, Mrs. Iolanda Craifaleanu, and Mr. Horia-Alexandru Petran. 4 Contents Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................. 7 Executive summary ......................................................................................................................... 8 1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 9 2. Strategy for public awareness and inclusive action ...................................................... 10 2.1 Risk Communication and Stakeholder/Government Roles ............................................... 11 2.2 Typical Program Communications Cycle ........................................................................... 11 2.2 Communication Partners ..................................................................................................... 15 2.3 General Awareness .............................................................................................................. 16 2.4 Example of a Project Level Communication Strategy ........................................................ 17 3. Communication and Public Engagement Action Plan .............................................................. 22 3.1 Key Activities ...................................................................................................................... 22 3.2 Key Messages ...................................................................................................................... 25 4. Proposed Budget ....................................................................................................................... 28 Annex 1 - Information Ecosystem ................................................................................................ 31 Annex 2 - Communication Checklist for New Programs and Policies ......................................... 34 Annex 3 - Public Awareness Surveys ........................................................................................... 48 Annex 4 – Definitions ................................................................................................................... 57 Annex 5 - Public engagement: international examples and proposed ideas for MDLPA ............ 61 Annex 6 - Seismic Resilience Photo Contest ................................................................................ 71 Annex 7 - Communication Strategy for Raising Awareness on Risk Assessments ..................... 82 Annex 8 - Proposal for expansion of website and social media outreach .................................... 93 Annex 9 - Report on the use of serious games to target key stakeholders on the topic of seismic risk............................................................................................................................................... 136 Annex 10 – History and Oral Stories .......................................................................................... 179 Annex 11 - Materials for communicating the NSRRS ............................................................... 198 5 List of figures Figure 1 Target groups and key messages. Source: World Bank. ................................................ 10 Figure 2 Stakeholder/Government Roles in Seismic Risk Reduction. Source: World Bank. ...... 11 Figure 3 Communication Cycle. Source: World Bank. ................................................................ 12 List of tables Table 1. Objectives and Tasks for Communications Cycle .......................................................... 13 Table 2. General Public Awareness Activities ............................................................................. 17 Table 3. Communications plan for Building Consolidation Program .......................................... 18 Table 4. Action Plan for Communication and Public Engagement .............................................. 22 Table 5. Key roles and responsibilities of target stakeholder groups ........................................... 25 Table 6. Long-term Budget ........................................................................................................... 28 Table 7. Breakdown of Specific Budget Items ............................................................................. 29 6 Abbreviations CSO Civil Society Organization DES Department for Emergency Situations DRM Disaster risk management EU European Union GIES General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations HOA Homeowners Association LPA Local Public Authority MARD Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development MoC Ministry of Culture MoE Ministry of Education MoEUF Ministry of European Investments and Projects MEWF Ministry of. Environment, Waters and Forests MoF Ministry of Finance MoH Ministry of Health MIA Ministry of Internal Affairs MDLPA Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration NIEP National Institute for Earth Physics NSRRS National Seismic Risk Reduction Strategy RAS Reimbursable Advisory Services TAG Technical Advisory Group WB World Bank 7 Executive summary Public awareness is a critical component for seismic risk reduction, requiring coordinated action from multiple stakeholders in society. Regulating government agencies and implementing stakeholders build a partnership through effective communication and feedback, leading to the co- creation of seismic resilience across all sectors and at all levels, from the household to the national level. This document has been prepared as a report on the awareness raising plan and activities complementing Romania’s National Seismic Risk Reduction Strategy (NSRRS). To support the actions listed under Pillar VII of the NSRRS, this detailed plan for boosting participation and improving communication between MDLPA and other stakeholders includes the following actions: - Allocating a budget for communication at the national and local levels. - Creating an agreed-upon list of definitions to be used in all codes and laws pertaining to seismic risk reduction. - Scaling up online presence to establish a system of shared and accessible seismic risk information and data - Strengthening communication channels and establishing regular meetings, surveys, and communication processes to gather input and feedback on programs and policies. - Providing continuous, routine, and targeted communication about seismic risk, which specifies laws and regulations, financial incentives, and training opportunities to equip and empower all stakeholders. A whole-society approach to risk reduction requires building partnerships and involving key stakeholders in the co-creation of risk reduction strategies, as well as informing and inspiring action among the general public. This report explains the overarching strategy for public awareness and inclusive action, expressed as a cycle of communication, focusing on increasing engagement. A two-phase action plan and budget set out the necessary resources and actions to implement this strategy. To support the strategy, Annex 2 offers a detailed checklist of communication and engagement activities for additional guidance. There are several annexes attached which provide drafts, examples and templates for the proposed communication activities included in this report. 8 1. Introduction The World Bank is providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration (MDLPA) in the preparation of a strategy for awareness raising of key stakeholders and citizen engagement on topics related to seismic risk and resilience, through the Reimbursable Advisory Services Agreement (RAS) on “Consolidation of the Strategic Planning Capacity of the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration for Renovation of the National Building Stock for Energy Efficiency and Seismic Risk in Romania (Project Number P169420)”. The technical inputs to the present report build upon an understanding of the current state of seismic risk reduction in Romania, which was analyzed through an in-depth diagnostic of the regulatory environment and government programs under this RAS. The National Seismic Risk Reduction Strategy (NSRRS) outlines the long-term objectives and priorities for reducing seismic risk in Romania by 2050. Offering a detailed roadmap of actions, along with supporting policies and plans, it promotes a participatory and inclusive approach to achieving four specific objectives: • Objective 1: Reduce seismic risk. Reduce seismic risk nationwide by saving lives, reducing injury, and protecting assets through prioritized and efficient investments. • Objective 2: Promote well-being. Promote well-being by creating co-benefits in energy efficiency and sanitary conditions, among other aspects of functionality. • Objective 3: Boost resilience. Boost resilience by integrating risk considerations in territorial and sectoral planning and ensuring resilient recovery and reconstruction processes. • Objective 4: Mobilize participation and inclusive action. Mobilize participation and inclusive action by raising public awareness of seismic risk management and promoting action in the implementation of risk reduction measures. This communication plan outlines the strategy for achieving Objective 4: Mobilize participation and inclusive action, as a key component for implementing the NSRRS. The MDLPA has the main responsibility for communicating seismic risk reduction (focused on risk prevention) while the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA) is generally responsible for risk communication (focused on preparedness and emergency response). Therefore, the MDLPA should assume the role as primary information source of risk reduction materials and provide dedicated resources and staff for this effort. A joint agreement on a communications program with other line ministries and authorities is necessary for the implementation of the public awareness strategy proposed in the present report, because a unified communication approach is critical for building public awareness and mobilizing action on seismic risk. 9 2. Strategy for public awareness and inclusive action The focus of the communication activities described herein may range from: Mobilizing Action on the NSRRS to General Awareness (Figure 1). Also, in terms of target audiences, these activities may range from activities designed for the general public to activities aiming to raise awareness amongst implementing agencies. This way, the communication strategy proposed attempts to facilitate the implementation of the NSRRS, as described in Figure 1 below, through (1) raising awareness of the opportunities and mechanisms under specific programs to boost participation among key implementing agencies, (2) raising awareness on risk reduction programs among the general public to create demand and support for existing programs, (3) increasing general awareness on seismic risk so that all citizens are aware of the urgency and necessity of seismic risk reduction, and (4) increasing general awareness on seismic risk to build demand for new programs and to integrate seismic risk reduction in other strategies among implementing agencies. Figure 1 Target groups and key messages. Source: World Bank. To reduce seismic risk in Romania, each of these target audience groups must receive messages that are specific to their needs and their role in seismic risk reduction. Through routine communication and public engagement, stakeholders will understand their role in seismic risk reduction, while feeling empowered and encouraged to participate in a meaningful way. 10 2.1 Risk Communication and Stakeholder/Government Roles Seismic risk communication is a partnership between the government and citizens (Figure 2). At the base level of risk reduction is awareness of the risk (what is it and why does it matter?). Stakeholders and citizens are responsible to take proactive measures to inform themselves of seismic risk, and the government must implement and communicate accurate risk information, such as risk assessments. Once aware of the risk level and its implications, stakeholders must know how to participate in risk reduction. Risk reduction takes a coordinated effort from the side of the government to create policies and investment programs which enable and incentivize stakeholders and citizens to take action, and clear communication strategies to communicate the roles and responsibilities for implementation, so that stakeholders and citizens can participate in risk reduction. Finally, to fully actualize risk reduction strategies the government must provide incentives, training, and credentials which enable stakeholders and citizens to apply their skills, technology, and financial investments. At each stage of this pyramid, there must be clear communication and feedback between government and stakeholders about their role in risk reduction. Figure 2 Stakeholder/Government Roles in Seismic Risk Reduction. Source: World Bank. 2.2 Typical Program Communications Cycle Communicating the NSRRS is not a one-time action, but rather a cycle of communications and civic engagement that will take place routinely over the next 30 years to continually monitor and accelerate seismic risk reduction in Romania (Table 1). 11 Figure 3 Communication Cycle. Source: World Bank. The first stage of the cycle is evaluation, or assessment. Evaluation may involve surveys or consultations to gather feedback on the level of seismic risk awareness. The evaluation stage monitors the awareness level on specific programs and policies, in addition to ensuring that general seismic risk awareness is increasing. Evaluation and assessment are also complemented by a sensitization process at the level of implementors or potential beneficiaries to determine needs and readiness for new programs and policies. The second stage is development. In this stage, communication strategies are developed based on feedback from the evaluation phase and the needs and gaps identified. Communication strategies are developed to improve participation in programs and raise general awareness of seismic risk. It is important to develop strategies which will clearly communicate the roles and responsibilities for implementing new programs or new laws, and consultations should be organized to gather input on the proposed programs or policies from stakeholders. Any communication materials can be tested in the development phase to ensure effectiveness. The third stage in the communication cycle focuses is the program implementation phase. During this time, it is important to clearly communicate the roles and responsibilities for key stakeholders, including the financial and technical investments available. The implementation phase should also include communication campaigns to raise awareness among the general public and to boost demand for seismic risk reduction. At any time in this cycle, communication materials and activities can be tested and evaluated. This ensures that materials reach the right people with the most effective message. The following table provides details on the communication tasks required for implementing this communication cycle throughout the implementation of the NSRRS: 12 Table 1. Objectives and Tasks for Communications Cycle Phase Objectives Specific Communication tasks Target Audience Frequency Objectives General awareness Send survey to evaluate the awareness 1.General Public surveys (for the and participation levels in seismic risk general public, line reduction (use questions from NSRRS: 2.Line Ministries Annual ministries, and local Monitoring and Evaluation) 3.Local governments) Governments Evaluate Risk Develop and send survey to gauge Awareness Specific survey awareness of specific programs/policies As needed to determine needs and gaps Hire firm or use advisors to collect and Target group of analyze results program or policy Annual/Once per Collect/analyze Share results with appropriate line survey ministries, local authorities, etc. Phase 1. Communicate roles/responsibilities to Evaluation carry out risk assessments to participating stakeholders. It may also Communicate data be necessary to communicate data collection phase collection process to the general public, especially for very large or long-term One per data projects. Stakeholders (i.e., Communicate collection (or Communicate findings of risk other line ministries, Risk Data/ periodically if Analyze results assessments through written text and in- local governments, Assessments long-term person meetings when possible technical partners) project) Share data Make data available and accessible Phase 2. Program Consult Feedback from Organize feedback sessions to collect Annual or as- Development Stakeholders stakeholders effectiveness of existing programs and needed 13 regulations, to identify gaps and needs and to propose feasible intervention measures Program Communicate proposed codes/laws to implementors and Input from stakeholders and gather input before beneficiaries Stakeholders implementation Clarify stakeholders’ responsibility for Communicate regulating and their role in Roles/ implementation Responsibilities Program implementors and Communicate public and private Financial beneficiaries Consult financing opportunities for stakeholders Investments and under each program Stakeholders opportunities At the Phase 3. Program Communicate the resources and training implementation Implementation Resources and of each new opportunities available for technical training Technical program/policy professionals (including information opportunities for professionals regarding credentials or continuing implementers education, if applicable) Build awareness among stakeholders Communicate and the general public through creative seismic risk engagement designed to increase Build management participation and inclusive action (i.e., Stakeholders and the Awareness strategies to allcompetitions, art, performance, film, general public stakeholders and thegames, etc.) general public Monitoring and Repeat Phase 1-3, gathering feedback, developing new communications, and refining programs and campaigns to increase Evaluation effectiveness at any time throughout this cycle. 14 2.2 Communication Partners For this report, the World Bank developed an information ecosystem map to help understand the stakeholders involved in seismic risk communication and current methods and channels of communication between them (Annex 1). The map has been used to identify key stakeholders for the communications strategy, find missing links or redundancies in the communication systems, and can help to identify stakeholders with shared responsibilities. The chart demonstrates that MDLPA, along with MoIA (GIES, DES) and the Ministry of Education, are the primary ministries engaged in seismic risk communication at the national level. There are several entities which connect the national level to civil society: CSOs, the Local Inspectorate for Emergency Services, Local Public Authorities, Schools, and the media (news agencies, TV, newspapers, etc.). It is well-documented in the diagnostic report for this project (Output 3), that the Department for Emergency Situations (DES) under the MoIA serves a critical role in communicating seismic risk, and cooperation between the MoIA and MDLPA is essential for speaking with “one voice” to public throughout the entire disaster cycle. Therefore, the NSRRS should be communicated in coordination with communication from MoIA regarding earthquake preparedness and response. This can be facilitated through regular inter-agency communication. Cooperation with Local Public Authorities (LPAs) is equally important for communicating the NSRRS because of their role in implementing the strategy. LPAs are better suited to communicate directly with the public, and they can more easily gather input and feedback for program implementation. It is essential that the MDLPA communicates the roles and responsibilities of LPAs for implementation of the strategy, and to work closely with them to increase public awareness and improve receptivity of new programs and policies. The National Institute of Administration may help in coordinating messages from MDLPA to LPAs through their regular training. Schools are another vector for disseminating information from MDLPA to the general public, and so the Ministry of Education is a key partner for seismic risk communication. There is an opportunity to use schools to train future generations about seismic risk reduction through educational campaigns and integrating seismic risk information into national curriculum, building on the successful past examples that target youth from kindergarten to university level (e.g., “Prepared means protected” by Romanian National Red Cross Society, “Antiseismic District” by ARCEN and Re:Rise, “First Aid” by Medigate Association, “We know and we prepare” by ADEMED, and “Consolidating Communities” by Habitat for Humanity Romania and Kaufland Romania). MDLPA could facilitate partnerships between NGOs and public authorities to scale up these activities and deliver important seismic risk reduction information into school communities. Similarly, CSOs have a close connection to specific target groups among the general public. Their involvement in communicating the NSRRS as well as gathering feedback and input to new programs and policies would streamline the process for public engagement in risk reduction. As representatives of their target groups, they can offer feedback directly to the MDLPA on behalf of 15 their target audience, and they are better equipped to distribute information to target groups than MDLPA would be able to do independently. Another critical partner for seismic risk communication is the media. The MDLPA can send information on the NSRRS directly to the public through press release, but it is important that the media understand the messages they are communicating and why. There is an opportunity to train media on risk communication for both pre- and post-disaster scenarios to prevent instances of false predictions and misinformation, as in the past. This is an action that would be best taken with MoIA to cover communication among the full disaster cycle. In order to maximize the involvement of key partners and implement successful seismic risk communication campaigns, the MDLPA should establish a trusted group of advisors, who can provide counsel and direction for communication activities. A group of trusted advisors can provide guidance on 1) key target audiences and 2) key messages, and 3) methods and objectives for seismic risk communication. Communication advisors can help with developing and testing key messages and be responsible for ensuring necessary stakeholder groups are included in communication strategies. This group of trusted advisors, should include (at a minimum): • Department for Emergency Situations (DES)/MoIA representative • Representatives of implementing agencies • Seismic risk specialist • Risk communication specialist 2.3 General Awareness Building awareness on seismic risk reduction begins with general awareness. All of society must understand seismic risk, and what is at stake, to inspire action on risk reduction. This requires a strategic, and long-term approach, with clear targets for behavior change. Recommended actions for increasing general awareness on seismic risk reduction in Romania include: 1) regular public awareness surveys, 2) online access to a seismic risk portal, 3) periodic mass media campaigns, and 4) creative engagement activities. 16 Table 2. General Public Awareness Activities Action Objective Frequency Responsibility Public Awareness To engage with the general Annual MDLPA Survey (See Annex public to determine the level and MoIA 3) progress of seismic risk awareness, specifically awareness of risk reduction programs Expand online To provide seismic risk Continual MDLPA presence through information to the general website and social public media (See Annex 8) Mass Media To increase public awareness of As needed MDLPA Campaigns (See general seismic risk Media partners Annex 2, 7, & 10) information, specific information on the NSRRS, and information about programs and updates. (flyer, fact sheet, brochure, web post, video, etc.) Creative To increase public awareness Concurrent with MDLPA Engagement with and inclusive action through new Specialized the Public (See interactive events which boost programs/project, firms Annex 5 & 6) awareness of new programs and annually at a minimum. The Other policies or increase general risk day of the ministries, awareness anniversary of LPAs, and past earthquakes partners, such are good as CSO’s opportunities for those events. 2.4 Example of a Project Level Communication Strategy This section details an example of the communication process for a new program under the NSRRS, based on a scenario for building consolidation (Table 3). This is meant only as an example to provide a reference for future communication strategies, which would be tailored to a specific program. The messages, audience, and media should be adapted to the specific situation and needs at the time of the program. Annex 2 provides more detailed information as a step-by-step guide for communicating new programs. 17 Table 3. Communications plan for Building Consolidation Program Responsibili Activity Task Indicators Frequency ty Project Development/ Initialization Ministry of Finance, Ministry Initial of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Education (schools), 1 consultations with Consultation Ministry of Health Consultation 1. Line Ministries provided for every MDLPA (hospitals), Ministry of / stakeholder and Local Public target group Culture (heritage buildings) group Authorities LPAs in target areas General awareness Targeting building Owners; MDLPA, raising for specific groups based on Impact survey, (did MoIA, LPAs, program focus of retrofitting – event increase 1 event and other 2. participants (to materials focus on “why this awareness?) project build demand) program is needed.” implementers # posts on Facebook Creation and page Providing one central page to MDLPA, and maintenance of the post up-to-date and reliable Impact-based Constantly other project 3. official project information on the project Facebook survey implementers page on Facebook every 6 months # posts/month on Facebook page and MDLPA, Social media Posting up-to-date and social media pages other project coverage of reliable information about the As needed, implementers, 4. project activities project on the official To determine at least once and social (using Facebook page and social impact, gather a month media infographics) networks of partners feedback survey partners every 6 months # media releases sent to Romanian MDLPA, Sharing Placing up-to-date news agencies (i.e., other project information about information about the project Once in 6 5. implementor, the project with through a media release to Pro TV, Atena 1, months and media news agencies news agencies Kanal D, România partners TV, Antena 3, etc.) Placing information about the project on the official websites Publication is of partnering available on the MDLPA, ministries (ie. Providing access to official websites of the Once in 6 partnering 6. MIA, MoH, MoC, information about the project partnering ministries months line ministries MoE, MoF, etc) and LPAs and and LPAs and LPAs updated regularly 18 Brief information about the MDLPA and Development and project, the criteria for # booklets/printed Periodically other project distribution of selection of buildings, and the and distributed starting implementers 7. informational beginning of work design, before first pamphlet/booklet including information on construction (internal or continuity of services hired firm) MDLPA (or Publication of Once in 6 other project Carry out survey to evaluate reviews in social months, implementer) Community community levels of networks, on the starting + advisors 8. sensitization and sensitization and to gather website of the before feedback feedback on the public Or MDLPA and construction perception of the project partnering ministries begins Specialized firm Project Implementation Through consultations, print and online material, #consultations Detailed MDLPA, communicate the details of communication on #printed/online Several LPAs, and 9. the project to construction process and communications events other project and engineering professionals regulations distributed implementers, and building owners/managers Informational Organization of meetings are Meetings to inform the information advertised through MDLPA, community (general public) meetings and social media, LPAs, other where the selected buildings 10. presentations in Facebook, the As required project for the project are located, the local official website, and implementers, work being done, and the government/city [partner ministries or contractor expected outcome. hall LPAs] website/social media For each construction site, Development and MDLPA, print a weatherproof poster Before placement of an LPAs, other explaining the project, Banners placed on starting 11. information project responsible agencies (with all project buildings construction banner in all implementers, contact information), and work project areas contractor expected outcomes Contractor, Before Purchase and install Complaint boxes MDLPA, Purchase of a starting 12. complaint boxes for each placed in all selected LPAs, and complaints box construction construction site sites other project work implementers Online survey Calls/in-person Project feedback To identify successes and implementors Periodically, 14. Feedback survey problems with Targeting program with help of once every 6 implementation. participants advisors or months (building owners hired firm and construction professionals) 19 Clarification of the objectives of the project components Periodically Development of and updating building # articles/materials as MDLPA, analytical articles owners, and other shared on social information LPAs, and 15. and information stakeholders, about the media and print is available other project materials progress of the project media (at least implementers directly via printed letter, monthly) email, WhatsApp, etc. Posting information on the progress of the Timely informing members project Periodically MDLPA, of the impacted community implementation in WhatsApp groups of as LPAs, and 16. about the construction / WhatsApp groups [target community] information other project reconstruction of [public of target groups is updated implementers buildings] (i.e., School committees, select HOAs, etc) Development of FAQs are answered MDLPA, answers to on official Transparency of the project Every 3-6 LPAs, and 17. frequently asked Facebook/webpage implementation process months other project questions about and used for creation implementers the project. of social media posts MDLPA, Monitoring publications in LPAs, other Prompt and social networks and media. Social networks, project 18. Constantly efficient feedback Prompt clarifications to the media. implementers, population. specialized firm MDLPA, Videos shared via LPAs, other Development of regional TV, social Image video about the project Within first project 19. video using networks, website of objectives and outcomes year implementers, infographics MDLPA, partnering specialized ministries, LPAs firm Demonstration of the progress of the project. Romanian news As needed MDLPA, Implementation transparency. agencies (i.e., Pro (at the LPAs, and 20. Press tours Demonstration of the results TV, Atena 1, Kanal beginning, other project of the project. D, România TV, mid-period, implementers Antena 3, etc) end) Project Completion To identify successes and failures with implementation, MDLPA, and overall satisfaction of Survey sent, LPAs, other Once at results collected, analyzed, project completion 21. Feedback survey and results shared implementers, Online survey, or calls/in- of the with help of person feedback project advisors or Targeting program hired firm participants (e.g., building 20 owners and construction professionals) Creative engagement event for the general public to MDLPA, Public Awareness 22. celebrate achievement of the 1 event 1 event MoIA, Other event project and increase line ministries understanding of seismic risk Share project Update Facebook page, Once at results with website, etc. with information MDLPA, 23. # online posts completion general public and photos documenting the MoIA of project online completion of the project In person consultations Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry Consultations with of education (schools), Line Ministries 1 24. Ministry of Health consultations MDLPA and Local Public consultation (hospitals), Ministry of Authorities Culture (heritage buildings) among others LPAs in target areas Holding a press Upon conference (round Demonstration of project completion 26. table) regarding media MDLPA results. of the the completion of construction the project. Videos shared via Development of Within 6 Promotional video about the regional TV, social MDLPA, video, booklet to months of 27. project objectives and networks, website of specialized document the completion outcomes MDLPA and firm project results of project partnering ministries 21 3. Communication and Public Engagement Action Plan 3.1 Key Activities There are several actions (Table 4), which must occur to implement the long-term communications strategy and to mobilize action on the NSRRS. The following table provides a phased plan for communicating the NSRRS and building public awareness. While the MDLPA is primarily responsible for carrying out these actions, partnerships with other entities, such as LPAs, CSOs, and other line ministries will be required. Additionally, some tasks may be outsourced to a hired firm. Table 4. Action Plan for Communication and Public Engagement Action Detailed Action Timeline Responsibility Phase 1 Establish a budget for Establish a budget at the national 2022- MDLPA, MoF the Communication and and local level for 2050 Public Awareness communicating seismic risk to Strategy the general public and for key stakeholders. The budget should cover activities for general awareness as well as communication activities for implementing the NSRRS Establish advisors for Establish a group of advisors 2022 MDLPA risk communication who can give advice and feedback on risk communication. Definition of terms (see Prepare a list of definitions, 2022 MDLPA, MoIA, academic Annex 4) including technical terms, to be and technical institutes consistently used in all laws and regulations addressing seismic risk–related matters. Request feedback from technical professionals and academia. Replace/update terminology in all laws and regulations, when possible. Publish definitions of terms in accessible format (online). Scale up MDLPA’s Prepare a phased plan for scaling 2022 MDLPA social media and web up social media and web presence for seismic risk development, including both (see Annex 8) general seismic risk information 22 and access to data, when available. Develop baseline survey Develop a baseline survey that 2021 MDLPA, MoIA, for public awareness can be used periodically over academia/advisors (see Annex 3) time to gauge the progress of seismic risk awareness of the general public and key stakeholders. Community of Practice Establish regular meetings with 2021- MDLPA (see Annex 2) CSOs, academia, and research 2022 institutions to build key partnerships for disseminating seismic risk information and developing interactive events and training. Communication Prepare a detailed 2022- MDLPA, communication campaign for risk communication campaign for 2023 advisors assessments (see Annex communicating risk assessments, 7) “Why Risk Assessments are Beneficial for You,” especially targeting homeowners, which addresses misperceptions and provides necessary information on the process and implications of risk assessments. Conduct pilots. Prepare for mass media Prepare a list of key messages 2021- MDLPA, hired firm campaigns (see Annex 2 and methods/channels to increase 2022 and Annex 8) general awareness on seismic risk, particularly targeting key stakeholders. Consultations for the Hold consultations explaining Once MDLPA NSRRS the benefits of the NSRRS and before the role of stakeholders in legal implementing the NSRRS, adoption offering an opportunity to key of the stakeholders to provide input on NSRRS their role. 23 Phase 2: Establish annual survey Send and collect survey 2022- MDLPA, MoIA, for public awareness developed in phase 1 and 2050 specialized firm (if evaluate results. needed) Establish regular Hold regular consultations as 2022- MDLPA, LPAs meetings new programs and policies are 2050 developed to receive input and to update stakeholders on the progress of the NSRRS. Scale up MDLPA’s Implement phased plan for 2022- MDLPA, hired firm if social media and web scaling up social media and web 2023 necessary presence for seismic risk development (general seismic (see Annex 8) risk information, and information on programs and policies under the NSRRS) Use serious games to Expand the use of serious games 2022- MDLPA increase engagement to engage LPAs and CSOs in the 2023 (see Annex 9) process of seismic risk reduction (see Annex 9 for guidance, scripts and materials). Develop creative Use events to inspire action on 2022- MDLPA, MoIA, other line engagement events (see seismic risk reduction, using 2050 ministries, LPAs, other Annex 5) important dates such as past stakeholders, hired firm earthquake anniversaries, international day for seismic risk reduction, etc. Public Awareness Event Develop a general awareness At MDLPA, MoIA, other line (see Annex 5 & 6) event to highlight the urgency adoption ministries, LPAs, other and necessity of risk reduction of NSRRS stakeholders, hired firm and inspire action among the general public. Risk Assessment Scale-up communications 2022- MDLPA, MoIA, LPAs, Awareness Campaign campaign developed in Phase 1 2025 CSOs about seismic risk explaining “Why Risk Assessments are Beneficial for You”. Social Media Posts Prepare and disseminate social 2022- MDLPA media posts to share key 2050, messages for seismic risk Ongoing awareness 24 Scale up MDLPA’s Scaling up social media and web 2023- MDLPA, hired firm if social media and web development by including access 2025 necessary presence for seismic risk to risk data Training of government Organize e-learning (self-paced 2022- MDLPA, National officials or face-to-face) training on 2050 Institute for seismic risk management for Administration staff at line ministries, LPAs, and other government agencies. A pilot of this training will be delivered to the MDLPA and State Inspectorate for Constructions as part of Output 8 of this RAS. 3.2 Key Messages Risk reduction is a collective effort that requires engagement and action from many stakeholders. Communicating the NSRRS will require targeted messages to define the roles and responsibilities, particularly of the key stakeholders who will implement the strategy. Target audiences for the NSRRS include the members of society who will benefit from the actions of the NSRRS and those who will implement them. The law requires that any national strategy include a public consultation period, and in the case of the NSRRS, the planning and execution of the public consultation is crucial for enabling the engagement and participation of key stakeholders. The initial consultations are designed to present the content of the NSRRS before the implementation of the strategy and to discuss the benefits of the NRRS as well as the role of key stakeholders in implementing the strategy. Table 5 offers the roles/responsibilities and strategic actions that can be discussed during the initial consultations of the NSRRS among key stakeholder groups. Table 5. Key roles and responsibilities of target stakeholder groups Stakeholder group Roles/Responsibility Strategic Action Line ministries: Ministries of Achieving the objectives of the Support and integrate seismic Health, Education and NSRRS requires concerted effort risk reduction into new and Research, Internal Affairs, in the design of integrated and existing policies and programs. Culture, European Funds, and cost-efficient public investments. Include seismic risk reduction in Finance Policies, financing, and priorities criteria when financing from multiple sectors can be renovation works and new articulated to create greater development. benefits to communities. Local public authorities The NSRRS opens an Implement programs and policies opportunity to boost regional to reduce seismic risk of public development while addressing assets. Integrate seismic risk local needs and priorities and 25 building local capacity. reduction and disaster response Participation of local authorities into local planning. Engage and lessons from the field are communities on the topic of critical to improve the design of seismic risk reduction. Provide programs and policies and feedback to MDLPA on the maximize results in the field. successes and obstacles for reducing seismic risk in your community. CSOs (as relevant for each Achieving the objectives of the Assist in spreading the message region, with localized CSOs NSRRS requires a well-informed on seismic risk reduction into preferred) population, and strong links and communities across Romania, trust between institutions and particularly among vulnerable citizens. CSOs are critical people. Provide feedback to local partners who can reach out to and national government on the and work closely with the current status and community community, particularly as a needs. voice for the safety and well- being of vulnerable people. Children/school communities Schools can act as a catalyst for Ensure the safety of school building community resilience buildings, through performing by collaborating with local risk assessments and renovating authorities to understand and or rebuilding the property as implement measures to improve necessary. Inform students about their own resilience, and by seismic safety and prepare for educating children about their disaster scenarios. own contribution to building a resilient society. Heads of public institutions The Heads of Public Institutions Ensure the safety of public are responsible for their buildings by performing risk buildings’ safety and can lead by assessments and renovating or example, taking advantage of the rebuilding the property as opportunities under the NSRRS. necessary. The aim here is to raise awareness on responsibility and determine action. Presidents of homeowners’ Achieving the objectives of the Working closely with local associations and individual NSRRS requires an effective public authorities, develop owners of vulnerable consensus-building process that policies and processes for properties promotes a common seismic risk reduction which understanding of the issues and a inspire collective action. The framework for developing a HOA is the direct link between solution that works for everyone. the government and residents and Local authorities are key partners serves an important role in of homeowners’ associations for communicating seismic risk establishing these consensus- management policies and building processes. opportunities for homeowners to take advantage of risk reduction programs. HOAs also serve an important role in providing 26 feedback to the local and national government. Professional bodies and Implementing the NSRRS Continue to provide the technical technical institutions requires a strong technical materials and training necessary foundation and the development for effective seismic risk of innovative and affordable management in Romania. Inform solutions. Cooperation as well as and advise local and national continuing training are government as needed. instrumental to build the enabling environment for scaling up risk reduction. Efforts should also be in place to communicate complex technical concepts to the public and policy/decision- makers in simple and clear ways. Academia and Research Research institutions and Aid in distributing seismic risk Entities academia have an important role information to the general public in the creation and distribution of and assist the NSRRS by knowledge on disaster risk. A providing critical inputs. strong partnership with academia and research institutions will provide critical inputs on the implementation and evaluation of the NSRRS, leading to better results. Media Mass media plays an active role Build partnership through in providing timely reports and meetings and training on seismic real situation management risk communication. activities when disasters strike (through TV, radio, SMS, social media, websites, etc.) and media must also inform the public about potential areas prone to disaster risks, the effects of disasters, and ways to prepare for and reduce risk. Strong partnerships with media will enable more effective seismic risk communication with the general public. Private sector/General Public The NSRRS opens key Support local seismic risk opportunities for private management activities, including investment; it also allows private risk assessments and development of competencies measures to improve building and qualifications and helps safety. Promote seismic risk boost economic development. reduction among your community. 27 4. Proposed Budget Successful public awareness is dependent on an adequate budget for communications. This budget should be allocated for the national and local levels. Table 7 provides a list of budget items that should be included in a national communication budget for seismic risk reduction. Table 6. Long-term Budget Item Description 1 staff member to manage communication of ongoing risk communication (i.e., communicating risk data as it is available, facilitating inter-agency communication for risk reduction, managing the website and social media accounts, etc.) 1 staff member for organizing risk communication Dedicated Staff events and campaigns (i.e., mass media campaigns for new programs, public engagement events to raise awareness on seismic risk, etc.) Outsourced staff for periodic communication activities such as surveys, mass media campaigns, and events, including consultants to act as senior advisors. Consultations, continual updates to the web and social Ongoing Communication Activities media, public awareness raising, and civic engagement All nationally funded projects should include a communications budget (estimated up to 5% of total Project level communication budget) allocated to national and local level to cover mass media campaigns, public engagement activities, monitoring and evaluation Surveys to monitor public awareness may require Annual Public Awareness Survey hiring a firm to collect, analyze and share results Funding for local seismic risk Implementing local level communication requires reduction participation from local governments, and could also involve locally active CSOs though grants and awards 28 Table 7. Breakdown of Specific Budget Items Item Description Annual Frequency Budget (Euros) Consultations Staff time to host/manage 15,000 (100 Semi-annual days divided (program/policy among staff) updates and feedback as needed) Printing and distribution of 1000 supporting materials Creative engagement Media team/firm for marketing and 10,000 Annual events advertising Staff time for management 4,500 (30 days/year) Facilities for hosting events; prizes 4,000 or awards Public Awareness Firm for collecting and analyzing 10,000 Bi-annual Survey results Staff time to communicate results 1,500 (10 internally, to stakeholders, and to days/year) the general public (i.e., web, email, booklet, etc.) Web Management Annual hosting fees 250 Continual (updated for new programs/policies, Staff time for managing website 750 (5 events, and with general days/mo.) SRR material) Training Materials and staff time (approx. 10 2,000 Annual/As-needed days/year) for communication via web, social media, direct call to advertise training Staff time/Hired experts to 10,000 facilitate training Facilities for hosting training 2,500 events Training materials 500 Local seismic risk Staff time for coordination 1,500 (10 Annual/on-going reduction - (CSOs) days) Grants/awards to fund local level 5,000 campaigns or assist in implementing national level campaigns 29 Local seismic risk To implement communication 18,000 Annual reduction* - strategies at a local level - governments Bucharest To implement communication 20,000 Annual strategies at a local level – Outside Bucharest Public Awareness Internal or external staff time for 7,500 (50 On-going Materials developing locally appropriate days/year) seismic risk reduction materials Printing and distribution expenses 5000 Total 119,000 * Local level communications should also be allocated a percentage of the total budget for every seismic risk reduction project 30 Annex 1 - Information Ecosystem An Information Ecosystem is the complex system of communication, including the information creators, sharers, receivers, channels, and influencers, and flows. Mapping this information can be helpful for identifying weak connections to strengthen them, to identify and use links that are underutilized, and to adjust the communication system in general. The information ecosystem for seismic risk information in Romania (as of October 2020) is shown in the following figures. Figure 1 illustrates the communication partners and channels for communicating seismic risk reduction. Figure 2 illustrates the communication channels during emergency situations, based on a case study of communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since it has been a while since a large earthquake has hit Romania, the pandemic is the best example of how an earthquake disaster might be communicated. Pre-disaster communication channels should boost communication capabilities in emergency and post-disaster scenarios, and so it is necessary to consider these channels when establishing partners and channels for regular communication. These flows may change over time, so it is important to update these charts periodically. (see next 2 pages) 31 Figure 1.1 Current information ecosystem for seismic risk reduction in Romania Source: World Bank Note: A&R = artists and repertoire; CSOs = civil society organizations; DES = Department for Emergency Services; DRM = disaster risk management; GIES = General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations; HOA = homeowners associations; MARD = Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; MEWF = Ministry of. Environment, Waters and Forests; MIA = Ministry of Internal Affairs; MoE = Ministry of Education and Research; MDLPA = Ministry of Public Works, Development and Administration; NIEP = National Institute for Earth Physics. 32 Figure 1.2. Information ecosystem in the crisis phase: COVID-19 pandemic as a model Source: World Bank Note: ES = Emergency Situations; DES = Department for Emergency Situations. 33 Annex 2 - Communication Checklist for New Programs and Policies The Communication checklist is a detailed guide for following the communication cycle presented in the Communication and Public Engagement Strategy of the NSRRS. Phase 1 Evaluation: Determining needs for new program/policy and monitoring general public awareness The first stage of the cycle is evaluation, or assessment. Evaluation may involve surveys or consultations to gather feedback on the level of seismic risk awareness. The evaluation stage monitors the awareness level on specific programs and policies, in addition to ensuring that general seismic risk awareness is increasing. Evaluation and assessment are also complemented by a sensitization process at the level of implementors or potential beneficiaries to determine needs and readiness for new programs and policies. Completing a Survey • The survey should evaluate awareness and participation levels in seismic risk reduction, including both general seismic awareness and specific awareness on key topics related to the proposed program or policy. It should answer questions, such as: Is awareness and citizen engagement in seismic risk reduction increasing over time? Are the new programs and policies needed? Are citizens ready for the new program/policy, or are there other steps and awareness building that would need to happen first to enable success? (See Annex 2. Public Awareness surveys) • Employ key advisers or hired experts with social science expertise to design the survey and analyze results. The key advisors should be able to determine the communication need from the results of the survey, by highlighting gaps in understanding or specific needs within target groups. • There are several ways to deliver surveys, with various benefits and limitations. Staff resources should also be considered in the decision-making. In some cases, it may be worth the investment in a door-to-door survey in a particular community. In addition to gaining highly specific knowledge of the perceptions of the residents, an in-person survey provides the opportunity to build trust and rapport among the community. However, an online, email, or SMS survey, which can largely be completed in-house is usually sufficient for monitoring general awareness. 34 Table 2.1 Survey Methods Survey Method Benefits Limitations Online Wide reach, low cost, high Limited to respondents with volume internet connection Email Wide reach (more personal May be confused as spam, invitation to a web survey), low limited to respondents with cost, high volume internet connection SMS Wide reach, cost effective, better Difficult to keep the audience to target young people engaged, may be a poor experience, cannot be targeted to specific regions as home phone numbers can be Telephone Can target specific regions, better Low response rate, many for targeting old people without residents may not use or answer cell phones or email land lines Door-to-door (in person) Very targeted areas, Labor intensive (external staff required) high response rate, can clarify questions and gather extra information, opportunity to build trust Public Space (in person) Targeted areas, Labor intensive (external staff required) high response rate, can clarify questions and gather extra information • For each new program and policy, a social survey should be conducted to determine needs and perceptions among the affected community. It could be added onto the annual public awareness survey or collected as a separate survey. Evaluating Survey Results • In addition to results of awareness surveys, there is often a need to collect and communicate data about the project. • Sharing Survey Results 35 Table 2.2 Channels for communicating survey results Audience Channel Content Line Ministries Email/letter Complete results of survey LPAs Email/Letter Complete results of survey, disaggregated by region (if possible) Academia Email/Letter, social media Complete results Technical Associations Email/letter, social media Complete results CSOs Email/Letter, social media Complete results, group disaggregated by target group (if possible) Media Press release General findings, presented with key messages for action towards risk reduction General Public Website, social media General findings, presented with key messages for action towards risk reduction • For an example of how to communicate the results of a personal awareness survey, see this report: Personal Preparedness in America: Findings from the 2012 FEMA National Survey: https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/dam- production/uploads/662ad7b4a323dcf07b829ce0c5b77ad9/2012+FEMA+National+Survey+Repo rt.pdf Data collection • In addition to collecting information on public perceptions, there is often a need to collect data to prepare for a new program, (i.e., the number of buildings constructed before modern codes within a particular region). These activities require varying levels of communication. o Data collection from other ministries/governments might require in person consultations, emails, phone calls or other methods to communicate: (1) that data collection is required and explain the purpose, (2) which data is being collected, and (3) when the data should be submitted. o Data collection from the general public would require general awareness about the data collection process (web, social media, direct mail, etc.) explaining why the data is needed and what it will be used for. The level of awareness needed depends on the type of data. More specific data, which requires more visibility among the general public requires more personal communication channels. 36 ▪ Communicating a visual building survey might only require a post on the website and social media, if the building survey does not require the involvement of citizens and the results will not impact them. ▪ Communicating Level 3 seismic risk assessment (i.e., the technical expertise survey) will require move personal communication channels, such as: direct mailing, public meetings, or door-to-door communication. Sharing Survey and Evaluation Data with Stakeholders Survey and evaluation data should be accessible to all stakeholders so that they can make use of it in their own work and contributions for seismic risk reduction; however, not all users need to access the data in the same way. Communicating data requires the communicator to: • Know your audience • Relate the data to their experience and needs • Be precise, and get to the point, and refrain from using jargon • For more information on setting key message, see Annex 8, Website and Social Media Expansion Plan. • A comprehensive resource for Communicating data is the American Association for the Advancement of Science Communication Toolkit: https://www.aaas.org/resources/communication-toolkit Figure 2.1 Communication Styles Styles of Communication. Source: AAAS adapted from Nancy Baron’s Escape from the Ivory Tower 37 Phase 2. Communicating program/policy The second stage is development. In this stage, communication strategies are developed based on feedback from the evaluation phase and the needs and gaps identified. Communication strategies are developed to improve participation in programs and raise general awareness on seismic risk. It is important to develop strategies which will clearly communicate the roles and responsibilities for implementing new programs or new laws, and consultations should be organized to gather input on the proposed programs or policies from stakeholders. Any communication materials can be tested in the development phase to ensure effectiveness. Feedback and Input on new program and policies For every new program or policy, there should be an opportunity for stakeholders to provide input and feedback. These input sessions provide an opportunity to co-create the policies, which increases participation and success of the project. • Consulting key stakeholders provides an opportunity to share survey results, risk assessments, and proposed projects/policies, and general information on the proposed project or policy. It is important to gather input on whether the project is appropriate and necessary to address identified issues, and to propose feasible intervention measures • For the best results from public engagement, it is important to consider the timing of events and awareness campaigns. For example, stakeholder consultations on any proposed law or policy must be held early, so that it is possible to make changes based on input and feedback. If the meetings are held too late, the input given by stakeholders will not be applied, resulting in a lack of trust and potentially reducing future involvement from key stakeholders. Table 2.3 Focus of consultation by Stakeholder group Stakeholder group Focus of consultation Line ministries: Ministries of • Overlap of responsibilities with the programs and Health, Education and policies managed by other ministries Research, Internal Affairs, • Input on feasibility Culture, European Funds, and Finance • Financing structure • Needs and gaps for implementation Local public authorities • Input on feasibility • Financing structure • Needs and gaps for implementation 38 CSOs (as relevant for each region, with localized CSOs • Impacts of program on target groups, especially preferred) vulnerable people • Needs and gaps for implementation Heads of public institutions • Input on feasibility • Financing structure • Needs and gaps for implementation Presidents of homeowners’ • Input on feasibility associations and individual owners of vulnerable • Needs and gaps for implementation properties Professional bodies and • Input on feasibility technical institutions • Needs and gaps for implementation Academia and Research • Input on feasibility Entities • Impacts of program on target groups, especially vulnerable people • Needs and gaps for implementation Media • Information on need for program/policy, including specific training for communicating issue, if necessary Private sector • Input on feasibility • Financing structure • Needs and gaps for implementation General Public • Public perception • To capture the value of the interactive communication process and to maintain high levels of engagement among key stakeholders, periodic progress reviews should be organized. Relevant stakeholders for consultation include both stakeholders who play a role in the design, funding, and implementation of the NSRRS, and beneficiaries affected by the newly introduced programs, facilities, etc. These periodic meetings and communications serve to: (1) ensure that the key implementing agencies form an effective community, and (2) offer an opportunity to review specific programs at completion and evaluate their effectiveness, capture lessons learned, and (3) generate new solutions. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups are also useful tools for gathering the information necessary for feedback and progress reviews. • Example toolkit for Conducting Focus Groups: https://ctb.ku.edu/sites/default/files/chapter_files/toolkitforconductingfocusgroups-omni.pdf 39 Phase 3. Build support and awareness for new program/policy The third stage in the communication cycle focuses on the program implementation phase. During this time, it is important to clearly communicate the roles and responsibilities for key stakeholders, including the financial and technical investments available. The implementation phase should also include communication campaigns to raise awareness among the general public and to boost demand for seismic risk reduction. Communicating Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities For every project, it is necessary to communicate stakeholder roles and responsibilities, and the technical, financial, and operational arrangements to implement the project. The information gathered in social surveys and general awareness in Phase 1 should inform the key messages, and for very large projects it is advisable to hire a firm to manage communications. • There are several channels available for communicating policies, programs, and general seismic risk awareness. Channels should be tailored to the target population, even when the content is essentially the same. The communication channels must be trusted by the target audience, and communication advisors or a hired firm can help to determine the appropriate channels for each audience. • Developing key messages is an important step in communication, and depending on the program or amendment being communicated, the message will vary. Messages should be clear, concise, and tailored to the audience. Messages should be developed based on an understanding of target audiences and all messages, activities, and communication channels tailored for specific groups (including elderly, children, and other vulnerable groups). Tailor-made messages should be tested and improved based on audience feedback, with the help of advisors or media specialist. For online messages, this can be done with a simple feedback survey. o The following four questions can help guide the development of the key message(s) communicated to each target group: ▪ Who is the target audience for our messages? Who will be impacted, and who will implement the program/update? ▪ What behavior should we promote among target audiences? (i.e., how does this update/program change the way things are done?) ▪ What message concepts will help the target group perceive the benefits of the new behavior? ▪ What channels of communication will reach our target audience as often and affordably as possible? o See Annex 8. Proposal for expansion of website and social media for more information on key messages and tone of voice for NSRRS target groups 40 Table 2.4 Communicating Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities Stakeholder group Channel Content Line ministries: Ministries Email/letter • Informing about of Health, Education and In-person or virtual policy/program Research, Internal Affairs, consultation • Means of supporting Culture, European Funds, program/policy and Finance • Integration with the programs and policies managed by other ministries Local public authorities Email/letter • Responsibility for In-person or virtual consultation implementing programs and policies • Responsibility for communicating program/policy to community • Opportunities for training or financing under new program CSOs (as relevant for each Web • Details of program policy, region, with localized Email CSOs preferred) Consultation/Meeting/Training especially in how it impacts target groups of the CSOs • Means of supporting the program/policy especially in terms of communication Heads of public institutions Email/letter • Responsibility for Consultation/meeting implementing • Responsibility for communicating within institution • Opportunities for financing or other support Presidents of homeowners’ Web • Responsibility for associations and individual Email/letter implementing owners of vulnerable Social media (i.e., Facebook) properties Consultation/ meeting • Responsibility for communicating with residents • Opportunities for financing or other support Professional bodies and Web • Details of program/policy technical institutions Email Social Media (i.e., LinkedIn) • Technical materials and training 41 Academia and Research Web • Responsibility for Entities Email Social Media (i.e., LinkedIn) implementing • Responsibility in communicating Media Press release • Details of program/policy Training • Special report on need for program/policy Private sector/General Web • Informing about Public Social Media policy/program Direct mail • Responsibility for And others * implementing • Opportunities for financing or other support Table 2.5 Channels for the communicating with the public Type Channel Mass Media TV, Radio, Newspaper Electronic Media Websites, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs), SMS, MMS, Apps (e.g., Ro-Alert) Audio-Visual Video, Audio, Multi-Media, Animation, Photographs, Model, Map, Slide Show, Artwork Postal Direct Mailing Stand-Alone Print Billboard, Poster, Banner, Warning Sign Face to Face Meeting, Seminar, Workshop, Conference, Training, Townhall meeting People Community Leader, Volunteer, Project Worker Distributor Print Pamphlet, Brochure, Booklet, Case Study, Newsletter, Journal, Research paper, Report Folk Media Story, Drama, Dance, Song, Play, Music Art Public art, fine art exhibitions • The ongoing consultations should provide progress reports on the NSRRS. They should be held in person when possible and virtually in situations that do not allow for physical gatherings. The periodic progress reviews should be organized as follows: o All implementing agencies and target groups should be included. o The interim results and indicators should be presented by the MDLPA (or designated steering committee). 42 o Priorities for future investments should be discussed. o Consistent engagement with stakeholders on the progress of the strategy will ensure that they fully understand the problem being addressed and can help foster the best solutions. • In some cases, training may be necessary to successfully implement programs. Outside experts will need to be hired to coordinate the training. General public awareness • General awareness events encourage participation and a whole society approach to risk reduction. Events such as competitions, public art, performances, videos, or games can be designed to build awareness and increase participation and inclusive action among specific groups. For example, serious games designed for CSOs can provide valuable information for program design and communication needs for vulnerable people (See Annex 9 – Report on the use of serious games to target key stakeholders on the topic of seismic risk) • See Annex 5 Public engagement: International examples and proposed ideas for MDLPA. • Public awareness events or other mass media campaigns can be incredibly useful in the implementation of a program or policy for different purposes depending on their timing. The events can be used to build demand for a proposed program if it is done before the adoption of a program or policy. If the goal is to raise awareness among targeted stakeholders for implementation, the public awareness event should happen just after the adoption of the new policy. In some cases, there may be a public awareness campaign that spans a longer period to cover both the pre- and post-adoption periods. Visible and interactive public awareness events will increase general public awareness of seismic risk and target key implementors simultaneously, and these events can be targeted to the specific groups of people who will be responsible for implementing or the beneficiaries of the new programs and laws for a more targeted approach. Table 2.6 Results of various timing of public awareness campaigns Timing Results Before implementing new To build support and demand for a new program based on raised programs/policies awareness of seismic risk During development of Opportunity for stakeholders to offer valuable input and co-create new programs/policies seismic risk reduction strategies, and to provide feedback to drafts of programs/policies At adoption of new Increases participation by raising awareness of the new policies and programs program/policy At any phase Increases the visibility of seismic risk reduction strategies and increases general risk awareness among key stakeholders and civil society 43 Phase 4. Monitor and Evaluate Monitoring and evaluation is a critical aspect of communication which includes the following steps: Gather feedback, develop new communications, and refine programs and campaigns to increase effectiveness. The purpose of communicating seismic risk is to increase understanding and generate action towards risk reduction. • It is important to measure the impact of communication strategies over the long-term to ensure that knowledge, understanding, and participation in risk reduction activities continues to increase over time. Long-term Communication M&E can be accomplished with a regular survey (See Annex 3. Public Awareness Surveys) • Project-based (short-term) communication should include indicators and a system for measuring the impact of communications to ensure that all people, and especially the vulnerable and marginalized people in society, are receiving and understanding communications. o Every seismic risk reduction project has a set of objectives, and there will be communication objectives for each. Break them down into sub-objectives which are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-oriented). o Using the SMART objectives, create a set of indicators. It is recommended to choose 3-5 indicators. Table 2.7 Principles for Choosing Indicators 1. Indicators should be set out when planning the activity, and before you implement any activity; 2. The indicators/ performance metrics chosen should reflect the different levels of your activity (outputs, result, impacts); 3. The indicators should reflect the communication tools used; 4. The indicators should reflect the type of audience targeted, the size and how they are reached; 5. Consistency and comparability should be ensured; 6. Allow resources for monitoring and measurement; 7. Always prioritize the indicators which are the closest possible to the key criteria that determine success. Source: ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/informing/evaluation_toolbox_en.pdf 44 • Monitoring communication should go beyond documenting (output) and should include evaluation of the communication activities (results and impact) ▪ Output – can be counted (i.e., numbers of materials sent, total followers, etc.). ▪ Results – the user satisfaction with communication materials, usually gathered through a feedback survey (i.e., people “like” or respond positively to a user feedback survey to an online message. See example below). ▪ Impact – tracks behavior change, and success of the communication campaign in terms of the actions which result from the messages in the campaign (i.e., more people are seeking professional evaluation for seismic risk after a campaign). Figure 2.2 Feedback Survey Example Source: ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/informing/evaluation_toolbox_en.pdf 45 o Detailed information on how to monitor online communication is included in Annex 8. Proposal for expansion of website and social media. o For more information on Monitoring and Evaluation, see the Evaluation Toolbox: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/informing/evaluation_toolbox_en.pdf • Establishing a Community of Practice is another way to ensure that communications are reaching the target audience as intended. Communities of practice (CoPs) are defined as “groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.”1 In the case of seismic risk reduction, a CoP may involve, CSOs, academics, technical professionals, and others. Through regular interactions, they can share information and support seismic risk communication initiatives. • As a major voice for seismic risk communication, MDLPA could establish a CoP by organizing and facilitating the meetings. The focus of the meetings could be feedback and testing of materials, and the creation of new materials. Figure 2.3 Success Factors for Communities of Practice • Identification: Communities of practice thrive on social energy, which both derives from and creates identification. Passion for the domain is key. This makes the negotiation of the domain a critical success factor. • Leadership: A key success factor is the dedication and skill of people who take the initiative to nurture the community. Many communities fail, not because members have lost interest, but simply because nobody has the energy and time to take care of logistics and hold the space for the inquiry. • Time: Time is a challenge for most communities, whose members must handle competing priorities. Theoretically, time should not be an issue if the interest is there, but practically it remains a constant challenge. Because time is at such a premium, a key principle of community cultivation is to ensure “high value for time” for all those who invest themselves. Source: wenger-trayner.com/introduction-to-communities-of-practice/ o Creation of materials - CSOs, academics, and technical professionals are the intermediaries between MDLPA and citizens, and they know best which materials and messages are needed to inspire action on seismic risk reduction. Through 1 “Introduction to communities of practice: A brief overview of the concept and its uses” Etienne and Beverly Wenger-Trayner, 2015. Source: wenger-trayner.com/introduction-to-communities-of-practice/ 46 participation in a CoP, they would be given an opportunity to co-create the tools necessary to reach targeted audiences within civil society. o Feedback and testing of materials – Effective communication required constant feedback and adjustments. A CoP can provide necessary feedback and testing of materials within their communities. o Input on new programs and policies – A CoP for seismic risk reduction would provide an opportunity to gather feedback on programs and policies initiated by MDLPA. This feedback can give insight into communication needs – is there a knowledge gap that needs to be addressed? Are there misperceptions that must be countered? Does all of society have adequate access to the materials? These are the types of questions that a CoP can answer, because they are working within target groups impacted by seismic risk reduction policies and programs. Conclusion Developing targeted communication strategies may alleviate some of the challenges of past communication campaigns and create the enabling environment for civic engagement in risk reduction programs. To be successful, all strategies must adhere to good communication principles: (1) employ communication experts to develop and implement strategies; (2) adapt each strategy according to its purpose/goal and audience with strategic timing of activities; (3) identify a clear objective/behavior change; (4) target the adequate audience; (5) understand the audience and its needs; (6) develop clear, understandable, accessible messages that are relevant to the public and for the objective; (7) include actions that are feasible at individual level; (8) boost interest and active engagement; and (9) continuous evaluation by getting feedback. In addition to these key communication principles, seismic risk communication requires a long-term investment with dedicated resources. With dedicated effort, all Romanians can be actively engaged in seismic risk reduction. 47 Annex 3 - Public Awareness Surveys To monitor the success of communication activities under the NSRRS, annual or biannual surveys should be conducted to solicit input from stakeholders. The survey should include questions to monitor long-term changes in risk perception as well as perceptions relating to proposed programs and policies, and questions can be added in the short-term to gather feedback on specific programs/policies. The survey should seek to answer the following questions: 1. Is the audience becoming more aware of seismic risk over time? 2. Is the audience behavior changing? Is the audience seeking information on risk reduction and taking action? 3. Is the audience receiving information about seismic risk reduction through preferred channels? 48 Demographics (collected to analyze the responses and to understand the perceptions and needs of target audiences for future communications) • Age: 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65 and over • Sex: male/female/prefer not to say • Ethnicity: Romanian, Hungarian, Romani, Ukrainian, German, Turkish, Tatar, Russian, Lipovan, Serbian, Slovak, other_______ • What is the highest level of education that you have attained? Primary school/high school/undergraduate degree/Advanced degree/Other_________ • Which best describes your job status? Full time/part-time/student/unemployed/retired/other • Income (select from range) • # people living in household • This property is: Owned/rented/don’t know/other • Select (from list) your region of Romania Public Awareness Survey – General Public 1. How likely are you to experience a severe earthquake in your region in the next 20 years? ❑ Certainly ❑ Very likely ❑ Somewhat likely ❑ Unlikely ❑ Very Unlikely ❑ Don’t know 49 2. In thinking about preparing yourself for a major disaster, which best represents your preparedness? ❑ I have been prepared for at least 6 months ❑ I just recently began preparing ❑ I have not yet prepared, but I intend to in the next 6 months ❑ I am not planning to do anything about preparing ❑ I don’t know 3. In the past 6 months, have you done any of the following? (Select all that apply) ❑ Attended a meeting or training on seismic risk reduction ❑ Obtained/requested information on seismic risk reduction programs ❑ Talked about getting prepared with others in your community ❑ Attended a meeting on risk reduction ❑ Purchased earthquake insurance ❑ Secured appliances and heavy furniture in your property ❑ Repaired or upgraded structural weaknesses of your property ❑ Looked for information on earthquake risk reduction ❑ None of the above ❑ Other____________ 4. Are you aware of a plan in your community to assess the risk of public and private buildings? ❑ Yes ❑ no ❑ Don’t know 5. How certain are you that you have? (not certain 1 2 3 4 5 positively certain) a. all the information you need to protect yourself, your family, and property from earthquakes a. all the tools, equipment, and access to professional services you need to protect yourself, your family, and property from earthquakes 50 b. all the financial assets (money, credit, insurance) you need to protect yourself, your family, and property from earthquakes 6. What are your personal barriers to preparing for an earthquake? (Select all that apply) ❑ Health conditions (ie. mobility, hearing, vision, cognitive, or intellectual disability or physical, mental or health condition) ❑ Not enough financial resources ❑ Not enough time ❑ No alternative housing ❑ I don’t think an earthquake will happen in my lifetime ❑ I don't believe my property is at risk of seismic damage ❑ I don’t have any barriers ❑ Other___________________ 7. In the past 6 months, have you read, seen or heard anything about preparing for earthquakes? ❑ Yes ❑ No 8. Was the information you read, saw or heard about earthquake preparation specific for Romania or about earthquakes somewhere else? ❑ Here in Romania ❑ Somewhere else ❑ Information was about earthquakes that can happen anywhere ❑ Don’t know 9. I have found information about reducing my risk of personal damage in an earthquake in the following formats: (check all that apply) ❑ Brochures/Printed materials ❑ Events/Public meetings ❑ State and commercial broadcast media (TV/Radio) 51 ❑ Local broadcast media (TV/radio) ❑ Websites ❑ Social media ❑ Technical consultation/professional advice ❑ Community training events ❑ Advice from friends or family ❑ Other _____________________ 10. Which ways to prefer to receive information about risk reduction? ❑ Brochures/Printed materials ❑ Public meetings ❑ Radio ❑ TV ❑ Websites ❑ Social media ❑ technical consultation/professional advice ❑ community training events ❑ advice from friends or family ❑ Other _____________________ 52 Awareness Survey – Professionals/Implementers 1. How likely are you to experience a severe earthquake in your region in the next 20 years? ❑ Certainly ❑ Very likely ❑ Somewhat likely ❑ Unlikely ❑ Very unlikely ❑ Don’t know 2. How would you classify your institution’s ability to evaluate its own buildings for pre- and post- earthquake structural integrity? ❑ Very high ❑ High ❑ Moderate ❑ Low ❑ Very low 3. Based on your experience, public interest in seismic risk reduction has: ❑ Increased ❑ Stayed the same/consistent ❑ Decreased ❑ Don't know 4. Is there a plan within your community/institution for building consolidation/retrofitting? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Don’t know 5. In the past 6 months, have you participated in: 53 ❑ Seismic risk reduction trainings ❑ Continued education on seismic risk through a university ❑ Continued education on seismic risk through a professional organization ❑ Independently looked for information on seismic risk reduction ❑ None of the above ❑ Other_________________ 6. Which way do you usually receive information about seismic risk reduction? ❑ Brochures/Printed materials ❑ Websites ❑ Professional meetings ❑ community training events ❑ advice from colleagues ❑ Other _____________________ 7. Which ways do you prefer to receive information about seismic risk reduction? ❑ Brochures/Printed materials ❑ Websites ❑ Professional meetings ❑ community training events ❑ advice from colleagues ❑ Other _____________________ 54 Awareness Survey – Line Ministries/Local Public Authorities 1. Does your institution have any seismic risk reduction plans? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Don’t know ❑ If yes, please specify which plan(s) _____________________ 2. In the past 12 months (1 year), has your institution initiated or participated in any of the following: ❑ Consultations on the NSRRS and other seismic risk reduction programs with MDLPA ❑ Public awareness campaigns for seismic risk reduction ❑ Trainings on seismic risk reduction ❑ Developed Seismic Risk Reduction plans specific for your institution/jurisdiction ❑ Seismic assessments of public buidlings under your jurisdiction ❑ Seismic retrofitting of existing infrastructure ❑ Don’t know ❑ None of the above 3. Seismic Risk reduction could be better integrated into my institution’s plans and policies through: (for each: yes/no/unsure) a. More meetings to coordinate with MDLPA b. Better information and data sharing between institutions c. Increased financing for seismic risk reduction d. More resources, equipment, and professional services available for SRR e. There is no need for improvement. Seismic risk reduction is fully integrated into my institutions plans and policies ❑ Other suggestions____________________ 4. Which way do you usually receive information about the NSRRS? ❑ MLDPA Website ❑ Email 55 ❑ Formal letter ❑ Meetings/Consultations ❑ Word of mouth, informal communications ❑ Other _____________________ 5. Which ways do you prefer to receive information about the NSRRS? ❑ MLDPA Website ❑ Email ❑ Formal letter ❑ Meetings/Consultations ❑ Word of mouth, informal communications ❑ Other _____________________ 56 Annex 4 – Definitions This is a draft list of definitions, including technical terms, to be consistently used in all laws and regulations addressing seismic risk–related matters. After receiving feedback from key stakeholders (professional associations, technical institutes, academia, LPAs, etc.), these definitions should be posted and accessible in an online format. Building life cycle. The series of changes a building undergoes over the course of its life. These may include design changes, construction, maintenance, and consolidation, among others. Maintenance of the building is necessary to ensure its design life span is accomplished. Consolidation can extend the life span, depending on the level of intervention. (The term “consolidation” is used in Romania to refer to strengthening of existing buildings.) Building rehabilitation. The strengthening of structural elements so a building’s performance objective is the same as the one for which it was designed. Rehabilitation remedies damage to structural elements that may occur as the result of a disaster or with time. Building relocation. The action or process of rebuilding a structure in a different location because it has been severely damaged and/or because the risk level is high in the original location. Building repair. Repair to a building’s structural and nonstructural components to restore or improve functionality. This type of intervention does not improve the building’s performance in the event of a disaster. Building type. Engineering category assigned to a building based on its structural system, height range, and seismic design level, among other characteristics. The structural system ensures the building’s stability with respect to gravity, earthquake, wind, and other types of loads. It comprises such elements as columns (posts, pillars) and load-bearing walls; beams (girders, joists); floor and roof systems (slabs); and foundations (mat, spread footings, piles). Collapse prevention. Performance objective of a building expected post-disaster, in which the damage to the building is severe and there is high risk of fatalities, even though the building is not expected to collapse. At this level of damage, repair of the building is generally not feasible. Consolidation. The addition of new structural components to, or the strengthening of existing components of, a functional building to improve its resistance and performance in the event of earthquakes and other hazards. Construction type. Broad engineering categorization of buildings with similar construction materials, such as load-bearing masonry, reinforced concrete frame, steel frame, and timber frame. Each construction type can include different building types. 57 Contingent consolidation. A short-term and low-invasive consolidation strategy that aims to make a building safer until it can be replaced. Conventional consolidation. A long-term consolidation strategy carried out in one stage, which aims to bring a building permanently into compliance with building regulations. This type of consolidation is more expensive and more invasive than contingent consolidation, so the functionality of the building is usually disrupted for a longer period of time. Exposure. The extent to which people, property, infrastructure systems, or other elements in an area are subject to impacts from natural hazard events (UNISDR 2009). Hazard. The potential occurrence of a natural physical event that may cause loss of life, injury, or other health impacts, as well as damage or loss to property, infrastructure, livelihoods, provision of services, or environmental resources (UNISDR 2009). Hazard map. A map that shows the spatial distribution of the expected level of intensity of a hazard for a specific return period. Immediate occupancy. Performance objective of a building expected post-disaster, in which there is minor damage, and the building is safe to be occupied immediately after the event. The building may not be fully operational, however, because of damage to nonstructural components, contents, and/or equipment as well as lack of services (such as water or power). Incremental consolidation. Consolidation of a building in stages, with the aim of eventually bringing it into compliance with building regulations. Through incremental consolidation, the minimum necessary performance improvements can be made to many buildings with the available resources. Planning is required for subsequent intervention phases. Life safety. Performance objective of a building expected post-disaster, in which there is extensive damage to structural and nonstructural elements, but the building’s stability is not compromised, and the probability of expected fatalities is low. Repair of the building is possible but may not be economical. Nonstructural elements. Elements of a building that are not part of its load resistance system, such as facades, dividing walls, ceilings, and service lines, among others. Nonstructural elements must be designed to withstand the seismic demand of the main structure. Operational. Performance objective of a building expected post-disaster, in which there is very light damage to nonstructural components, and the building’s functionality is not disrupted. If any repairs are required, they can very likely be made economically. Performance objective. Defines how a building should perform during an event in terms of the expected damage level and loss of functionality. It is typically defined in codes and regulations according to engineering parameters. In general, there are four types of performance objective: collapse prevention, life safety, immediate occupancy, and operational. 58 Reconstruction. The action or process of rebuilding a structure or part of a structure that has been destroyed or for which risk of collapse is high or repair is not economical. Replacement threshold. The maximum acceptable ratio of the intervention cost (including improvement of functional and structural components) to the replacement value of a building at which intervention is no longer economically feasible (FEMA 2018a). Replacement value. The cost of demolishing a building and constructing a new one to replace it. Resilience. The ability of a system, community, or society exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate to, and recover from their effects rapidly and efficiently (PreventionWeb 2019). Risk. The probability of damage to or loss of elements exposed to hazard. Risk analysis is a process that seeks to comprehend the nature of risk and determine its extent. Risk is a function of exposure, vulnerability, and hazard. Risk assessment. Framework for estimating the impact of a hazard on exposed elements in terms of economic and/or human losses. It integrates three components: the hazard model, which comprises all possible events with their probability of occurrence; the exposure model, which correlates spatially characteristics of the elements susceptible to damage; and the vulnerability model, which relates the expected damage to intensity levels. Risk map. A map that shows the spatial distribution of the expected losses (human, economic, etc.) due to a hazard event. It combines spatial data on hazard, exposure, and vulnerability in a certain location, and can represent the losses for a single or multi-hazard event. Risk mitigation. The effort to intervene in infrastructure to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. The investment strategy for infrastructure should be risk informed, prioritizing the critical facilities, to support the long-term well-being of the community. Effective risk mitigation requires that action be taken now—before the next disaster—to reduce human and financial consequences later (FEMA 2018b). Seismic design level. Degree of resistance to earthquakes of a building’s structural system. It considers the implementation of the best engineering design and construction practices. Vulnerability. Susceptibility of specific exposed components to impacts from a particular hazard. This susceptibility is represented by a vulnerability function, which is a statistical function representing the expected damage ratio of a building subjected to a given hazard intensity level. The damage ratio is estimated as the relationship between the total direct and indirect losses and the replacement value of the building. 59 References: FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). 2018a. Methodology. Vol. 1 of Seismic Performance Assessment of Buildings. 2nd ed. FEMA P-58-1. Washington, DC: FEMA. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). 2018b. “What Is Mitigation?” FEMA, Washington, DC. PreventionWeb. 2019. “Hazard.” March 19, 2019. https://www.preventionweb.net/risk/hazard. UNISDR (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction). 2009. Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction. Geneva: UNISDR. 60 Annex 5 - Public engagement: international examples and proposed ideas for MDLPA Creative engagement activities should aim to communicate seismic risk clearly and inspire action among the general public and key stakeholders specifically. There is a gap between the perceived risk of seismic damage and taking protective action, due to false optimism and faulty thinking such as “it will not happen in my lifetime,” ‘it won’t happen to me,” or “there is nothing I can do to change the outcome.” Creative awareness activities provide an opportunity to teach about seismic risk and offer solutions through participatory and creative methods. It is anticipated that, during the implementation phase of the NSRRS, specific communications activities, plans or campaigns should be executed in order to facilitate the implementation of the required changes in behavior. Creative engagement activities can be used as building blocks for a communication plan or campaign created under the NSRRS for targeted behavior change. Table 5.1 lists the examples of public awareness events from around the world, which can be used for inspiration. Table 5.2 provides a list of potential activities for Romania, based on needs described in the diagnostic report and the NSRRS. The MDLPA may be able to carry out some of these activities with sufficient budget and staff, however, it is likely that specialized communication firms could carry out these activities most efficiently. In addition to hired staff, involving suggested partners would increase the reach and success of each of the activities. 61 Table 5.1: International examples of public engagement Type Public Awareness Activity Location Printed Materials FEMA checklists on Earthquake Preparedness - many brochures and checklists on non-structural hazard USA mitigation, many are targeted to specific facilities such as schools, hospitals, or single-family residences Example: https://www.sjsu.edu/engineering/docs/facilities/earthquake_checklist.pdf “Get Ready for the Earthquake” – printed pamphlet with simple language and illustrations to show risk Greece reduction measures that can be taken at home, targeted at the general public, teachers, and students. https://www.oasp.gr/sites/default/files/OASP%20afisa%201.pdf "Fix Fasten and Don't Forget" – created by the Earthquake Commission (EQC) to share risk reduction New Zealand videos and information with several targeted groups: homeowners, home buyers, tenants, shared property owners, landlords, and people who are interested in building/renovating a property. https://www.eqc.govt.nz/be-prepared KnowRISK A Practical guide - A folded leaflet which uses phots to communicate DIY actions that are Italy, easy to implement for households. Similarly, A Students Short Guide demonstrates familiar environments Portugal, and daily life situations, highlighting effectiveness of simple solutions. The Portfolio of Solutions is Iceland targeted towards professionals and building managers as a checklist for non-structural elements to identify weaknesses https://knowriskproject.com/brochures/ Video Move, Protect, Secure Video Awareness Campaign - The KnowRISK project created a video that is 15 Italy, minutes to demonstrate what happens in an earthquake, along with four 30-40 second teasers, all available Portugal, on YouTube and other online platforms. Iceland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6YYsYdJ6LQ Websites Australasia’s Communication Hub – an online source of information for disaster communication, aimed Australasia at providing a common source of information-sharing, as well as a place for practitioners to share ideas, research, and lessons learned. https://empa.org.au/ The Earthquake Country Alliance hosts a website to share information on earthquake preparedness, and California, hosts information for the Great California Shakeout initiative, among others. USA https://www.earthquakecountry.org/ 62 Participatory The Great California Shakeout – output-oriented community-wide conversations about earthquake California, Education/Action preparedness, inspiring individuals and groups to think about how they can prepare, survive, and recover USA from an earthquake disaster. https://www.shakeout.org/california/ Home to School Mapping – students and parents were asked to map their routes to school and work, Thessolo- including modes of transportation and marking potential hazards. The data was compiled and aggregated on niki, Greece municipal maps. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2018/06/20/in-thessaloniki-citizen-engagement-and-open- data-play-key-role-protecting-against-natural-disasters The House Model – As part of the KnowRISK initiative, students arrange furniture in a model house and Italy, then see what happens after the earthquake (a shake table), and then they can rearrange the furniture in a Portugal, safer way and try again Iceland https://knowriskproject.com/the-project/ “The Science Beneath Our Feet” – Schools and local emergency management worked together to deliver New Zealand an interactive classroom experience to build preparedness for earthquakes along the Alpine Faultline. The curriculum was linked to the New Zealand Curriculum and included presentations from leading scientists. https://af8.org.nz/the-science-beneath-our-feet/ Virtual Reality Virtual Reality Training - Based on experience and feedback from two other virtual reality training Korea experiences, the Asia Pacific Disaster Resilience Centre (APDRC) is now working on a fully immersive urban earthquake evacuation simulation https://www.apdisasterresilience.org/vr-safety-training.html KnowRISK Augmented Reality - For students and laypersons, the AR allows users to see animations of Italy, earthquakes by pointing tablets or smartphones to specific objects. Demonstrates damage that can happen Portugal, even in small earthquakes Iceland https://knowriskproject.com/the-project/ 63 Oral Stories “Aftermath” - photos, videos and blogs created by community members to tell their stories of recovery Australia from the 2011 Queensland floods, Cyclone Yasi and the Victorian Black Sunday bushfires. The focus on rebuilding and recovery was aimed at bringing security and hope after the devastating events. https://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Events+and+Exhibitions/Events/2012/03/Our+Story+Your+Story+Aftermath Niuatoputapu after the Tsunami of 2009 – A documentary team from the Tonga Broadcasting Samoa Commission and an artist, Soakimi Maka Finau, documented the survivors’ experiences of the 2009 tsunami in a one-hour documentary, which was broadcast on TV in 2010. http://itic.ioc-unesco.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1932:niuatoputapu-tsunami- tongan-survivor-accounts&catid=2187:awareness-education-niuatoputapu-tsunami-tongan-survivor- accounts&Itemid=2623 Games “Do It Right” - A card game where students have to match the mitigation action with the appropriate Italy, intervention, developed as a part of the KnowRISK program Portugal, https://knowriskproject.com/the-project/ Iceland inSight – A participatory game that provides an opportunity to discuss local knowledge on risk reduction International, and the factors which make communities more vulnerable to disasters. Ultimately, the goal of the game is (Example in to build common understanding on how cultural and natural heritage contribute to disaster risk reduction. Racha, https://www.iccrom.org/sites/default/files/Insights_FINAL-LAYOUT_131020.pdf Georgia, 2019) Evacuation Challenge - Citizens act out evacuation from a disaster to see firsthand the challenges that European they will face. The game lasts 1-2 hours, 12-72 players and can be downloaded online. It was designed and Union developed in the project “European Disasters in Urban centres: a Culture Expert Network” within the EU Horizon 2020 Programme https://evacuationchallenge.socialsimulations.org/ Festivals International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction – Burundi used this day to promote risk reduction through Cibitoke public events, including speeches and community planting bamboo for flood mitigation. In addition, they Province, used the momentum of the day to implement local risk assessments and mitigation planning. Burundi https://reliefweb.int/report/burundi/disaster-risk-reduction-how-they-do-it-burundi DRR School Education & Festival – Centered around the International Day for Disaster Reduction, and Saijo, Japan targeting students, this event demonstrated how to scale up disaster preparedness and risk reduction. Students learned lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake. https://www.unisdr.org/2011/iddr/ 64 Kilma Film Festival – Targeted to youth, the film festival was a competition focused on climate change Philippines and bringing the discussion into the mainstream through use of storytelling and cinematography. https://climate.gov.ph/events/klima-film-festival Engagement with "Master the Disaster" Hackathon - The event aimed to generate innovative ideas related to preparedness Pakistan professionals and and response for climate change induced disasters and pandemic crises such as COVID-19. experts https://www.pk.undp.org/content/pakistan/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2020/undp-concludes-digital- hackathon-in-punjab-to-find-solutions-for.html The “Code for Resilience” global initiative - connects technologists with mentors and sector specialists to 11 events in 9 create tech-based tools that help reduce disaster risk. countries https://www.gfdrr.org/en/code-resilience-0 Workshop for local journalists – Asia Disaster Preparedness Center with support from the Bill and Nepal Melinda Gates Foundation organized a workshop with the goal of building capacity and effectiveness of local journalists to communicate disaster risk information. https://app.adpc.net/events/national-training-journalists-reporting-disaster-mitigation-and-preparedness- redmap Museums 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan - Dedicated to the September 21, 1999 earthquake which resulted in Taichung, 2415 deaths. The museum documents the damage from the earthquake and includes an earthquake Taiwan simulator. https://www.rtaiwanr.com/taichung-city/921-earthquake-museum-of-taiwan Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum - The museum is dedicated to the Hanshin Awaji Earthquake, Kobe, Japan which hit Kobe on January 17, 1995, resulting in over 5000 deaths. The museum documents the earthquake's destructiveness with information about the earthquake, a documentary film about the recovery process, and various interactive games about disaster prevention. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3555.html 65 Table 5.2: Examples of Creative Engagement Activities for Seismic Risk Communication in Romania Event Detailed Description Partners Photo Competition OBJECTIVE: To encourage all citizens of Romania to consider Media partners (multiple locations seismic risk reduction MoIA throughout Romania) TARGET AUDIENCE: All Audiences Min of Education/schools BEHAVIORAL CHANGE/ KEY MESSAGE: We all have a role in Ministry of Culture reducing seismic risk in Romania RESOURCES: Social media campaign; panel of judges; submission Museums/Exhibition halls platform (webpage); exhibition site; awards PROCESS: See Annex 6 for the detailed timeline and process for this event Public Art OBJECTIVE: Using outdoor public art displays to raise awareness Local governments that everyone must participate in seismic risk reduction to reduce the (multiple locations Ministry of Culture risk in Romania throughout Romania) Fine Arts Organizations TARGET AUDIENCE: All Audiences Media team BEHAVIORAL CHANGE/ KEY MESSAGE: We all have a role in reducing seismic risk in Romania RESOURCES: Hire local artist(s) to create the public artwork; space for exhibition (outdoors) PROCESS: Write a prompt detailing the key objectives for the artwork; Create committee to select artist; Select artists to commission for the displays; Develop semi-permanent informational boards/plaques to share information about seismic risk alongside public art displays 66 Art Exhibit OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness about seismic risk in Romania by Bucharest City Hall (Bucharest) displaying multiple works of art representing the seismic risks facing Ministry of Culture Romanians Fine Arts Organizations TARGET AUDIENCE: All Audiences Media partners BEHAVIORAL CHANGE/KEY MESSAGE: Romania is at risk of seismic damage Museums RESOURCES: Partner with local museum or exhibition space to display multiple works of art representing the seismic risks facing Romanians PROCESS: Create call for submissions and guidelines for selecting artwork; Establish partnership with art exhibition space; Establish committee for selecting artwork for display; Coordinate opening event; Develop informational boards/banners/posters to share information about seismic risk within the exhibition space Retrofitting Tour OBJECTIVE: To explain the retrofitting process through a video (or Local experts/Engineering in-person) tour of buildings at various stages of the retrofitting process Associations (1. Modern Buildings, 2. Historic Buildings) TARGET AUDIENCE: Building owners Media team BEHAVIORAL CHANGE/KEY MESSAGE: Retrofitting process is HOAs not a mystery RESOURCES: Film crew; Tour guide/host; Media editing PROCESS: Set up filming location; Develop the script and/or general content; Hire media team and tour “host”; Provide feedback on editing (this project could also be adapted for in-person tours) 67 Vulnerability Tour OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness about the various types of seismic Local experts/Engineering (1. In Bucharest, 2. vulnerability in buildings in Romania and to familiarize engineering Associations students, professionals and government officials with common Outside Bucharest) Media team vulnerabilities in built structures Local governments and Heads TARGET AUDIENCE: Local government officials and heads of of Public Institutions public institutions; Engineering students and professionals BEHAVIORAL CHANGE/KEY MESSAGE: It is possible to identify seismic vulnerability RESOURCES: Film crew, Tour guide/host, Media editing PROCESS: Set up filming location; Develop the script and/or general content; Hire media team and “host” for the tour; Provide feedback on editing Oral Stories of Past OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness through sharing stories of past Media Team Earthquakes earthquakes and seismic risk reduction measures, especially CSOs highlighting the additional risks to vulnerable people and ways to prevent disasters and get better prepared Local venues for premier events TARGET AUDIENCE: General audience, vulnerable people BEHAVIORAL CHANGE/KEY MESSAGE: We can learn from the past to reduce risk in the future RESOURCES: Video arts team to film and edit the stories; Honorarium for participants PROCESS: Recruit interviewees/participants; Arranging filming locations; Hire video arts team; Organize video premier events 68 Poetry Competition OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness through writing and reading poetry Ministry of Education about seismic risk. Prompts will include information about earthquake Local Governments risks in Romania Media team TARGET AUDIENCES: School children at all levels (multiple competitions) BEHAVIORAL CHANGE/KEY MESSAGE: Romania has high seismic risk RESOURCES: Judges for poetry competition (honorarium); Awards for winners PROCESS: Write the prompt; Find qualified judges; Distribute call for poems; Collect entries and work with judges to select winning entries; Facilitate presentation of winning entries (may want to have the winning writers submit video of someone reading the poem) Collection of OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness on materials needed for seismic Ministry of Internal Affairs Preparedness Kits preparedness at home through donating kits for vulnerable people CSOs (low income, elderly) (Bucharest) Media team TARGET AUDIENCE: All audiences; vulnerable people Ministry of Health BEHAVIORAL CHANGE/KEY MESSAGE: There are some simple ways to be better prepared Local Government RESOURCES: Storage and funds for collection and dispersing collected kits PROCESS: Create flier that lists items that should be in a seismic preparedness kits; Organize the collection and dispersal of the kits 69 Serious Games OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the importance of taking action to Ministry of Education, Ministry strengthen public facilities to save lives in an earthquake of Health, Ministry of Commerce TARGET AUDIENCE: Facilities managers (schools, hospitals, hotels, community centers) Ministry of Internal Affairs KEY MESSAGE/BEHAVIORAL CHANGE: If we do not take Local Governments action, we will lose lives RESOURCES: Access to already-existing games (online or in-person) or develop a new game with hired expert PROCESS: Choose and organize game based on target audiences’ needs; Facilitate discussion of results with participants Note: See Annex 9 for example of games carried out successfully in Romania 70 Annex 6 - Seismic Resilience Photo Contest This photo contest has been organized as a general public awareness event, targeting young people, particularly digital media enthusiasts, and the general public. Set to commemorate an earthquake anniversary, the contest asks for photos, which demonstrate the resilience of Romanian people under three themes: community empowerment, reconstruction efforts, and resilient cultural heritage. In this example, information written in [italics and brackets] can be replaced depending on the anniversary or event being commemorated. The contest calls for the involvement of well-known celebrities (journalist, social media influencer, and photographer) as volunteers to judge the contest and participate in the ceremonies surrounding the contest. Monetary awards are planned for the top 3 winning photos, and the top 20 shortlisted photos were to be hung in public buildings around Romania. The display of the top 20 shortlisted photos offers an opportunity for local governments to draw attention to seismic risk reduction by organizing a small ceremony or displaying seismic risk reduction information near the photographs. Contest Rules and Terms Terms of Reference (TOR) Romania - Photo Contest to Commemorate an Earthquake Anniversary Background Located in one of the most seismically active regions of the world, Romania has historically been prone to earthquakes. The most devastating earthquakes originate in the Vrancea region, making Bucharest one of the most vulnerable capital cities in Europe due to the high seismic risk in combination with a high degree of urbanization. [One of the most catastrophic events of Romanian history, the Vrancea earthquake of 1977, caused more than 1,500 deaths in addition to severe damages and losses. Every year on March 4, Romanians are reminded of powerful earthquake that shook the country over 40 years ago.] The anniversary serves as a reminder of the potential for another catastrophic event, and the necessity of building seismic resilience across Romania. Seeking to accelerate seismic risk reduction and promote resilience, the Government of Romania is developing the National Seismic Risk Reduction Strategy (NSRRS) with technical assistance from the World Bank. The NSRRS outlines the long-term objectives and priorities for reducing seismic risk in Romania by 2050. Offering a detailed roadmap of actions, along with supporting policies and plans, it promotes a participatory and inclusive approach to achieving four specific objectives: Objective 1: Reduce seismic risk. Reduce seismic risk nationwide by saving lives, reducing injury, and protecting assets through prioritized and efficient investments. 71 Objective 2: Promote well-being. Promote well-being by creating co-benefits in energy efficiency and sanitary conditions, among other aspects of functionality. Objective 3: Boost resilience. Boost resilience by integrating risk considerations in territorial and sectoral planning and ensuring resilient recovery and reconstruction processes. Objective 4: Mobilize participation and inclusive action. Mobilize participation and inclusive action by raising public awareness of seismic risk management and promoting action in the implementation of risk reduction measures. To recognize the passing of [x years from the devastating Earthquake in Romania (March 4, 1977)], the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration of Romania (MDLPA) and [partners] invites all citizens from Romania and around the world to participate in a photo contest with the theme “Building Earthquake Resilience Across Romania”. The goal of the photo contest is to celebrate the inspiring resilience of the Romanian people affected by [the devastating 1977 Vrancea Earthquake] and to imagine a seismically safer future for all Romanians. Through their photo submissions, participants are encouraged to explore the different dimensions of earthquake resilience and/or local preparedness in Romania, with a particular focus on community empowerment, reconstruction or retrofitting efforts, and resilient cultural heritage. A panel of judges will award prizes for impactful, memorable work that aptly captures what earthquake resilience looks like in Romania, and what it means to amplify risk reduction and reinforce local preparedness measures at the individual/family/community/neighborhood/or city level. Photos must include meaningful captions of no more than 2-3 sentences, to complement the image and provide adequate context. Objectives Through the photo competition, the MDLPA seeks to: [Commemorate the 44th anniversary of the 1977 Earthquake] and raise further awareness about the importance of earthquake resilience and local preparedness; Expand its audience, including youth, digital media enthusiasts and the public, to support and promote risk reduction and resilience-building initiatives in Romania; Mobilize action for implementation of national policies and programs for seismic risk reduction through a participatory and inclusive approach. Description of Competition There will be three phases to the Photo Competition. Phase 1: Competition Announcement (2 weeks) The MDLPA in collaboration with other government agencies (Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Education, Bucharest City Hall will leverage its networks to announce the competition, targeting Romanian audiences in particular, and also a worldwide audience. The announcement will be prepared in the Romanian language primarily, and also available in English. The Competition Announcement will include a virtual public event (organized on Facebook and cohosted by MDLPA) to formally begin the competition starting on the anniversary date, [March 4, 2021]. This event shall consist of the opening speeches of the representatives of the organizing institutions (MDLPA, MOI – DES, MONE, BCH). 72 Phase 2: Evaluations and Printing of Photos (2 weeks) The evaluations process will be a two-step process with the first step being the shortlisting of 20 finalists (20 photos). The MDLPS will lead the shortlisting exercise. The second step will be for a panel of judges to rank the 20 photos. There will be 3 judges—the panel of judges will comprise of a photographer, a member of a civil society organization/journalist, and an influential public figure. There will be 3 prizes (1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place), and 3 honorary mentions, aligned with the following proposed themes: community empowerment, reconstruction/retrofitting efforts, and resilient cultural heritage. Once the 20 shortlisted photographs are identified, the printing of the photos and preparation of the showcasing the photos will begin. Phase 3: Announcement of Winners and Photo Exhibit The 3 winning photos will be announced on [April 2, 2021], and the winners may be invited, but not required, to attend at their own expense, the local events organized around the display of the photographs, should this be possible. The 3 honorary mentions, aligned with the following proposed themes: community empowerment, reconstruction efforts, and resilient cultural heritage sites will be announced at the same time as the winning photos. The 20 shortlisted photos will be displayed in public buildings in Romania. Key Tasks Target Date Coordinator(s) Milestones Phase 1 Competition Announcement and Day 1 (Anniversary MDLPA/LPAs Public Event (online) day) Deadline for Submitting Entries Day 14 MDLPA Phase 2 Evaluations of Photos by Day 15-25 MDLPA Shortlisting committee Final Evaluations by Panel of Day 25-29 MDLPA/LPAs Judges Phase 3 Announce winning photos online Day 30, 2021 MDLPA/LPAs Printing of photos for display 1-2 weeks after MDLPA announcement of winners Delivery of Awards, exhibit, and Approx. 1-2 weeks MDLPA/LPAs initialization of small local events, after competition if possible Deliverables: Public event to announce competition on [March 4, 2021]. The expected duration is about 30-40 minutes. The event shall be organized online, in the form of a Facebook event hosted by the MDLPA. Printing of the 20 finalist photos for public display. Feature story or blog post to be posted on the MDLPA site post-event (Romanian/English). Templates, banners etc. and informational posters to support the initial kick off and potential events surrounding the public display of winning photographs. 73 Contest Rules and Terms [draft to be reviewed by MDLPA’s legal advisors] A. Rules • Background. The MDLPA is organizing a “Building Earthquake Resilience Across Romania” Photo Contest in Romania to celebrate and pay tribute to the inspiring resilience of the Romanian people who have been affected by the devastating [1977 Vrancea Earthquake] and envision a more resilient future. • Entry procedures and format. • Contestants may submit up to 3 photos via this Fickr link: [insert link] in English or Romanian with the theme of “Building Earthquake Resilience Across Romania” that show the different dimensions of earthquake resilience and/or local preparedness in Romania at the individual/family/community/neighborhood/city level, looking at, for example, community empowerment, reconstruction efforts, and resilient cultural heritage sites. • Entries must include the following information: your name, phone number, email address, “Photo Competition” and your name in the file name of each photos (example: “Photo Competition – Jane Doe”). • Each photo must be accompanied by a caption, written in English or in Romanian and containing no more than 2–3 sentences (30 to 40 words). The caption should include the hashtag #RomaniaRezilienta so it could be adapted for use on social media. • Initial entries must be in JPEG format at a resolution of 800x600 pixels, either in portrait or landscape layout, and not more than 5MB in size. Shortlisted photos will need to be re- submitted in higher resolution. • The photograph accurately reflects the subject matter and scene as it appeared, and it has not been digitally altered beyond standard optimization (removal of dust, cropping, adjustments to color and contrast, etc.). • Entries must be original and unpublished. No previously published photos will be accepted. Contestants should be prepared to certify this attestation on request. If requested, contestants must also be able to obtain all necessary third-party releases/consent (human subjects in the photographs, including parental/guardians’ approval for minors). • Extra photos. Have more than three photos to share? We highly encourage you to share your images on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms. Promote the contest and your photos by tagging them with #RomaniaRezilienta. • Deadline. All entries must be submitted by 11:30 pm EDT, [14 days after competition announcement]. • Selection and Judging. • The MDLPA will shortlist a selection of 20 photos. Contestants may submit up to three photographs, and one individual may have more than one photo shortlisted for the final stage. 74 • Only the contestants whose photos were shortlisted will be contacted. • A panel of judges will rank the 20 photos and, on [April X, 202X], will choose 3 winning photos to be awarded prizes for impactful, memorable work that aptly captures what earthquake resilience) and/or local preparedness look like in Romania, and what it means to empower seismic risk reduction at the individual/family/community/neighborhood/or city level. • Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: (1) Clarity and relevance of the topic; (2) creativity; and (3) photographic quality of the photograph. • In addition, the panel of judges will select 3 honorary mentions, aligned with the following proposed themes: community empowerment, reconstruction/retrofitting efforts, and resilient cultural heritage. • Any form of plagiarism or copyright infringement, violation of privacy or other rights will result in automatic disqualification. • Decisions made by the panel of judges will be final. • Awards. The winners and prizes will be announced on [April X, 202X]. • Results will be communicated as part of a feature story or blog post on the MDLPA [and partners’] websites, and the shortlisted photos will be displayed in public buildings in Romania afterwards. • The top 3 winners will receive cash prizes as follows: • $500 in cash for the Grand Prize winner, • $350 for second place, and • $150 for third place. • To be eligible for receiving cash prizes, prize winners will need to have an active bank account in their name and be over 18 years old by the time the contest is launched. • Additionally: • there will be 3 honorary mentions, aligned with the following proposed themes: community empowerment, reconstruction efforts, and resilient cultural heritage sites; and • the top 10 entries will be featured on the World Bank Website in April-May 2021 and will be displayed in public spaces of participating local public authorities and in the Ministry of Public Works. 75 B. Terms By submitting an entry to this contest, every Contestant agrees and accepts the terms set forth below. If you do not agree with these terms, do not submit an entry. Please click here to review our Privacy Notice. [insert link for privacy notice] • Profile, rights and obligations of contestants. • The Contest is open to individuals from Romania and other countries who are not active staff of the MDLPA, including consultants, interns, contractors and their employees. Family members and relatives of MDLPA are eligible to participate, except for immediate family members (spouse, parents and step-parents, siblings and step-siblings, and children and step-children, aunt, uncle, niece and nephew) of World Bank staff who are part of the shortlisting and judging stage, any company or individual involved with the design, production, execution or distribution of the Contest. • Persons or entities who are ineligible to receive funds under the MDLPA’s AntiCorruption Guidelines, Corporate Procurement Policy and Operational Procurement and Consultant Guidelines, and other applicable rules are ineligible to participate. • Contestants must be over the age of 18 when entering. • Contestant acknowledges that all submissions in this contest are public and not private communications. Further, Contestant acknowledges that chats, postings, conferences, e- mails and other communications by other Contestants are not endorsed by the panel of judges, and/or the MDLPA and/or its partners, and such communications shall not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by the panel of judges and/or the MDLPA and/or its partners. • Contestant declares, represents and warrant that Contestant is the rightful owner of the entry, and of all the patents, copyrights, and/or trademarks associated with the entry. By entering this contest Contestant further declares, represents and warrants that Contestant has not (a) infringed on any third party rights, including copyrights, trademarks, industrial property, trade secrets, confidentiality obligations and rights of privacy and publicity, and that Contestant has obtained the necessary written release(s) or permission(s) to use any third party rights or intellectual property, including any trademarks appearing on Contestant’s Entry, or (b) violated any applicable law(s) in any countries in the world. By entering this contest Contestant further agrees that the panel of judges has the right to verify the ownership and originality of any entry and that upon request, Contestant shall submit a written copy of any release or permission Contestant has received from a third-party granting Contestant the right to use such property. Contestant understands that in the event a submission is selected as a winning entry, and Contestant’s ownership rights and the originality of Contestant’s entry cannot be verified to the satisfaction of the panel of judges or is in any other way ineligible, the panel of judges may select an alternate winner based on the same judging criteria. • Contestant shall not do any of the following: ▪ Defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or otherwise violate the legal rights (such as rights of privacy and publicity) of others. 76 ▪ Publish, post, distribute or disseminate any defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent or unlawful material or information. ▪ Upload or attach files that contain software or other material protected by intellectual property laws (or by rights of privacy of publicity) unless Contestant owns or control the rights thereto or have received all necessary consents. ▪ Upload or attach files that contain viruses, corrupted files, or any other similar software or programs that may damage the operation of another's computer. ▪ Delete any author attributions, legal notices or proprietary designations or labels in any file that is uploaded. ▪ Falsify the origin or source of software or other material contained in a file that is uploaded. ▪ Advertise or offer to sell any goods or services, or conduct or forward surveys, contests, or chain letters. Download any file posted by another Contestant that Contestant knows, or reasonably should know, cannot be legally distributed in such manner. • Copyrights. • You represent that the copyright to the photo is owned by you, you retain copyright and remain the owner of your images and may also continue to use them in any manner you choose, regardless of whether your entry is selected as a winner or runner-up. You agree that the images you submit may be publicly exhibited, used in printed publications of the MDLPA, its social media platforms, its websites, or in any other media, and may be copied and displayed in any country with appropriate attribution to you as the photographer. Except for the shortlisted and winning entries, this grant of rights will terminate on the date the winning entries are publicly announced on the MDLPA website. • The MDLPA holds copyright to the collection of photos that have been shortlisted/pre-selected by the [Romania Vrancea Earthquake Photo Contest]. • Except where prohibited, submission of the entry constitutes the winners’ consent to the MDLPA’s use of winner’s name and affiliation for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without payment or consideration. • Cash Prizes • All cash prize winners are subject to confirmation of eligibility to receive MDLPA funds (i.e., not debarred or engaged in AML or anti-terrorist activities, and not subject to Conflicts of Interest with MDLPA or any of the donors • Winners are responsible for any and all applicable taxes and fees associated with prize receipt and/or use. No transfer or substitution of a prize is permitted except by the MDLPA 77 • Conduct. Failure to comply with these Terms shall result in disqualification from the Contest. The panel of judges and/or MDLPA are not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the Contest, administration of the Contest or in the announcement of the awards. The MDLPA may update and/or modify the terms and conditions of this Contest in their sole discretion, and Contestant agrees to accept and be bound by any updates and/or modifications. • Grounds for disqualification. If after announcing the winners the panel of judges find and/or determine that a winning Contestant has misrepresented, misstated, or mischaracterized Contestant’s entry of this Contest in any way or Contestant is not the rightful owner of the submitted entry, the entry may be withdrawn and disqualified from the Contest, and any privileges received by winning this Contest may be rescinded. Any determinations made by the panel of judges in withdrawing and disqualifying any entry will be final and confidential. By entering this Contest Contestant agrees to keep any controversies between Contestant, the panel of judges and/or the MDLPA confidential and Contestant further agrees not to disparage the panel of judges, and/or the MDLPA, in any dispute or controversy. • No Recourse to Judicial Procedures. To the extent permitted by law, the rights to litigate, to seek injunctive relief or to any other recourse to judicial procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or in connection with this Contest are hereby excluded, and Contestant expressly waives any and all such rights. • Preservation of Immunities. Nothing herein shall constitute or be considered to be a limitation upon or a waiver of the privileges and immunities of the MDLPA, which are specifically reserved. 78 Communication & Outreach Action Plan Outcomes and Deliverables “This photo ✓ … a relatively large portion of the general public in Romania (especially youth) contest was was reached and informed about this public awareness initiative, in addition well run, and to promising in-country media uptake.” was a successful and ✓ … there was a high level of social media activity (re-posting, cross-promotion, very effective etc.) which sparked interest in the theme of disaster resilience/seismic risk outreach reduction/local preparedness in Romania and galvanized a broader audience initiative on this topic.” because (…) ” ✓ … there were excellent photo submissions with relevant captions, adequate photo content, artistic value, etc.” ✓ … government partners and CSOs were able to collaborate effectively in promoting the photo contest and commemorating this important event.” ✓ “… there are no major issues and sensitivities are adequately managed”. List of • Pre-launch: deliverables/c omms a. One complete contest page on MDLPA website with alias link (+ products translation) b. 4-6 key messages for social messages with alias link (+ translation) c. 2-3 social media postcards (+ translation) for Twitter/Facebook/Instagram d. Functional and active Flickr page ready to be used (+ translated text) e. Draft short message/email to promote contest & reach out to several partners (CSO, media, photo associations, etc.) • During photo contest/after launch of photo contest a. Functional and active Flickr page with curated submissions, relevant captions, etc. b. 1 post-contest feature story to announce winners/short-listed submissions c. 1 blog to commemorate EQ anniversary and reflect on content of submissions (Country Manager might be interested?) 79 Timeline Task description Deliverable/Outcome Week 0 Review of TORs TORs reviewed and cleared by legal department Clearance & coordination meeting Comms plans in place Comms plan finalized Legal clearance secured End of Draft photo contest page (+ with Draft photo contest page (text) Week 1 short background on DRM Images for postcards engagement) Flickr page ready + activated Collect visual assets for social media Activate Flickr page End of Review/finalize photo contest page + Translated text of photo contest Week 2 send for translation page Prepare social media content (4-6 Social media content in place key messages, 2-3 postcards) (messages, postcards) End of Have social media content translated Social media content translated Week 3 + create alias weblink (check alias link?) Draft short blurb/message to send Promo text to invite partners & out to partners to promote photo encourage participation contest Flickr page ready to be launched Test Flickr page capability Final Publish photo content page Photo contest page is active week Intensify social media posts Social media campaign begins Send blurb/messages to partners Partners are informed Week 1 Monitor photo submissions (+ check First batch of photos received and 2 of captions) Draft feature story photo Start drafting feature story contest Draft blog post Start drafting and pitching “blog” to Short inputs into guidance reflect on submissions document for MDLPA (Ministry of Provide inputs into guidance Public Works, Development and document to capture lessons Administration of Romania) to run learned/best practices similar outreach events in the future 80 Important links (ROM) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MinisterulLucrarilorPublice/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/eDezvoltare Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/edezvoltare Issuu: https://issuu.com/mdrt Slideshare: https://www.slideshare.net/edezvoltare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ministerul-dezvoltarii-regionale-si-administratiei- publice Targeted platforms Name of platform https://pixcontests.com/ https://www.photocrowd.com/ https://www.photocontestinsider.com/suggest-a-competition/ https://streetphotographyberlin.com/street-photography-courses-in-bucharest/ https://theculturetrip.com/europe/romania/articles/12-romanian-photographers- you-should-know-about/ http://www.streetviewphotography.net/?fbclid=IwAR1N7WxArZDM4ANPnH2oJovk eMd_0devZK59POTTbKefo_oawymABNuWqoY https://pixcontests.com/ Sample Letter to Partners Dear Friends and Colleagues, We ask your assistance in announcing a photo contest, titled “Building Earthquake Resilience Across Romania,” to raise public awareness on the topic of seismic resilience. Through their photo submissions, participants are encouraged to explore the different dimensions of earthquake resilience and/or local preparedness in Romania, with a particular focus on community empowerment, reconstruction or retrofitting efforts, and resilient cultural heritage. We have three well-known judges who will be choosing the winning entries: [Judge 1, Judge 2, and Judge 3]. Attached to this email, you will find communication materials to share among your networks. We look forward to partnering with you for this creative public awareness event for seismic resilience. Sincerely, 81 Annex 7 - Communication Strategy for Raising Awareness on Risk Assessments “Why Risk Assessments are Beneficial for You” The objective of the strategy is to increase awareness on seismic risk assessments among the general public, especially targeting property owners and renters. Background: Without risk assessments, Romanians do not know their seismic risk. We can assume the collective risk is high, due to the number of existing buildings constructed before modern seismic codes, but the actual risk posed to individual buildings is unknown. By performing risk assessments of the building stock, Romanians will have a better understanding of the situation, and be better-abled to inform policy decisions and prioritize investments in risk reduction. A key component of the National Strategy for Seismic Risk Reduction is a new approach to carrying out risk assessments in Romania. The new approach provides a more efficient and comprehensive method to systematically assess over 5 million buildings across the country through three levels: • Level 1: Seismic risk assessment at the national level by identifying building types and attributes relevant to seismic risk. It requires acquiring basic building data and seismic ground motions to rank each Territorial Administrative Unit (TAU) according to seismic risk. This assessment will happen administratively without any need for engaging the general public. • Level 2: Seismic vulnerability assessment of the existing building stock through typological assessment. Unlike technical expertise surveys which are more time consuming, a typological assessment of a building should take between 15 minutes to 75 minutes, in addition to the time needed to prepare the survey and analyze results. The typological assessment is performed by visual inspection from outside the building, generally not requiring access to the interior of the building and key building data is collected and processed using a standard digital form by professional engineers. This assessment requires minimal involvement with civil society, although they should be aware of the assessments taking place and the methodology and results should be clearly communicated to the public. 82 • Level 3: Detailed technical expertise survey of individual vulnerable buildings according to P100-3/2019. The technical expertise survey requires the collection of detailed information regarding the building (geometry, mechanical characteristic of the construction materials, structural health condition, etc.) and should be performed by certified engineers with specific technical or professional training. The technical expertise survey should be followed by consolidation works within a reasonable period after the completion of the survey. This level of assessment requires full cooperation with civil society because engineers will need internal access into the building, including private living spaces, and the result of the survey will require further intervention of the building, in most cases. Objectives: This awareness campaign aims to: 1. Raise awareness on seismic risk in Romania, communicating that mitigating seismic risk is possible. 2. Created targeted messages to explain level 2 and level 3 risk assessments. 3. Share results of seismic risk assessments in ways that can be easily understood by the general public, with the purpose of inspiring action on risk reduction. Audiences: Public buildings in Romania can be assessed without any cooperation from the public and will need a different approach to communicate and coordinate assessments among various government entities. For the private sector in high-risk zones, there are many residential buildings which will be assessed with the level 2 assessments and will require further detailed assessments (level 3), and this process must be communicated to residents. This campaign focuses on three categories of residents: 1) homeowners associations 2) homeowners, and 3) renters. Channels: There are many channels available for communicating with residents. • Web • Social media • TV • Direct mailing • Public meetings • Door to door campaigns • Phone 83 Channels Content General Web Articles Awareness Social media Videos TV Images Case Studies Mobilizing Web Fact Sheets Action Direct mailing Timelines Public meetings Presentations Door to door Key Messages “Why Risk Assessments are Beneficial for You” Communicating the importance of seismic risk assessments comes with some challenges: 1. First, there is a lack of understanding on why assessments should be done. Past public awareness measures (i.e., red dot) have caused some misunderstanding and provide false security. 2. Secondly, there is a lack of public trust in professionals to carry out the assessments competently and that the results will be accurate. In the past some reconstruction work was done dishonestly, resulting in confusion over whether a building which has previously been retrofitted is actually less vulnerable. 3. The current process for assessment is complicated and requires a detailed survey of the building, requiring access into the private spaces of each building. Residents need to understand that the process has changed. 4. Many people feel it is the government’s responsibility to fix structural issues, because the buildings were constructed during the communist period, which creates friction in compliance. 5. Because risk information can raise or lower property values, owners and renters may not want to know the actual risk level. Owners may not want to make the necessary investments to reduce seismic risk if they cannot recoup the loss. In order to address some of these issues, the NSRRS provides a roadmap for performing risk assessments, which simplifies the process to prioritize high risk buildings, along with a financial plan for providing necessary funding to high-risk buildings, and especially for low-income people. 84 Focusing on a set of objectives, the communications plan defines the information and dissemination methods required to meet these objectives through the following questions: • What is the expected behavior change for the target group? • What information (key message) needs to be disseminated? • How should the messages be delivered (channel/content)? • How will we know the communication was successful? (i.e., What are the indicators?) 85 Table: Key Messages on 3-Level Risk Assessments for HOAs, homeowners, and renters The key messages for HOAs, homeowners, and renters are largely the same, however, the assessments will impact each of these groups in slightly different ways. HOAs will primarily be responsible for communicating with residents and building cooperation and consensus within their building. As representatives of homeowners, they will be interested in the same information as the owners. Homeowners will be interested to know the timeline, details of the process, and whether any financial aid is available for retrofitting. Renters will not be as concerned as property owners about costs and details of retrofitting; however, they will be interested in the timeline and what rights they have in terms of living accommodations during and after the retrofitting process. As the programs are developed, the interests of specific groups should be considered, and specific communication regarding these concerns can be developed. CSOs can be a useful soundboard for the concerns of specific groups of residents in Romania. Key actions and messages for HOAs and residents include the following: • Assist in creating community collaboration and building consensus for performing risk assessments and renovations necessary for seismic safety. • Communicate the urgency and necessity of risk reduction to the property owners within your site. • There are immediate benefits of measures to reduce seismic risk when paired with other initiatives (reducing bills through increased energy efficiency, improved living conditions and comfort, improved accessibility for disabled, water and sanitation etc., it is more time efficient) • The time required for a consolidation process will vary depending on the interventions identified after the risk assessment. The cost of the intervention varies – it will be estimated following the risk assessment. Objective 1: Raise awareness on seismic risk in Romania, communicating that mitigating seismic risk is possible. Behavior change Key Message(s) Channel Content Indicators Romanians “Not ‘if’, but ‘when’: Are Web Maps # hits on understand that you ready?” Romania is at website and Romania is a seismic Social Media General risk and you are a critical social media zone, and some areas seismic risk partner for reducing risk to Special report of Romania are more information/ #viewers your community (news) at risk than others, Factsheets Positive and reducing risk is a comments/ collective effort. responses from community 86 Romanians begin to “You can take action to Web Instructions #hits on website seek information and decrease seismic risk” and and social Social Media take action on risk information for media reduction Public risk reduction Feedback from Awareness Video professionals on Event describing public interest actions that can be taken - success stories Residents understand “Know you are safe” – risk Web/printed Factsheet on audience that risk assessments assessments must be flyer risk feedback online will be taking place performed to increase the assessments and after event Social Media throughout the overall safety of the presentation country in an effort housing stock in Romania. Consultations to improve safety of (Address misperceptions in /town hall the entire housing risk perception) meetings stock. Objective 2: Created targeted messages to explain level 2 and level 3 risk assessments. Behavior Change Key Message (s) Channel Content Indicators Residents are aware Risk Assessments will Consultation Presentation/sli Audience that the housing provide an evaluation of de deck feedback online Flyer/ mailing stock in Romania is whether or not your and at Information on being assessed for building is safe. Web consultation methodology seismic risk, and the Level 2 risk assessments and financing results will tell them will be happening in your whether their area, and the results will building is safe identify buildings most at risk. High risk buildings need further evaluation. Performing Level 3 risk assessments requires collaboration and coordination between individual owners in your building. 87 Residents understand “Not ‘if’, but ‘when’: Are Social media Video #views and see the value in you ready?” - An Image Audience risk assessments earthquake will strike at feedback because they want to some point in the future, know their risk. and risk assessments provide the necessary data to know whether your building is safe Residents understand “Knowing your risk, Web Fact sheet #residents that the process of reduces your risk” - accept/request a Social media presentation assessing buildings explain Level 1, 2, and 3 level 3 and the possible next risk assessments (focusing Direct assessment steps of a detailed on level 2) mailing assessment and Community retrofitting. meeting (in high risk zones) Objective 3: Share results of seismic risk assessments in ways that can be easily understood by the general public, with the purpose of inspiring action on risk reduction. Behavior Change Key Message Channel Content Indicators HOAs engage with “Reducing risk is a Web Timeline #views community to collective effort” Social media Fact sheet Audience communicate risk #OnlyTogether feedback and to build Direct mail Short consensus among video/graphic TV residents. Residents cooperate to determine the risk of the building and solve structural issues. Residents support “A more efficient Web Fact sheet # views risk assessments, approach” Romania has because they created a more efficient Social media Timeline Audience feedback understand that the approach to evaluating TV Special report approach is designed seismic risk #residents that to find the buildings accept/request a with highest risk level 3 with minimal assessment disturbance to residents 88 Residents trust the “Specialized training Recognizable Video Audience assessments because provides trustworthy uniforms for feedback Image they know that the results.” Romanian trained results are accurate engineers and professionals and from trained professionals are trained to TV professionals provide accurate risk assessments Social media [For residents living Level 2 risk assessments Web Video Audience in high hazard areas are one step in determining feedback Social media Image determined by Level whether my building is at 1 assessments] risk TV/news Fact sheet report Residents understand timeline their region is considered high risk according to basic building data and ground motions, and needs to be further evaluated through risk assessments [For residents living Level 3 risk assessments Direct Timeline #public in high risk are the first step in mailing meetings/attend Factsheet buildings, according reducing my seismic risk ance Public to level 2 meetings #residents that assessments] accept/request a Door-to-door Residents understand level 3 their building is assessment considered high risk based on building type and visual inspection, but it needs further (more detailed) inspection from trained professionals to determine the risk. 89 Communication Plan This campaign is designed to be carried out approximately three years. The campaign begins with inputs and feedback from key stakeholders on the program design to increase participation and increase success of the program. Throughout the campaign there are general awareness activities to increase demand for risk assessments. A solid methodology and investment plan for Level 2 and Level 3 risk assessments will need to be established, and materials explaining the process in clear, concise language must be created to implement this plan. The timing of the activities described below should be planned according to the methodology set for the 3-level risk assessments. Activity Channels Indicators Frequency Responsibilit y 1 Initial consultations In person/ Consultation provided 1 MDLPA, LPA with LPAs/HOAs virtual for every target group Consultation/ consultation TAU 2 Consultation with In Consultation with Every 6 MDLPA, LPA CSOs – preparation for person/virtua CSOs in regions of months level 3 assessments l consultation level 2 assessments and subsequent renovations, particularly focusing on the needs of vulnerable people 3 General awareness Video, Impact 1 event each MDLPA, raising event (to build competition survey, (did event year MoIA demand) increase awareness?) 4 Social media coverage Facebook, # posts/page on At least MDLPA/MIA/ of general awareness social media Facebook page and weekly, daily social media messages pages social media pages as investment partners To determine impact, plan for the gather feedback program is survey every week launched 5 Community Survey Awareness and Every 6 MDLPA, sensitization and interest in risk months hired firm feedback assessment levels is high and increasing over time 6 Sharing information TV, radio, # media releases sent Once/month MDLPA/medi about risk assessments web a partners with news agencies 90 7 Placing information Web Publication is Once in 6 MDLPA + about the project on available on the months partnering line the official websites of websites of the ministries partnering ministries partnering ministries (i.e., and updated regularly MoIA, MoH, MoC, M oE, MoF, etc) 8 Development and Door to door # flyers distributed Periodically LPA, CSOs, distribution of as needed volunteers informational flyer 9 Detailed Web, printed #online/printed Once at start MDLPA, communication on flyer communications of program, LPAs process and distributed periodically as methodology there are updates 10 Posting information on WhatsApp, WhatsApp groups of Periodically MDLPA the progress of the Facebook HOAs as information project implementation groups is updated in WhatsApp groups of target groups (i.e., HOAs, etc) 11 Development of Facebook, FAQs are answered on Every 3-6 MDLPA, answers to frequently webpage official Facebook/web months LPA asked questions about page and used for the project creation of social media posts 12 Development of video Video/intervi Videos shared via Within first MDLPA, ew/ special regional TV, social year LPA report networks, website of MDLPA and partnering ministries 13 Press tours [Romanian #viewers As needed MDLPA news stations] 14 Share success stories Social #Success stories As needed to MDLPA, media, news shared online, increase hired firm media, web #views/likes for public videos awareness on risk assessments 15 Prompt and efficient Web, email, Response rate to Constantly MDLPA, feedback social media emails, comments, etc LPAs 91 16 Share assessment Web # online posts MDLPA, results MoIA with general public online 17 Progress review with Consultation consultations 1 consultation MDLPA HOAs and Local Public Authorities 18 Survey to gather Survey via Survey sent, collected, 1 survey MDLPA, impact on post (direct analyzed, and results specialized communications, has mail) shared firm the outcome been achieved? 92 Annex 8 - Proposal for expansion of website and social media outreach Website Expansion: Seismic Risk Portal The aim of this document is to propose a phased expansion of the MDLPA website to provide a) general information on seismic risk reduction, b) targeted communication for programs and policies, and c) a platform for data sharing (long-term goal). As highlighted in a separate analysis (UX Review), the MDLPA website is underused and difficult to navigate, so it is recommended to review the structure of the site in terms of the user journey and ensure that all links are functional. While this is a separate endeavor, there is also an opportunity to increase engagement with stakeholders and the general public through the use of the website by integrating a seismic risk reduction data portal. Therefore, the website expansion plan proposes the integration of information on general awareness and targeted communication on programs and policies, followed by the creation of an information and data-sharing platform, linked to other data collection initiatives in Romania, in the long-term. Figure 8.4 Sample homepage for the seismic risk portal Photo source: ibishotels.ro The content of the website should be aligned with the expectations and specific needs of the various target audiences. The following table specifies the information that should be available on the website to answer specific questions the different audiences may pose with respect to their own risk and actions to reduce it. 93 Table 8.7. Stakeholder questions and sections within the website Target audience Questions Answers (Section of the website) General public Why is seismic risk relevant for me? What is the NSRRS? All stakeholders Am I at risk? Why to act for seismic risk reduction What do I need to know in case of an earthquake? Be prepared! HOAs and What can I do to reduce the vulnerability of my Actions for seismic risk homeowners property? reduction (submenu) Is there a support program available to reduce • Access the new seismic risk? investment program What do I need to do to access these programs? Local What is the new legal framework on seismic risk Actions for seismic risk administrations, reduction? reduction (submenu) heads of public institutions, What are the roles and responsibilities of my • Access the new institution? investment program engineers, and technical experts Is there a support program available to reduce seismic risk? Are there any qualification programs available? Private sector What are the investment opportunities for reducing Actions for seismic risk seismic risk? reduction (submenu) Is there a support / incentive program for • Investment opportunities investments in seismic risk reduction? • Access the new investment program Home seekers What does it mean for a building to be Resources „vulnerable”? • Roadmap for responsible Which are the most vulnerable types of buildings? ownership / home seekers General public How can my organization support the Resources (materials to share implementation of seismic risk reduction measures? with your community) CSOs, vulnerable groups Are there any useful resources that I can share with my community? 94 Phased expansion plan In the first phase, it is proposed to integrate a new section on seismic risk reduction on the MDLPA website to provide basic information on seismic risk and the National Seismic Risk Reduction Strategy (NSRRS). The new section can be integrated either as a menu entry, or a highlighted section on the home page. While both options could be implemented, these should lead the user to a standalone website within the MDLPA domain (e.g. .mdlpa.ro), which would also allow to apply a different design to the risk portal. Considering that the risk information portal will be promoted through social media, it is also essential to ensure that this page is mobile- friendly, as more users will be landing on the website through such channels. In this phase, the focus will be to create a well-designed landing page comprising a key message aimed at implementors (Fig. 8.4), a message from key stakeholders or a success story, facts about the new NSRRS and the following tabs: Why act for seismic risk reduction (risk and benefits), Seismic Risk Data. The proposed menu sections at this stage are What is the NSRRS?, Actions for seismic risk reduction (this section last should include a clear explanation of individual responsibilities for each type of stakeholder according to current laws and mandates) and Regulations in seismic risk reduction (providing a library of laws and regulations to be consulted). Finally, the menu could include a menu section on preparedness including information on what to do before, during and after an earthquake (which could link to fiipregatit.ro and other initiatives dedicated to seismic risk). The second phase of the website expansion consists of adding targeted information for accessing financing support through the new programs that will be created in accordance with the NSRRS. A new menu entitled Access financing support / Support programs would include targeted information on support programs and financing opportunities. These pages should also be referenced through a call-to-action tab (such as “Find out how you can access support”) from the Actions for seismic risk reduction submenus dedicated to each type of stakeholder). Thirdly, to increase the interactive dimension of the page and to establish the portal as a first- hand, reliable data source on risk reduction, the creation of an information and data-sharing platform, linked to other data collection initiatives in Romania is envisaged. Depending on the type of data to be collected, this might require specialized support in data scrapping, GIS mapping etc. These could be included in the Risk Data tab, which would already be in place or alternatively have it renamed to Risk data platform. 95 Site map Homepage (scrolling) 1. Key message: We act together for the reduction of seismic risk 2. Clickable tabs: Why to act for seismic risk reduction (risk information and benefits) o Benefits of risk reduction General Seismic Risk Data o Hazard map o Results of 3-level risk assessments 3. Message from key stakeholders / experts / success stories 4. Facts about the NSRRS and new investment program (once approved) What is the NSRSS? • Slide deck with presentation of the NSRRS, integrated on page • 3 – level risk assessments, prioritization criteria • Co-benefits of integrated investments etc. Other relevant topics can be retrieved based on the slide deck and given more space – the page can be sectioned to include these topics as users scroll down. Actions for seismic risk reduction • Submenus: o Homeowners and HOAs o Local administrations, heads of public institutions o Investment opportunities (private sector). Note: Each of the submenus above should also feature a link to the „Access the new investment program” page, as a Call-to-Action button, once the program is launched. These sections could also include a story of successful consolidation processes, along with photos, indicative timelines, costs, and financing support opportunities. o Engineers and technical experts Information on qualification training available. 96 Resources (target: general public, CSOs, including vulnerable groups): Resources and printable materials to share with your community • Flyers, infographics • Roadmap for responsible homeownership / home seekers • Oral stories • Other communication materials developed (such as serious game presentations, game scripts) Access the new investment program • Summary of the program, once approved • Step-by-step approach: According to how the investment program will be designed in its final form, this page should offer each type of eligible beneficiary a clear step-by-step explanation of how to access it. • Success stories (this section can be updated with examples of consolidations from different localities across Romania, as the program enters the implementation phase). An example could be the ROREG page menu dedicated to Successful projects: https://www.roreg.eu/proiecte-de-succes. It is recommended to share photos of the state of the building before and after the consolidation process and keep only the most relevant details about the project. Current regulations in seismic risk reduction („Legislația actuală”) • Library of resources: laws and regulations Be prepared! • What to do before, during and after an earthquake (link to the www.fiipregatit.ro platform) 97 Social Media Outreach Expansion In order to ensure effective implementation of risk reduction measures, using social media and offering a quality source of further information through a dedicated portal is essential. This approach is aligned with the Sendai Framework for DRR 2015-2030 which also calls for strengthening the utilization of media (including social media), big data and mobile phone networks, to support national measures for successful disaster risk communication, as appropriate and in accordance with national laws. The steps proposed below aim to increase engagement with stakeholders and the general public through use of the MDLPA website and social media platforms, with a focus on communication through a dedicated Facebook page. The Facebook pages offer an opportunity for targeted communication and driving traffic to the website of the Ministry, where a risk portal is envisaged. While there is current capability to manage social media and website updates on an ad-hoc basis, implementing systematic online communication on the topic of seismic risk reduction would require allocating increased resources to this purpose. The current proposal focuses on the use of Facebook to increase outreach and awareness on the topic of seismic risk reduction, as well as generate action from key stakeholders. Additionally, the MDLPA Linked-In account can be considered to better target the professional community that can support the implementation of the strategy, while the MDLPA Twitter and a project-level Instagram account can help disseminate the messages posted on the Facebook page. Phased approach Considering that social media communication on seismic risk needs to be continuous and extends beyond the timeline of the project, the messages should be planned according to the following phases: Phase I – Dissemination of the strategy and general seismic risk awareness Key milestone: Facebook page dedicated to the NSRRS is launched. Content can be replicated on other platforms (such as a dedicated Instagram page) Phase II – Responsibilities and opportunities to act Key milestone: the seismic risk portal is launched Phase III – Launching of the new Investment Program for seismic risk reduction Key milestone: investment program is approved and can be accessed Phase IV – Continuous communication on progress and local best practices in implementation Key milestone: implementation process of the new investment program has started A model editorial plan for Facebook posts has also been developed in order to support and inspire the social media content creation along these phases. It is highly recommended to engage with a designer to develop visual content for each of these posts. 98 Who is the target audience? As documented in Output 4, the target audience for communications covers a wide array of stakeholders, from line ministries, LPAs and heads of public institutions, HOAs and homeowners, CSOs, vulnerable groups, school communities, professionals and experts and the private sector. From the Facebook communication perspective, the following audiences are considered to be the most influential and can therefore generate the highest impact: • Presidents of HOAs, homeowners and homeseekers • Local Public Authorities (LPAs) and Heads of Public Institutions • CSOs (both CSOs active in the field of seismic reduction and CSOs involved with vulnerable groups (elderly, parentless children, disabled, Roma, etc.); • Private investors. An additional segmentation to target messages is based on geographical location and age group: • People living in areas that are highly exposed to seismic risk (geographical segmenting) • People who have never been through an earthquake (age segment <35) While not targeted directly, line ministries, professional bodies, technical institutions, academia and research entities and media outlets, are also expected to Social media communication objectives What is the current situation and what is the social media expansion plan trying to achieve? Facebook is the main source for social media outreach for MDLPA (Ministerul Dezvoltării, Lucrărilor Publice şi Administraţiei | Facebook). Currently, the Facebook page has 32.369 followers, and the posts focus on different meetings, conferences, updates on payments made for ministry-financed development programs and press communications (e.g., new contracts signed under Regional Operational Programs). However, there is a relatively low level of engagement (reactions, comments, shares of posts). With respect to content type, MDLPA uses Facebook mostly to promote institutional transparency by providing updates on their activities, based on press releases, however there is opportunity and interest to increase outreach and engagement with targeted communication on seismic risk reduction. The Ministry also disposes of a number of other social media channels created, listed below: ▪ Twitter: eDezvoltare ▪ YouTube: eDezvoltare ▪ LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/1AKRZV6 Recently launched (Oct. 2021), the dedicated Facebook page for the National Seismic Risk Reduction Strategy (https://www.facebook.com/snrrsRomania) provides the opportunity to increase communication on seismic risk reduction and approach it from a semi-formal angle, aimed at creating more engagement and interest in the topic, as well as create demand and support among targeted stakeholders (HOAs, homeowners and homeseekers, LPAs and heads of public 99 institutions, CSOs and vulnerable groups, general public). Posts related to awareness or certain milestones reached can be also posted on the MDLPA official page – as, for example, a post dedicated to the International Day for Seismic Risk Reduction, commemorations of past earthquakes or the launching of the investment program. The desired outcome of the social media activity is to create a two-way communication process, where targeted audiences can be informed, engaged in dialogue, and eventually become partners and develop a joint ownership of the seismic risk reduction efforts, as illustrated in the figure below: Figure 8.1 Degrees of engagement Source: DG Communication Evaluation Toolkit In order to increase social media outreach and increase communications on seismic risk, communication will be structured by two major aims: Awareness: information sharing There is a need for general awareness of the necessity and urgency of seismic risk reduction in Romania, among both implementors and the general public (all citizens). Therefore, a fist aim of risk communication is to share the existing technical knowledge in a clear and simple way and ensure that the target audience can make informed decisions on what actions are required on their side. An important objective of this task is to successfully bridge the experts’ approach to how the general public perceives risk in terms of personal relevance. Action: behavior change While general awareness-raising activities are the basis for risk-related decisions, this direction of communication aims for behavior change and focuses on specific opportunities to act for reducing seismic risk for each relevant segment of the audience. The objective is to help the target group perceive the benefits of the new behavior (engage homeowners and community to take action, carry out seismic risk assessments of public assets, take advantage of risk reduction programs etc.) 100 Communication objectives Communication objectives for behavior change for raising awareness: 1. Citizens are aware of 1. HOA presidents share information on responsibilities the urgency and and opportunities for seismic risk reduction with necessity of seismic owners and work closely with local public authorities risk reduction. to increase consolidation efforts. 2. Citizens are inspired to 2. Homeowners take measures to consolidate become involved in vulnerable buildings, attend meetings dedicated to reducing seismic risk. seismic risk reduction, access insurance policies against natural disasters. 3. Citizens are engaged in communication around 3. Local public authorities and heads of public seismic risk and institutions work together to implement programs become and policies to reduce seismic risk of public assets advocates/ambassadors and integrate seismic risk reduction and disaster for seismic risk response into local planning. reduction. 4. Local public authorities organize community 4. All relevant meetings on the topic of seismic risk reduction. stakeholders 5. CSOs assist in spreading the message on seismic risk (implementors) are reduction into communities across Romania, aware of their particularly among vulnerable people. responsibilities and the actions that will be 6. Citizens take measures for increasing their risk enabled by the new preparedness (emergency backpack, family plan, strategy on seismic risk securing heavy furniture and appliances etc) and talk reduction. to others in their community about getting prepared. 5. There is strong support 7. Private investors are motivated to invest in making and demand created Romania seismically safe and recognize the among implementing economic benefits of improving seismic safety. agencies. While line ministries, professional community and media outlets are not the main audiences targeted through social media, the following behavior changes are aimed for in the overarching communication strategy: • Line ministries support and integrate seismic risk reduction into new and existing policies and programs. • Professional bodies, technical institutions, academia and research entities are engaged in communicating the necessary measures to reduce seismic risk and act as intermediaries between the government and the general public. • Media outlets share relevant information about potential areas prone to disaster risks, the effects of disasters, and ways to prepare for and reduce risk. 101 Lessons learned in social media risk communication A recent Study of Romanian County Inspectorates for Emergency Situations’ Facebook Usage for Disaster Risk Communication and Beyond highlights the fact that even though seismic risk is an important issue in Romania, very low stakeholder engagement is observed for messages related to earthquake safety. Moreover, the CIES post rarely on the topic on social media, with posts peaking in March (the commemoration of the March 4th 1977 earthquake. While keeping the memories of past events alive is good practice, stakeholder engagement is „really low, which is worrisome, considering the high level of impact an earthquake would have.”2 Stakeholders tend to engage with messages about everyday risks, which are perceived as more familiar and more likely to occur. Another insight of the study at hand is that posts with educational content (on risk preparedness, risk awareness and behavioral recommendations) generate lower engagement (Figure 8.2). Interestingly, messages promoting the organizations’ image (motto, values, activity reports, employees and personnel, community events etc.) received the most engagement, which may be attributed to the relatable, familiar and emotional value of this type of messages. Figure 8.2 Engagement level for education and non-educational Facebook posts Source: Study of County Inspectorates for Emergency Situations’ Facebook Usage, 2018 Lessons learned from various national and international studies include: • The documented low interest in awareness and educational content prompts the use of communication hooks to raise interest in the topic and encourage further exploration. These elements can bring the topic of seismic risk in a realm that is more familiar (e.g. specific buildings, consolidated or not, especially if they are well known to the public) and where there is already a decision at stake, such as renting or looking to buy a home. • Mixing educational content with other elements that tend to create engagement is also a valuable lesson learned. For example, educational materials regarding seismic risk can 2 Monika Meltzer, Lucrina Stefănescu and Alexandru Ozunu, Keep Them Engaged: Romanian County Inspectorates for Emergency Situations’ Facebook Usage for Disaster Risk Communication and Beyond, Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, 2018 102 be posted in the form of infographics or lists, accompanied by a story on a recent earthquake in the world or in the country (news story and emotional value). • Messages rich in emotion create the highest level of interaction. The topics that stakeholders interacted with the most were related to honoring deceased employees and showing compassion for disaster-affected communities, as well as showcasing a person's or a team's accomplishments. Posts about rescue activities have had the second-highest stakeholder engagement. At the same time, communicators in emergency situations need to keep a fine balance between emotional and pragmatic content, in order to avoid misinformation and a skewed perception of the scale of the disaster. • Community engagement related content also generates interest: „Posts depicting CIES employees participating in events for the community or in different training exercises or sports events, also generated above-average stakeholder engagement.”3 • Media tools (photos, infographics, videos etc.) used for disaster risk and crisis communication need to be more engaging and create a sense of reality. Graphics are generally more effective than numerical or textual representations for communicating risk4. • Localize risk information. Risk information visualizations should be created so that people may contextualize threats to their particular situations and location and use the information more effectively, rather than presenting risks at the national level or geographic region5. This can assist individuals in making more accurate estimates. For example, separate hazard maps can be shared for cities most exposed to seismic risk. Further lessons learned on major public awareness campaigns related to seismic resilience such as the National Program for Anti-Seismic Education of Population (1990-2007) and INFORISX (2006-2007) include: • Involving a multidisciplinary team of specialists in the design of the messages of the campaign • Designing simple, but not simplistic messages and having a sincere approach • Offering clear solutions: what should one do to prepare/mitigate etc. • Developing proper partnerships with NGOs and the media. 3 Monika Meltzer, Lucrina Stefănescu and Alexandru Ozunu, Keep Them Engaged: Romanian County Inspectorates for Emergency Situations’ Facebook Usage for Disaster Risk Communication and Beyond, Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, 2018 4 Bica et al., The Crisis Informatics of Online Hurricane Risk Communication, 2019 5 Bica et al., The Crisis Informatics of Online Hurricane Risk Communication, 2019 103 Surveys about seismic risk performed in the past showcase significant gaps. A survey to investigate the risk awareness, preparedness and expectations of Bucharest population with 1000 respondents as part of a project implemented by UTCB, shows a disconnection between awareness and action: „ although they are aware of the possibility of a major earthquake in Romania, the people in Bucharest do not seem to be prepared to deal with such a situation.”6 While buildings after 1978 are considered significantly safer by the population, only 26.5% who would feel most secure in a building recently built (2007 - present), although seismic design regulations have evolved significantly. Set the right tone of voice Alongside with drafting the key messages, which serve as a reference for drafting all future communication, it is recommended to identify the elements that compose the so-called “tone of voice”, tuned to the different communicators, channels and relevant audiences. Stylistically, the tone of voice ranges from formal to informal. However, its core characteristics (reliability, clarity, supportiveness, focus on usefulness and applicability) should be shared by all communicators, be it the Ministry or other communicators such as CSOs, media or professional bodies. While the MDLPA official communication (press releases and social media posts) would adhere to a formal tone, communication materials prepared to be shared through a dedicated Facebook page or by CSOs and media outlets should adopt the use of an informal tone with a frequent use of questions, which are also key to ensure a higher engagement of audiences on social media. The main components of the tone of voice in social media seismic risk communication are listed below: Address the audience directly. To create a sense of a direct message, it is recommended to use the second person and imperatives, when appropriate (for example, when inviting the audience to access extra resources on the topic or when asking the audience to share the post with others, if they found it useful). Calls to action are recommended to get users to interact with the seismic risk portal and access ways in which they can contribute to the achievement of seismic risk reduction objectives. Easy to read, concise, no jargon. All communications should be consistent in sharing complex technical and regulatory information in a concise, easy to understand way, avoiding the use of jargon. While the tone of voice should be attuned to the different audiences and the desired impact, communications should convey clear, useful information and actionable advice for all audiences envisaged. Focused calls to action. Considering that the subject of seismic risk reduction has a rather technical sound to it, homeowners, HOA presidents or regular citizens do not implicitly understand that they have a role to play in this process, leaving it to experts and local administrations to solve 6 http://cobpee.utcb.ro/documents/Raport2016.pdf 104 the problem. It is, therefore, recommended to focus on the actions that each type of stakeholder can take in order to contribute to the main goal of increasing overall resilience and personal safety. In the end, the target audience should be clear on what they need to do next. All communicators should consider as much as possible the use of active verbs (instead of passive language). Highlight new opportunities. While seismic risk reduction has been an ongoing struggle and has reached audiences in various contexts in the past, including other initiatives implemented by the MDLPA, it is important to emphasize the current opportunity and momentum enabled by the adoption of the National Seismic Risk Reduction Strategy and the preparation of a new program for consolidation. Use negative emotional framing with caution: Moreover, the topic of risk is charged with a negative emotional connotation, which may prompt a defensive / dismissive reaction from the general public, in order to avoid worrying about it. The recommended approach is to ensure that the tone of voice across all communication platforms frames the information in terms of both emotional and pragmatic messaging focused on concrete actions that boost resilience. Starting with the most important point and following with additional explanations, rather than building up to the key message and keeping the reader waiting for the conclusion is considered to be a best practice in online communication. These can be followed by links to the seismic risk portal, links to other platforms, to consult available programs, etc. Using examples and success stories. One of the most practical ways of sharing complex knowledge is focusing on examples, as well as best practices, whenever available. Posts detailing the process of consolidation of a building, with pictures from various phases and the result (before/after) can make the concept of consolidation more relatable. Convey reliability. To maximize the efficiency of communications, all social media posts should include a time stamp, to inform the audience about the exact time when the information was shared. This is especially relevant in emergency response situations, but it is also advisable to do so in pre- disaster periods. Figure 8.3 Choosing the right tone of voice for communicating on seismic risk reduction – MDLPA and NSRRS social media pages [formal] informative, clear, reliable, trustworthy, useful, positive, supportive, energetic [semi-/informal] We care about seismic risk and we offer high-value resources and a clear roadmap to empower you to take action. 105 The Ministry (MDLPA) is: • a committed partner in reducing risk and increasing resilience • empowering implementors with the right tools to accelerate seismic risk reduction • ready to listen. • a source of knowledgeable support for implementors of seismic risk reduction measures • offering easy access to critical information for citizens’ safety. Identifying key messages Developing key messages for different target audiences (including elderly, children, and other vulnerable groups), is essential for reaching communication objectives, as they are the foundation for all future communications to be developed. Ideally, these should be refined and adapted to the target audience, based on the feedback received. A first key message of the overall communication strategy is that Romania is at a high risk of seismic damage. Content on this topic includes a seismic dictionary category of posts, which can be illustrated whenever possible, as well as information on previous earthquakes, vulnerability of buildings and seismic prognoses. A key recommendation to keep in mind is that only communicating facts about risk does not link directly to behavior change7 so the messages need to be contextualized and personalized as much as possible. For example, a post about past earthquakes can showcase buildings affected and photos from the neighborhood, the people living in it, as well as personal experiences of past earthquakes that can be shared through stories. Moreover, this message needs to be paired with the message that concrete and achievable steps can be taken to reduce risk, as it is more helpful to aim for resilience, rather than trying to induce worry. Besides Information on the opportunities for action opened by the NSRRS should be communicated, with a focus on the 3-level risk assessment framework and other tools to accelerate seismic risk reduction in Romania. A third main message of the communication strategy is that reducing seismic risk in Romania is a shared responsibility and can only be achieved through a whole-society approach. Thus, one of the main objectives of the Facebook pages will be to raise awareness and promote clear courses of action for various stakeholders, with a focus on homeowners and HOA representatives, CSOs, LPAs, heads of public institutions such as schools, hospitals etc, as well as professional bodies and technical institutions. Best practices and success stories are another important content category to build trust and prompt action. In any communication effort, building a trusted relationship between the communicator and the audience is key. MDLPA, as the main source of information on the National Strategy for Reducing Seismic Risk, needs to strive to build a trusted relationship with the audience, which translates in 7 Several studies have highlighted this disconnect between awareness and personalization: http://static.seismo.ethz.ch/rise/deliverables/Deliverable_5.1.pdf 106 trust in the proposed measures. This can be consolidated by working with a broad range of organizations, experts, media outlets, social groups, avoiding the politicization of the communication on the subject and sending out a clear, unifying message: effective seismic risk reduction measures save lives. In order to be efficient, the content should also try to respond to the questions that target audiences already have in their mind or prompt new questions / interest in the topic. The possible questions and key messages of different audiences are explored below: Table 8.2. Targeted key messages Key messages for the overall communication • Romania is at a high risk of seismic damage • Concrete and achievable steps can be taken to reduce risk – the NSRRS will enable new tools to accelerate seismic risk reduction in Romania • Reducing seismic risk in Romania is a shared responsibility • Effective seismic risk reduction measures save lives Type of audience Audience questions Targeted key messages All stakeholders/ Why is the NSRRS important to me? implementors • Reducing seismic risk is a collective effort. What are the benefits that it brings? • Innovative elements of the NSRRS aim to What is my responsibility? What do accelerate measures to reduce seismic risk by I need to do? 2050 What kind of support can be • New investment program to be launched. accessed? General public Why is this important to me in my everyday life? • Romania is a country with high seismic risk. People living in The hazard map shows the most exposed areas that are Is my city located in a vulnerable geographical areas. highly exposed to area with high seismic risk? seismic risk • Impact can be managed through SRR (geographical What happened during the previous measures (structural risk reduction – mainly major earthquakes and how can the consolidation/demolition), complemented by segmenting) damage be prevented? disaster prevention and preparedness How can I protect my family and measures managed by the MoIA. People who have loved ones from seismic risk? • Reducing seismic risk is a whole-society never been collective effort. What do I do in case of an through an earthquake (age earthquake? How can I prepare? • Benefits beyond seismic risk reduction segment <35) include increased quality of public spaces, housing and overall quality of life. LPAs, Heads of What are the responsibilities at the LPAs are key partners in communication and are public institutions local level? Are there any sanctions the main implementors. for non-compliance? • Communicate with HOA and heads of public How should we prioritize institutions about SRR and available investments in consolidation? programs. What are the available financing sources for reducing seismic risk? 107 Will we have a budget to carry out • Allocate a budget for seismic risk reduction risk assessments and retrofit (programs for risk reduction, transitional buildings and the staff to manage housing, and risk communication). these programs?. • Other responsibilities of LPAs in SRR, as currently regulated by the Ordinance 20/1994 3 level risk assessments offer a new approach to accelerating seismic risk reduction • Perform risk assessments and prioritize public buildings for consolidation • Prioritizing investments is instrumental to increase the efficiency of seismic risk reduction programs and to maximize results in terms of protection of life and minimization of damages and economic losses. A new investment program will be launched. • Be informed about the new opportunities and responsibilities. • Provide feedback to MDLPA to improve programs and financing for risk reduction. Presidents of Is my property vulnerable to seismic Seismic risk awareness HOAs and risk? individual owners • Vulnerability information What does this risk mean for me? of vulnerable • Impact of previous earthquakes properties Who is responsible for ensuring the consolidation of buildings / reducing • State of the building stock in Romania Renters and (clarify the risk situation – red dot myth). The seismic risk? homeowner list of vulnerable buildings only includes What are the immediate benefits of assessed properties. A risk assessment will taking measures to reduce seismic need to be performed for your building risk? Reducing seismic risk is a shared responsibility What does the retrofitting / consolidation process imply? Where • Assist in creating community collaboration will I stay during the consolidation and building consensus for performing risk process? How long does the process assessments and renovations necessary for take? seismic safety. How much will it cost? • Communicate the urgency and necessity of risk reduction to the property owners within What are the available financial your site. support programs? • There are immediate benefits of measures to What steps can I take to find out if reduce seismic risk when paired with other my building is vulnerable and reduce initiatives (reducing bills through increased seismic risk? energy efficiency, improved living conditions and comfort, improved accessibility for disabled, water and sanitation etc, it is more time efficient) • The time required for a consolidation process will vary depending on the interventions identified after the risk assessment. The cost 108 of the intervention varies – will be estimated following the risk assessment. A new investment program will be launched. • Key message on the investment program to be developed once the program content is settled. Homeseekers What do I need to know when looking for a home in terms of • Check out this roadmap to ensure that you seismic risk? have all the relevant information on seismic risk when purchasing a new home. (see Annex 12) Private sector What are the economic opportunities enabled by seismic risk reduction • By investing in seismic risk reduction, you measures? are boosting the local economy and increasing quality of life and safety in your community. • There is an opportunity to invest in risk reduction and raise the value of real estate. Various buildings needing retrofitting have a high economic potential. CSOs; Vulnerable What can we do? Are there resources Groups (elderly, available to share with the • You can help communicate SR to your parentless communities that the CSO is community, particularly vulnerable people. children, involved in? (including children, You can provide input and feedback on the disabled, Roma, elderly, disabled, Roma programs and policies from the perspective of etc.); communities) the community you work with. (intermediate communicator – two ways). Are there any dedicated programs for vulnerable groups with regards to • A new investment program will be launched. reducing seismic risk? Professional What is the bid process? How can we bodies and get involved? What is the timeline? • You are a key implementor and can help to technical create a solid risk assessment professional How can qualification programs be community. institutions accessed? • Professional qualification process for Level 3 evaluation trainings will be available through the NSRRS. Details to be shared once available. Academia and What is our role in the research entities implementation process? • You are an important member of the community of practice around seismic risk (creation and distribution of knowledge on seismic risk). • We need your help! Input in communicating risk from both technical and social science experts is needed. 109 Ministries What is the Ministries’ contribution? • There is an opportunity to integrate seismic What is the overlap between our risk reduction into other policies and programs? financing for resilience and climate change adaptation and to identify overlaps with ongoing initiatives on seismic risk (MoIA, MoC). How can the audience be reached? Facebook users tend to show a preference for short posts and image attachments8. It is worth noting, however, the potential of live videos to engage audiences. A study of the Romanian County Inspectorates for Emergency Situations’ Facebook Usage9 shows that photos are the second-most engaging media type, after live videos, and videos come in third. In terms of timing, the hours that would offer more visibility to the posts are 12 pm and 7 pm, while the weekday with peak audience is considered to be Tuesday. This information is meant to provide a general guideline; however, it is useful to confirm this by monitoring the outreach in practice. As a general recommendation to start with, posts can be scheduled for the time intervals 11AM-12PM or 6-7 PM. Extending outreach through groups and partnerships In order to reach a higher audience, identifying existing Facebook groups that share an interest in the topic of seismic risk can prove especially helpful. Sharing posts in Facebook groups can increase the number of followers and engagement from people that are already interested in this topic. Using the Stories tool to promote posts is also recommended, as it provides users a more dynamic way of interacting with content. Identifying potential communication partners that can also share content posted on the NSRRS Facebook page can increase outreach exponentially. These include existing platforms dedicated to seismic risk, disaster risk management, urban development and media outlets. Facebook Campaign A paid campaign can reach a wider audience, attract more page likes and followers, drive traffic to the risk portal and prompt action. The timing of this campaign will need to be adapted to the desired outcome. If the desired outcome is to raise awareness and attract followers to the page, it can be planned as part of Phase I - Dissemination of strategy and general seismic risk information of the social media communication plan. However, if the aim is to prompt action from followers 8 Social Media Users Activity Global Report, Popsters, 2021 9 Monika Meltzer, Lucrina Stefănescu and Alexandru Ozunu, Keep Them Engaged: Romanian County Inspectorates for Emergency Situations’ Facebook Usage for Disaster Risk Communication and Beyond, Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, 2018 110 on accessing financing opportunities for consolidation, it is recommended to run the campaign after the new investment program is launched. How will success be measured? Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are critical elements of an effective social media strategy, entailing both a quantitative and a qualitative approach. Monitoring aims to determine if the action taken leads to reaching the communication objectives, and evaluation compares these objectives with what was achieved. Success indicators for social media can be expressed mainly through social media metrics, but also awareness surveys or increased number of consolidated buildings. Table 8.5 offers a comprehensive social media monitoring and evaluation framework that can be used throughout all project phases. From a quantitative approach, metrics can be monitored for both the page itself and specific items (such as posts and paid campaigns). Stakeholder engagement can be measured by indicators such as popularity (post reactions), commitment (comments) and virality (shares). For reporting purposes, „it is recommended to find the ten posts with the highest Engagement Rate and state the numbers, paired with the posts with the lowest performance, in order to adapt the communication strategy and improve it”10. Facebook Creator Studio offers access to insights about performance and reach of the content, such as: new followers (and unfollowers), impressions, reach, and engagement and a breakdown of viewers and followers. Table 8.3 Relevant metrics for exposure and stakeholder engagement Metric Explanation Page Likes (or Total Page Likes Followers) Reach Number of users that have been exposed to a post or any item related to the page (available in Facebook Creator studio). Engagement The percentage of people who reacted, commented, shared or clicked a post after Rate for posts having been exposed to it. The engagement rate is calculated as the number of engaged users divided by the total reach of that post, multiplied by 100. Example: for a total of 300 people reached, and a total number of reactions, comments and shares of 15, the engagement rate is: (15/300)*100=5%. Engagement The engagement rate can also be calculated for the entire page over a certain period: Rate for page total number of reactions, comments and shares / posts) / number of fans, multiplied by100. 10 http://digital-liaisons.icad-cisd.com/wp-content/uploads/03-CBA-Social-Media-ME-eBook.pdf 111 Example: if the total number of reactions, comments and shares over a month is 160, there were 20 posts and the page has 1215 followers, the total monthly engagement rate is [(160/20)/1215] * 100 = 0.65. To measure the results of paid campaigns, statistics on the campaign’s performance will be available in the Facebook Admin account. When reporting on a Facebook Ad Campaign, the following information is relevant: Table 8.4 Metrics for reporting on Facebook Ad Campaigns Metric Explanation Running duration of the Start and end date ads Ad budget spent Total amount spent Impressions (or Views) The number of times an item is seen Overall campaign Reach Number of unique Facebook users who saw the item during the campaign. The reach might be less than the impressions since one person can view an item multiple times, across multiple platforms Click-through rate Number of clicks divided by the number of times the item was displayed (campaign reach) Results The degree to which a campaign achieves its primary goals and objectives. Measuring will depend on the purpose the campaign was created for. Examples: Page Likes, Number of clicks to access the risk portal/MDLPA website, Number of buildings enrolled in the investment program etc. Source: Communication Evaluation Toolkit, DG Communication Besides this, a qualitative analysis needs to focus on sentiment – what is the reaction of the public to the shared content? What is the tone of the user generated content (comments, reactions, individual messages): positive, neutral, balanced, or negative? What are the issues discussed? While social media metrics offer insight into which content type creates the most engagement, they are not able to indicate how stakeholders take action or make use of the information. Increasing followers and reach is needed to accelerate disaster risk reduction measures, however the ultimate goal of the social media strategy is to generate action on the part of stakeholders, measured by the outcome indicators for the NSRRS. Progress towards goals should be reviewed on a quarterly basis (every 3 months), in order to make necessary adjustments, while revising the overall Social Media Strategy, based on results, is recommended once a year. 112 Table 8.5 Social media monitoring and evaluation framework (example) Communication How it can be Audience Communication Aim Objective (signs of success) When phase measured Phase I – General public Citizens are aware of the Ex. Increase the number of followers of Metrics on Weekly Dissemination urgency and necessity of the Facebook page from [X to 1000] by exposure: People living in and general seismic risk reduction. [date] areas that are New followers seismic risk highly exposed The audience is aware of Increase post reach from [X to +50% of awareness Post reach to seismic risk the opportunities opened by X] by [date] (geographical the NSRRS. segmenting) Citizens are inspired to General Annual or People who have become involved in awareness survey never been reducing seismic risk. to measure the biannual through an impact of all earthquake (age communication segment <35) efforts General public Citizens are engaged in the Ex. Increase page engagement rate Metrics on Monthly communication around from 0.1 % to 1% by [date] engagement: seismic risk and become Increase post engagement rate from 1% Page engagement advocates/ambassadors for to 3% by [date] rate seismic risk reduction. Post engagement rate All There is strong support and Ex. Build and maintain an overall Sentiment analysis Monthly implementors demand created among positive sentiment determined by (reactions, (targeted implementors. analyzing reactions, comments and comments, separately) messages over the course of each messages) month. Phase II – All All relevant stakeholders Ex. Increase traffic to website from Website traffic Monthly Responsibilities implementors (implementors) are aware of social media from x% to y% by [date] from social media 113 and (targeted their responsibilities and the measured through opportunities to separately) actions that will be enabled clicks on links to act by the new strategy on the risk portal seismic risk reduction („Bitly” tool can be used) Phase III - All For Phase III, Percentage of people taking measures General Annual/ Investment implementors communication is focused to reduce seismic risk and increase Awareness Survey Biannual program is (targeted on behavior change and preparedness. People benefitting from (compared with the launched separately) action. Communication safer and more resilient buildings initial survey as a supports the realization of baseline)Monitorin Percentage of the building stock more the outcome indicators set g and evaluation of resilient to earthquakes. for the NSRRS. the NSRRS outcome indicators Phase IV – Exposure metrics: Continuous General public and Post reach communication implementors are aware that General public Ex. Posts related to progress in on progress and progress is being made and and implementation have a reach increase Monthly local best are increasingly confident Survey of implementors from x to x by [date]. practices in in the success of the new perception of the implementation program. new investment program 114 Table 8.6 Model Editorial Plan for Facebook posts Target Date and Subject group English Romanian time Phase I – Dissemination and general seismic risk information The Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration, with the support of the World Bank and Ministerul Dezvoltării, Lucrărilor Publice şi in partnership with INCD Urban-INCERC Bucharest, is Administraţiei, cu sprijinul Băncii Mondiale și în developing the National Seismic Risk Reduction Strategy parteneriat cu INCD Urban-INCERC București, (SNRRS). elaborează Strategia Națională de Reducere a Riscului ✔ The new strategy will create the necessary Seismic (SNRRS). framework for accelerating seismic risk reduction ✔ Noua strategie va crea cadrul necesar pentru measures in Romania and aims to create earthquake- accelerarea măsurilor de reducere a riscului seismic în resilient communities and buildings. România și are ca scop crearea de comunități și clădiri General reziliente la cutremure. The strategy is elaborated within the project General presentation “Strengthening the strategic planning capacity of Oct. 12 public of the Strategia este elaborată în cadrul proiectului 2021 MDLPA in the renovation of the nationally built fund NSRRS „Consolidarea capacităţii de planificare strategică a from the perspective of energy efficiency and seismic MDLPA în renovarea fondului construit naţional din risk” (MySmis code 127562 / SIPOCA 606) perspectiva eficienţei energetice şi a riscului seismic” (cod MySmis 127562/SIPOCA 606) Follow the page to be up to date with the opportunities created by the new strategic framework! Urmărește pagina pentru a fi la curent cu oportunitățile create de noul cadru strategic! #resilience #weacttogether #seismicrisk #rezilienta #actionamimpreuna #riscseismic 115 What is the first objective of NSRRS? Seismic risk reduction, by: Care este primul obiectiv al SNRRS? saving lives Reducerea riscului seismic, prin: reduction of damages salvarea de vieți protecting assets through prioritized and efficient reducerea daunelor Oct. 12 General Objectives of investments. 2021 public the NSRRS protejarea bunurilor prin investiții prioritizate și Support this goal and join the efforts to increase eficiente. seismic resilience by following this page! Susține acest obiectiv și alătură-te eforturilor pentru #resilience #weacttogether #seismicrisk creșterea rezilienței seismice urmărind această pagină! #rezilienta #actionamimpreuna #riscseismic Comfortable, safe, energy-efficient and accessible to all offer us a higher quality of life, and measures to reduce the seismic risk of buildings bring these benefits into everyday life. We want to increase the well-being of the community Clădirile confortabile, sigure, eficiente energetic și through an integrated approach, which includes measures accesibile tuturor ne oferă o calitate mai ridicată a vieții, on energy efficiency, fire safety, accessibility of buildings iar măsurile de reducere a riscului seismic al clădirilor for people with disabilities. aduc aceste beneficii în viața de zi cu zi. Support the second goal of SNRRS and stay with us Ne dorim creșterea bunăstării comunității printr-o to develop the community in which you live! abordare integrată, care cuprinde măsuri privind Oct. 12 General Objectives of #resilience #weacttogether #seismicrisk eficiența energetică, securitatea la incendiu, 2021 public the NSRRS accesibilizarea clădirilor pentru persoanele cu dizabilități. Susține cel de-al doilea obiectiv al SNRRS și rămâi alături de noi pentru a dezvolta comunitatea în care trăiești! #rezilienta #actionamimpreuna #riscseismic 116 We continue to present the SNRRS objectives with the Continuăm să vă prezentăm obiectivele SNRRS cu cel third objective: de-al treilea obiectiv: ☑️ Seismic resilience is not a journey from point A to ☑️ Reziliența seismică nu este o călătorie de la punctul point B, but is constantly being built - for this reason, it is A la punctul B, ci se clădește constant – din acest motiv, important that the principles of seismic risk reduction are este important ca principiile de reducere a riscului Oct. 12 General Objectives of an integral part of territorial and sectoral planning, both at seismic să fie o parte integrantă a planificării teritoriale 2021 public the NSRRS national and international level. and local. Also, in order și sectoriale, atât la nivel național, cât și local. De to be prepared for the moment of an earthquake, it is asemenea, pentru a fi pregătiți pentru momentul necessary to ensure resilient recovery and reconstruction producerii unui cutremur, este necesară asigurarea processes. These changes are targeted by the third proceselor de redresare și reconstrucție reziliente. objective of the SNRRS. Aceste schimbări sunt vizate de cel de-al treilea obiectiv #resilience #weacttogether #seismicrisk al SNRRS. #rezilienta #actionamimpreuna #riscseismic One thing is clear: only by acting together can we become Un lucru este clar: doar acționând împreună putem better prepared for an earthquake. deveni mai pregătiți în fața unui cutremur. The fourth objective of SNRRS is to mobilize Cel de-al patrulea obiectiv al SNRRS este Oct. 12 General Objectives of participation and inclusive action by raising awareness mobilizarea participării și a acțiunii incluzive prin 2021 public the NSRRS about seismic risk management and by stimulating action creșterea gradului de conștientizare cu privire la in implementing seismic risk reduction measures. gestionarea riscului seismic și prin stimularea acțiunii în #resilience #weacttogether #seismicrisk implementarea măsurilor de reducere a riscului seismic. #actionamimpreuna #rezilienta #riscseismic 117 The second Wednesday of October is International Disaster Risk Reduction Day. At a European level, Romania is one of the countries having the highest seismic risk. Bucharest is one of the A doua zi de miercuri a lunii octombrie este Ziua most vulnerable EU capitals, but other Romanian cities Internațională pentru Reducerea Riscului Dezastrelor. are also exposed – nearly 70% of Romanians live in areas România este considerată una dintre țările Uniunii of medium and high seismic hazard. Europene cu risc seismic ridicat, iar Bucureștiul este International ⏳ The question regarding the next large earthquake is unul dintre cele mai vulnerabile orașe ale lumii. Oct. 13 General Disaster Risk not “if?”, but “when?”. Aproximativ 70% din populația României locuiește în 2021 public Reduction Although some disasters cannot be avoided, it is up to us zone cu hazard seismic mediu sau ridicat. Day to take measures for reducing our vulnerability and the ⏳Întrebarea privind următorul cutremur major nu este number of affected persons. „dacă?”, ci „când?”. #OnlyTogether #DRRDays #weacttogether Chiar dacă unele dezastre nu pot fi evitate, stă în puterea noastră să luăm măsuri pentru reducerea vulnerabilității în fața acestora și a numărului de persoane afectate. 118 #Didyouknow #Știațică ❗Did you know that the first design regulations for the resilience of buildings to earthquakes enter into force in ❗Primele reglementări de proiectare pentru reziliența 1963, 13 years after the 1940 earthquake? They were clădirilor la cutremure au intrat în vigoare în 1963, la 13 updated in 1978, as a result of the new information ani după cutremurul din 1940? Acestea au fost available after the great earthquake of 1977 and later in actualizate în 1978, ca urmare a informațiilor noi 1992. According to these key moments in the evolution of disponibile în urma marelui cutremur din 1977 și regulations in the field of constructions in Romania, the ulterior în 1992. În funcție de aceste momente-cheie în existing buildings are classified as follows: evoluția reglementărilor în domeniul construcțiilor din România, clădirile existente sunt clasificate astfel: HOAs and Most pre-1963 pre-1963 Homeown vulnerable 1963-1977 ers (construction 1963-1977 1968-1992 Homeseek year, 1968-1992 After 1992. ers materials) după 1992. Which are the safest? Older buildings, designed according to older versions of the regulations, tend to be more Care sunt cele mai sigure? Clădirile mai vechi, vulnerable to earthquakes than newer ones, but only a proiectate conform versiunilor mai vechi ale detailed technical expertise can provide a correct normativului, tind să fie mai vulnerabile la cutremur diagnosis. decât cele mai recente, însă doar o expertizare tehnică detaliată poate oferi un diagnostic corect. Share this information if you find it useful and become an ambassador for seismic resilience! Dă un „share” acestor informații dacă le consideri utile și devino un ambasador al rezilienței seismice! #Didyouknow #Știațică The category of buildings most at risk is high-rise Categoria de clădiri cea mai expusă riscului este HOAs and Most buildings with reinforced concrete skeletons, many of reprezentată de clădirile înalte cu schelet de beton armat, Homeown vulnerable which were built before 1940, before the introduction of multe dintre acestea construite înainte de 1940, înainte ers (construction seismic protection regulations and still unconsolidated. de introducerea normativelor pentru protecţie seismică Homeseek year, şi încă neconsolidate. ers materials) A detailed technical expertise can provide a correct diagnosis of the building in which you live. O expertizare tehnică detaliată poate oferi un diagnostic corect al clădirii în care locuiești. 119 In anticipation of the next great earthquake, we can avoid the subject and deal with immediate needs, or we can În așteptarea următorului mare cutremur, putem să prepare and ensure that human and material damage will evităm subiectul și să ne ocupăm de necesitățile Being be as limited as possible. imediate, sau putem să ne pregătim și să ne asigurăm că informed daunele umane și materiale vor fi cât se poate de General about limitate. Do you want to be better informed about what we can public reducing do to reduce seismic risk? seismic risk Follow our Facebook page dedicated to Seismic Risk Vrei să fii mai bine informat(ă) cu privire la ce measures Reduction in Romania. putem face pentru reducerea riscului seismic? Urmărește pagina de Facebook dedicată Strategiei de Reducere a Riscului Seismic în România. "Today we present the most important urban myths about Astăzi vă prezentăm cele mai importante mituri urbane seismic risk, which you probably already heard about: despre riscul seismic, pe care probabil le cunoașteți deja: The myth of the red dot: if a building is not on the Mitul bulinei roșii: dacă un imobil nu se află pe list of buildings with seismic risk, it means that it is safer lista clădirilor cu risc seismic, înseamnă că este mai than these sigur decât acestea ✔ The myth of absolute safety: there are buildings ✔ Mitul siguranței absolute: există clădiri fără risc without seismic risk seismic Top myths The myth of constructions on "rollers", "balls" Mitul construcțiilor pe „role”, „bile” General about public buidlings * german flag *: Myth of constructions "for German *german flag*: Mitul construcțiilor „pentru diplomats" and others diplomați germani” ș.a. We will continue this series by detailing each of these Vom continua această serie prin detalierea fiecăruia myths, in order to understand how they were created and dintre aceste mituri, pentru a înțelege cum au fost create what the reality on the ground is, confirmed by specialists. și care e realitatea din teren, confirmată de specialiști. #urbanmyths #seismicrisk #mituriurbane #riscseismic 120 "#Urbanmyths #Mituriurbane Today we talk about the myth of the "red dot" and why it Astăzi vorbim despre mitul „bulinei roșii” și de ce tells us only part of the truth. aceasta ne spune doar o parte din adevăr. Red dot - a main character of any discussion about Bulina roșie - un personaj principal al oricărei earthquake vulnerability in Romania. We see her quite discuții despre vulnerabillitatea la cutremure în often in the center of Bucharest and we talk more about România. O vedem destul de des prin centrul her, usually in March, when we commemorate the 1977 Bucureștiului și discutăm mai mult de ea, de regulă, în earthquake. luna martie, când comemorăm cutremurul din 1977. Top myths General about public buidlings What is the reality? The red dot buildings are, for the most Care este realitatea? Clădirile cu bulină roșie sunt, în cea part, residential buildings that were the subject of mai mare parte, clădiri rezidențiale care au făcut obiectul technical expertise financed from public funds in the ‘90s. unor expertize tehnice finanțate din fonduri publice în After 2000, the number of buildings surveyed and anii ‘90. După 2000, numărul clădirilor expertizate și classified as seismic risk classes decreased considerably încadrate în clase de risc seismic a scăzut considerabil (several dozen in the last 20 years). Therefore, the red dot (câteva zeci în ultimii 20 de ani). De aceea, bulina roșie gives us strictly information about the property in ne oferă informații strict asupra imobillului în cauză, question, which had the chance to be examined, and it care a avut șansa de a fi expertizat, și nu ne poate spune cannot tell us that an unexperienced building is safer. " că o clădire neexpertizată este mai sigură. "#Mitururbane: The myth of the red dot The official list of expert buildings in Bucharest includes #Mituriurbane: Mitul bulinei roșii 363 buildings included in class I seismic risk Lista oficială a clădirilor expertizate în București (https://amccrs-pmb.ro/amr/file2.pdf), but the real scale include 363 de imobile incluse în clasa I de risc seismic of the problem is much larger. If we know anything about (https://amccrs-pmb.ro/amr/file2.pdf), însă scara reală a these buildings, we don't know anything about most of the problemei este mult mai mare. Dacă despre aceste Top myths General others, so it doesn't mean they are safe. clădiri știm ceva, despre majoritatea celorlalte nu știm about public nimic, deci nu înseamnă că acestea sunt sigure. buidlings Follow the news on this page to find out what is the new approach of the National Strategy for Seismic Risk Urmăriți noutățile de pe această pagină pentru a afla care Reduction, in order to have a real knowledge of the este abordarea nouă a Strategiei Naționale pentru vulnerability of buildings across the country. " Reducerea Riscului Seismic, pentru a avea o cunoaștere reală a vulnerabilității clădirilor din întrega țară. 121 "#Urbanmyths: ✔ The myth of absolute safety meets reality: there are no buildings with zero seismic risk. #Mituriurbane: ✔ Mitul siguranței absolute întâlnește realitatea: nu există clădiri cu risc seismic We all want safety and we would like to know that when zero. the next earthquake occurs, the building in which we live Cu toții ne dorim siguranță și am vrea să știm că atunci or work is safe. It is important to understand, however, când se va produce următorul cutremur, clădirea în care that all buildings have a certain degree of seismic risk and locuim sau lucrăm este sigură. E important să înțelegem, General Top myths there are no buildings out of any danger when tested from însă, că toate clădirile au un anumit grad de risc seismic public about the ground up. There are four classes of seismic risk, and și nu există clădiri în afara oricărui pericol atunci când buidlings the best answer we can receive from an expert is to sunt puse la încercare din temelii. Există patru clase de classify the building in class RS IV, defined according to risc seismic, iar cel mai bun răspuns pe care îl putem the law, as "corresponding to constructions where the primi de la un expert este încadrarea clădirii în clasa RS expected seismic response is similar to that obtained in IV, definită conform legii, ca fiind „corespunzătoare designed constructions on the basis of the regulations in construcțiilor la care răspunsul seismic așteptat este force. " " similar celui obținut la construcțiile proiectate pe baza prescripțiilor în vigoare.” "#Mituriurbane: Apartment buildings built on rulments #Mituriurbane: Mitul blocurilor pe bile ‍♂‍„Locuiesc într-un bloc de 10 etaje, construit în 1975, ‍♂‍ „I live in a 10-storey building, built in 1975, in în București. Am auzit de la vecini ca blocul acesta ar Bucharest. I heard from the neighbors that this block Top myths avea o fundatie pe "bile" si ca ar fi mai sigur si as vrea General would have a "ball" foundation and that it would be safer about sa stiu daca este adevărat.” public and I would like to know if it is true. " buidlings Răspunsul specialiștilor: nu există blocuri construite pe The answer of the specialists: there are no blocks of flats „bile” în București. Există un singur bloc cu o astfel de built on rulments, or "balls" in Bucharest. There is only structură, construit în Iași în 1986. one block with such a structure, built in Iasi in 1986. " 122 "#Mituriurbane #Mituriurbane From "anti-seismic plaster", to myths such as "this block De la „tencuiala antiseismică”, la mituri precum „acest was built for German diplomats", "a security guard lived bloc a fost construit pentru diplomați germani”, „în in this block" or "the design engineer himself", "a block blocul ăsta a locuit un securist” sau „însuși inginerul built by the Soviets, the military" ... the list of myths urban proiectant”, „bloc construit de sovietici, militari”... lista seismic risk may continue. miturilor urbane privind riscul seismic poate continua. Top myths These myths have spread over the years to cover the real Aceste mituri s-au propagat de-a lungul anilor pentru a General problem we face, as a country with a high seismic risk, acoperi problema reală cu care ne confruntăm, ca țară cu about public with a high degree of vulnerability of buildings. un risc seismic ridicat, cu un grad mare de buidlings ❗In order to be able to act and reduce the seismic risk, we vulnerabilitate a clădirilor. need to know the reality. Only a large-scale risk ❗Pentru a putea acționa și a reduce riscul seismic, assessment process can provide us with this information, trebuie să cunoaștem realitatea. Numai un proces de and the National Seismic Risk Reduction Strategy will evaluare a riscului la scară largă ne poate oferi aceste provide the necessary tools. " informații, iar Strategia Națională pentru Reducerea Riscului Seismic va oferi instrumentele necesare. How prepared is Romania for a new earthquake of great Cât de pregătită e România pentru un nou cutremur de proportions? proporții? Beyond the existing lists of buildings in different risk Dincolo de listele existente ale clădirilor aflate în classes, it is important to know that most buildings have diferite clase de risc, e important de știut că majoritatea not yet benefited from technical expertise - therefore, a clădirilor nu au beneficiat încă de o expertiză tehnică - change is needed in the way we approach this challenge. de aceea, este nevoie de o schimbare în modul în care abordăm această provocare. In order to streamline the process of expertise and prioritization of interventions, the National Seismic Risk Pentru a eficientiza procesul expertizării și prioritizării General 3-level risk Reduction Strategy proposes a three-level risk intervențiilor, Strategia Națională de Reducere a public assessments assessment: Riscului Seismic propune o evaluare pe trei niveluri a ➡Level 1 - identification of risk areas at national level riscului: (risk maps) ➡Nivelul 1 - identificarea zonelor de risc la nivel ➡Level 2 - typological evaluation of the buildings, at național (hărți de risc) the level of each locality - this evaluation will be made ➡Nivelul 2 - evaluare tipologică a clădirilor, la nivelul based on the visual observation, from the outside of the fiecărei localități - această evaluare se va face pe baza building observației vizuale, din exteriorului clădirii ➡Level 3 - detailed technical expertise at the building ➡Nivelul 3 - expertize tehnice detaliate la nivel de level, to determine the risk class. clădire, pentru determinarea clasei de risc. Buildings located in areas with high seismic hazard will Clădirile încadrate în zone cu hazard seismic ridicat vor 123 be prioritized for expertise, based on rapid visual fi prioritizate în vederea unei expertizării, pe baza unor assessments at the locality level. evaluări vizuale rapide la nivel localitate. link to visual (example) link to visual (example) What does it mean to reduce seismic risk? Ce presupune reducerea riscului seismic? Along with the protection measures we need to know, in order to reduce the impact of the future great earthquake Alături de măsurile de protecție pe care trebuie să le on the population and buildings, we need to know as well cunoaștem, pentru a reduce impactul viitorului mare as possible the main risk factor: buildings. cutremur asupra populației și clădirilor, trebuie să cunoaștem cât mai bine principalul factor de risc: ️‍♀‍Therefore, extensive actions are needed to examine clădirile. General 3 level risk the vulnerable buildings identified following the risk public asessments ️‍♀‍De aceea, sunt necesare ample acțiuni de expertizare maps made at national level and the assessments at the level of each locality. In this way, buildings identified as a clădirilor vulnerabile identificate în urma hărțile de being exposed to seismic risk following initial risc realizate la nivel național și evaluărilor de la nivelul assessments will be able to undergo technical expertise fiecărei localități. În acest fel, clădirile identificate ca for a final classification in the correct risk category and fiind expuse riscului seismic în urma evaluărilor inițiale the start of the necessary interventions. vor putea fi supuse unei expertize tehnice pentru o încadrare finală în cateogoria de risc corectă și începerea intervențiilor necesare. 124 General #1940 # 1940 public The earthquake of November 10, 1940 was the strongest Cu o magnitudine de 7,7 grade, cutremurul din 10 People in magnitude in the twentieth century. While the 1977 noiembrie 1940 a fost cel mai puternic din secolul XX. that have earthquake was lower in magnitude (7.2), it generated the În timp ce cutremurul din 1977 a avut o magnitudine mai never Impact of highest material and human losses due to the fact that the mică (7,2), acesta a generat cele mai mari pierderi experience previous majority of the buildings were not properly consolidated materiale și umane datorită faptului că majoritatea d a major eathquakes after the 1940 event. clădirilor nu au fost consolidate corespunzător după earthquak evenimentul din 1940. e (age segment <35) # 1940 #1940 The Carlton Block was inaugurated in 1936, being the Blocul Carlton a fost inaugurat în 1936, fiind cea mai tallest building in Bucharest at the time (47 m) and înaltă clădire de la acea vreme din București (47 m) și s- completely collapsed after only 4 years, during the 1940 a prăbușit complet după doar 4 ani, în timpul earthquake, killing at least 150 people - a dramatic case cutremurului din 1940, ucigând cel puțin 150 de General that supported the need for regulations to reduce seismic persoane - un caz dramatic care a susținut necesitatea public risk in Romania. Photo on the left: the building before the reglementărilor pentru reducerea riscului seismic în People earthquake; photo on the right: rescue operations România. Fotografia din stânga: clădirea înainte de that have following the 1940 earthquake at the site of the collapsed cutremur; fotografia din dreapta: operațiuni de salvare în never Impact of Carlton block. urma cutremurului din 1940 pe locația blocului Carlton experience previous prăbușit. d a major eathquakes earthquak [Fotografii în template vizual e (age segment Visual text: <35) 1940 Magnitudine: 7,7 Decese: 593 Persoane rănite: 1.271] 125 #1940 #1940 In the aftermath of the 1940 earthquake, the town of În urma cutremurului din 1940, orașul Panciu din Panciu in Vrancea county was almost completely județul Vrancea a fost aproape complet distrus, iar orașe destroyed, and cities such as Focsani, Marasesti, Tecuci, precum Focșani, Mărășești, Tecuci, Galați și Iași au fost, Galati and Iasi were also severely affected. According to de asemenea, grav afectate. the mayor of the town, the earthquake felt as if „we fell Potrivit primarului de la acea vreme a orașului General together with houses in a 10-12 meter deep pit”). The Panciu, cutremurul s-a simțit ca și cum „am căzut cu public People disaster stroke early morning, when people were asleep at case cu tot într 'o groapă de 10 - 12 m”). Dezastrul a lovit that have 3:40, which added to the confusion and agitation caused dimineața devreme la 3:40, când oamenii dormeau, ceea never Impact of by the strong physical shocks. ce a adăugat la confuzia și agitația cauzate de experience previous zguduiturile puternice. d a major eathquakes You can read more stories from people who earthquak experienced the 1940 earthquake here: ... (link to seismic Puteți citi mai multe povești ale oamenilor care au e (age risk portal - Oral Stories) experimentat cutremurul din 1940 aici: ... (link către segment portalul de risc seismic)" <35) [Fotografii în template vizual Visual text: 1940 Magnitudine: 7,7 Decese: 593 Persoane rănite: 1.271] # 1977 # 56seconds #1977 #56secunde The most destructive earthquake in Romania lasted less Cel mai distructiv seism din România a durat mai puțin than a minute and caused over 1,500 deaths. Despite the de un minut și a provocat peste 1.500 de decese. În ciuda General fact that this earthquake demonstrated the vulnerability of faptului că acest cutremur a demonstrat vulnerabilitatea public the fund built in Romania, with over 18,000 damaged fondului construit din România, cu peste 18.000 de People buildings in Bucharest alone, these buildings were only clădiri avariate doar în București, aceste clădiri au fost that have repaired, but were not subsequently consolidated. The numai reparate, dar nu au fost consolidate ulterior. never Impact of repairs tended to improve the condition of the buildings Reparațiile au tins să îmbunătățească starea clădirilor experience previous so that they approached their condition before the astfel încât acestea să se apropie de starea lor de d a major eathquakes earthquake, but did not reduce the vulnerability. dinaintea cutremurului, dar nu au redus vulnerabilitatea. earthquak ❗Thus, an event comparable to the 1977 earthquake ❗Prin urmare, un eveniment comparabil cu cutremurul e (age could now cause even more losses and damage. din 1977 ar putea provoca în prezent chiar și mai multe segment pierderi și daune. <35) [Fotografii în template vizual Text vizual: 126 1977 Magnitudine: 7,4 Decese: 1.578 Persoane rănite: 11.221] # 1986 #1986 Another very large earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Un alt cutremur foarte mare, cu o magnitudine de 7,1 General Richter scale occurred on August 31, just 9 years after the grade pe scara Richter s-a produs pe data de 31 august, public devastating 1977 earthquake. It occurred at night at 00:28, la doar 9 ani de la cutremurul devastator din 1977. People and caused 150 deaths. The quake also affected much of Acesta s-a produs pe timpul nopții, la ora 00:28, și a that have Southeast Europe. cauzat 150 de decese. Cutremurul a afectat o mare parte never Impact of a Europei de Sud-Est. experience previous d a major eathquakes earthquak [Fotografii în template vizual e (age Visual text: segment 1986 <35) Magnitudine: 7,1 Decese: 150 Persoane rănite: 558] # 1990 #1990 General The afternoon and night of May 30, 1990 was marked by După amiaza și noaptea zilei de 30 mai 1990 a fost public 3 consecutive major earthquakes. The first earthquake marcată de 3 cutremure mari consecutive. Primul People with a magnitude of 6.9 on the Richter scale occurred at cutremur, cu o magnitudine de 6,9 grade pe scara that have 14:40 local time, the second at 03:17 local time (on May Richter s-a produs la ora locală 14:40, cel de-al doilea la never Impact of 31), with a magnitude of 6.4 degrees , and after only 3 ora locală 03:17 (pe data de 31 mai),având o experience previous seconds, a third earthquake occurred, 6.1 degrees. magnitudine de 6,4 grade, iar după doar 3 secunde, s-a d a major eathquakes Such consecutive earthquakes can produce at any time, produs un al treilea seism, de 6,1 grade. earthquak and buildings in Romanian cities have been through a lot, Astfel de cutremure consecutive se pot produce oricând, e (age weakening their resilience. Common action and iar clădirile din orașele românești au trecut deja printr-o segment cooperation will be key to increase our safety. serie de cutremure puternice sau foarte puternice, <35) slăbindu-și reziliența. Acțiunea și cooperarea comune vor fi esențiale pentru a ne spori siguranța. 127 Follow the page of the National Seismic Risk Reduction Strategy to be up to date with opportunities for Urmărește pagina Strategiei Naționale de Reducere action. a Riscului Seismic pentru a fi la curent cu oportunitățile de a acțiune. [Fotografii în template vizual Visual text: 1990 Magnitudine: 6,9; 6,4; 6,1 Decese: 9 Persoane rănite: 362] What does the seismic hazard map of Romania look like? Cum arată harta de hazard seismic a României? The seismic hazard is not evenly distributed in Romania, Hazardul seismic nu este distribuit uniform în România, but is higher in the southern and eastern regions of the ci este mai mare în regiunile de sud și est ale țării. Dată country. Given the population and assets exposed to fiind populația și bunurile expuse la cutremure și General earthquakes and their vulnerability, these regions of the vulnerabilitatea acestora, este probabil ca aceste regiuni Hazard map public country are likely to suffer the greatest damage and loss ale țării să sufere cele mai mari avarii și pierderi în viitor in the future due to earthquakes. Other regions are also din cauza cutremurelor. Și alte regiuni sunt expuse la exposed to the earthquake to a lesser extent and, as a cutremur, într-o măsură mai mică și, ca urmare, sunt și result, are also taken into account in the Strategy. ele luate în considerare în Strategie. [Visual: Seismic Hazard Map (NSRRS)] [Vizual: Harta Hazardului Seismic (SNRRS)] „Seismic risk” implies: „Riscul seismic” exprimă: • the likelihood of adverse human, material, economic or • probabilitatea de a se produce efecte nefavorabile environmental effects, la nivel uman, material, economic sau de mediu, • in a certain period of time, • într-o anumită perioadă de timp, • arising from the interaction between seismic events • apărute în urma interacțiunii dintre evenimente with the conditions of vulnerability in society, seismice cu condițiile de vulnerabilitate de la nivelul Seismic • thus causing serious alterations to the normal societății, General Dictionary functioning of a community or society. • cauzând astfel alterări grave în ceea ce privește public funcționarea normală a unei comunități sau a unei Even if we cannot avoid an earthquake, we can act to societăți. reduce the level of vulnerability of buildings and the community in which we live. Chiar dacă nu putem evita producerea unui cutremur, putem acționa pentru scăderea nivelului de ✔Follow the page dedicated to the National Strategy for vulnerabilitate clădirilor și a comunității în care trăim. 128 Seismic Risk Reduction to be up to date with the new ✔Urmărește pagina dedicată Strategiei Naționale actions that will be implemented. " pentru Reducerea Riscului Seismic pentru a fi la curent cu noile acțiuni ce vor fi implementate. Only by working together can we be more resilient to an Numai acționând împreună putem fi mai rezilienți în earthquake. There is much to be done, and each of us has fața unui cutremur. Sunt multe de făcut, și fiecare dintre the power and responsibility to help increase safety, save noi are puterea și responsabilitatea de a contribui la lives and reduce the economic impact of an impending creșterea siguranței, salvarea vieților și reducerea disaster. Both public buildings and private residential impactului economic al unui dezastru iminent. Atât ones will be assessed and prioritized so that they can clădirile publice, cât și cele rezidențiale private vor fi overcome an earthquake with minimal impact. evaluate și prioritizate, astfel încăt să poată să Also, the National Strategy for Seismic Risk Reduction depășească un cutremur, cu impact minim. opens new opportunities for action, through interventions De asemenea, Strategia Națională pentru Reducerea that integrate energy efficiency of buildings with other Riscului Seismic deschide oportunități noi de acțiune, benefits such as accessibility for people with disabilities prin intervenții care integrează eficientizarea energetică All Integration and improving the utility infrastructure of the building. a clădirilor cu alte beneficii precum accesibilitatea implement with other pentru persoanele cu dizabilități și îmbunătățirea ors measures infrastructurii de utilități de la nivelul clădirii. Stay tuned to find out what concrete actions will be implemented to increase the safety and quality of housing in Romania. Rămâi aproape pentru a afla ce acțiuni concrete vor fi implementate pentru creșterea siguranței și calității locuirii în România. 129 Phase II – Responsibilities and opportunities to act Key milestone: seismic risk portal is live #doiknowwhatibuy ? #știucecumpăr ? Bucharest is one of the most vulnerable capitals in the Municipiul Bucureşti este una dintre cele mai world, and up to 70% of the country's population lives in vulnerabile capitale din lume, iar până la 70% din areas with medium or high seismic risk. populația țării locuiește în zone cu risc seismic mediu sau ridicat. ❗✔In order to protect you both in terms of safety and Homeseek Roadmap for financial investment, it is very important that before ❗✔Pentru a vă proteja atât din punct de vedere al ers respon buying or renting a building, we have as much siguranței, cât și al investiției financiare, este foarte information as possible about the year of construction, the important ca înaintea de a achiziționa sau închiria un strength structure, as well as whether or not it was imobil, să avem cât mai multe informații cu privire la examined for seismic risk. anul construcției, structura de rezistență, precum și dacă a fost sau nu expertizat privind riscul seismic. For more details, access [seismic risk portal link] . " Pentru mai multe detalii, accesați [link portal risc seismic] You can make your neighborhood stronger by sharing key Poți crește siguranța cartierului tău împărtășind information on seismic risk reduction and consolidation informații-cheie despre reducerea riscului seismic și National process with your community. consolidarea clădirilor cu alte persoane din comunitatea Homeown Strategy - ta. ers, HOAs Diagnostic Access the Seismic Risk portal for more resources: [link Accesează portalul dedicat riscului seismic pentru mai to seismic risk portal Resources menu] multe resurse: [link portal risc seismic – Meniul Resurse] We know that almost 60% of students and buildings in the Știm că aproape 60% dintre elevi și dintre clădirile din education sector are exposed to medium or high levels of sectorul de învăţământ sunt expuse la niveluri medii sau seismic hazard. ridicate de hazard seismic. Heads of Promoting In parallel with the measures needed to strengthen În paralel cu măsurile necesare pentru consolidarea public risk buildings, earthquake education is a key component in clădirilor, educația pentru cutremur este o componentă institution reduction increasing student safety. esențială pentru a crește siguranța elevilor. s - schools measures ✔Make sure that they are prepared and that there is ✔Asigurați-vă că sunt pregătiți și că există o continuous communication about these measures, so that comunicare continuă asupra acestor măsuri, astfel încât when the next big earthquake occurs, they will not be atunci când se va produce următorul mare cutremur, nu taken by surprise and will apply what they have already vor fi luați prin surprindere și vor aplica ceea ce au learned. învățat deja. 130 ([Link to portal: Resources Menu] [Link către portal: Meniul Resurse] (infographic / leaflet etc) (infographic/leaflet etc) Promoting Share this information if you find it useful and become Dă un „share” acestor informații dacă le consideri utile General risk an ambassador for seismic resilience! și devino un ambasador al rezilienței seismice! public reduction measures A major earthquake can happen at any time. Therefore, Un cutremur major poate avea loc oricând. De aceea, each family must have an emergency plan, but also a fiecare familie trebuie să aibă un plan de urgență, dar și backpack containing objects that will allow them to un rucsac care să conțină obiecte care să permită survive for 3-5 days. supraviețuirea pentru 3-5 zile. General Preparedness public measures Access the link below to find out what the survival kit Accesează link-ul de mai jos pentru a afla ce trebuie să should contain and download the Family Plan in case of conțină kit-ul de supraviețuire și a descărca Planul an emergency. familiei în caz de urgență. [https://fiipregatit.ro/plan-personal/ ] [https://fiipregatit.ro/plan-personal/ ] Do you know vulnerable people in your community ...? Cunoști persoane vulnerabile în comunitatea ta...? Ensuring the Make sure they know what to do in the event of an vulnerable earthquake and pass on this information. Asigură-te că știu ce au de făcut în cazul unui cutremur CSOs groups are și dă mai departe aceste informații. General properly public ➡ [link to seismic portal / other resources on informed about risk preparedness] ➡ [link to seismic portal / other resources on preparedness] 131 Phase III – Launching of the new Investment Program for seismic risk reduction Key milestone: investment program is approved and can be accessed We know that the next big earthquake is coming, we just don't know when. To increase the safety of your home in Știm că următorul mare cutremur va veni, doar că nu the face of the next big earthquake, technical expertise is știm când. Pentru creșterea siguranței locuinței tale în needed, followed by measures. If this building needs fața următorului mare cutremur, este necesară o consolidation, you have access to support and financial expertiză tehnică, urmată de măsuri. Dacă această resources to make it as easy as possible. faster clădire necesită consolidare, ai acces la sprijin și resurse interventions required. financiare pentru a realiza cât mai ușor și mai rapid Accessing Homeown intervențiile necesare. investment ➡A new investment program to reduce seismic risk has ers, HOAs program been launched. You can access more details about the ➡Un nou program de investiții pentru reducerea program here: [link to portal] riscului seismic a fost lansat. Poți accesa mai multe detalii despre program aici: [link către portal] [Visual text: „only by acting together can we become [Text vizual: „doar acționând împreună putem deveni better prepared for an earthquake.”] mai pregătiți în fața unui cutremur.”] In order to increase the seismic resilience of buildings in Romania, the direct involvement of owners and owners' associations is needed. Following the prioritization based on the seismic hazard map at national level and assessments at locality level, a technical expertise of Pentru a crește reziliența seismică a clădirilor din buildings will be required. Building owners are the key România, este nevoie de implicarea directă a partners for the success of the National Seismic Risk proprietarilor și asociaților de proprietari. În urma Reduction Strategy. prioritizării bazate pe harta hazardului seismic la nivel Accessing Homeown investment național și evaluărilor la nivel de localitate, o expertiză ers, HOAs program ➡Learn more about the new funding program to reduce tehnică a clădirilor va fi necesară. Proprietarii de clădiri seismic risk here: [link to portal] sunt partenerii-cheie pentru succesul Strategiei Naționale de Reducere a Riscului Seismic. [Visual text: You are a critical partner for the success of ➡Află mai multe depre noul program de finanțare the NSRRS!] pentru reducerea riscului seismic aici: [link to portal] [Text vizual: Ești un partener crucial pentru succesul Strategiei Naționale de Reducere a Riscului Seismic] 132 Seismic risk reduction requires coordination and action at Reducerea riscului seismic necesită coordonare și the local level. Both public and private buildings need to acțiune la nivel local. Atât clădirile publice, cât și cele accelerate the assessment and consolidation process, with private necesită accelerarea procesului de evalaure și Accessing the involvement of local authorities and landlords. LPAs investment consolidare, cu implicarea autorităților locale și To this end, a new investment program has been launched proprietarilor. program to reduce seismic risk. În acest scop, a fost lansat un nou program de investiții pentru reducerea riscului seismic. Mai multe detalii More details about the program are available here: [link] despre program sunt disponibile aici: [link]. Are you an NGO and want to know how you can help increase the resilience of the communities you work with? Reprezinți un ONG și vrei să știi cum poți contribui la You can support raising awareness and action on seismic Promoting creșterea rezilienței comunităților cu care lucrezi? risk by integrating this theme into the interaction with the risk various groups you work for. Download the available CSOs reduction resources from the portal dedicated to seismic risk Poți susține creșterea conștientizării și acțiunii privind measures reduction: riscul seismic prin integrarea acestei teme în [Seismic Risk Portal link: Resources Menu] interacțiunea cu grupurile diverse pentru care activezi. Descarcă resursele disponibile de pe portalul dedicat reducerii riscului seismic: [Link portal: Meniul Resurse] 133 The private sector is a key partner in reducing seismic risk. From hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops to residential and office buildings, private owners can substantially increase the safety of these buildings. Do you own a building or do you want to invest in the seismic consolidation of a building? Find out more about the new investment opportunities facilitated by the Mediul privat este un partener-cheie în reducerea National Seismic Risk Reduction Strategy. Private Incentives riscului seismic. De la hoteluri, restaurante, cafenele și sector for private magazine, la clădiri rezidențiale și de birouri, sector [Link to seismic risk portal] proprietarii privați pot crește substanțial nivelul de siguranță al acestor clădiri. Deții o clădire sau vrei să investești în consolidarea seismică a unei clădiri? Află mai multe despre noile oportunități de investiții faciltiate de Strategia Națională de Reducere a Riscului Seismic. [Link către portalul de risc seismic] Phase IV – Continuous communication on progress and local best practices in implementation. @CityHall / @CSO, @private actor announced that it has @PrimăriaX /@organizatiecivică, @actor privat a initiated a consolidation program / has started anunțat că a inițiat un program de consolidare / a consultations with owners' associations etc. demarat consultări cu asociațiile de proprietari etc. City halls, (if information is available: what were the challenges and (dacă sunt disponibile informații: care au fost CSOs, how did they solve them in the consolidation process) provocările în procesul de consolidare și cum le-au General homeowners, rezolvat ) public and HOAs, #Bestpractice implement private #bunepractici [link to visual (example] [link to visual (example] ors sector etc making progress 134 All phases Other Share - posts from other relevant platforms related to platforms seismic risk Share - postări ale altor platforme relevante pentru All working on reducerea riscului seismic risk reduction 135 Annex 9 - Report on the use of serious games to target key stakeholders on the topic of seismic risk As part of the awareness raising and citizen engagement strand of the project, we created and delivered two interactive scenarios, or 'serious games', exploring seismic risk readiness in Romania. Serious Games Serious Games engage participants with scenarios illustrating different aspects of complex systems. These games can be delivered as educational or training experiences, highlighting phenomena such as feedback loops, tipping points, tradeoffs and emergence within systems. Serious Games assist in formulating responses to policy problems and crises. An appropriate game can offer crisis options in near-real time, demonstrate trade-offs, suggest efficiencies, and help keep the dialogue focused on priorities. These games are often described as 'flight simulators for decision-makers'. Development process The two games we developed look at the challenges and trade-offs facing Romanian policy- makers, CSOs and citizens dealing with seismic risk. The content of the games was co-created with seismic risk experts, engineers, urban planners and World Bank staff. Following a research and writing phase, prototypes were developed for each game. These prototypes were iteratively tested and refined over multiple sessions with stakeholder participants. Finally, these games were delivered to their target audiences as part of the World Bank mission. Game 1 The first game looks at the challenges of seismic risk preparation from the perspective of local public authorities. In small groups, players take on the role of local government authorities managing a budget. They have a number of possible projects they can pursue, and a limited budget to divide between them. These include transport and energy projects, as well as seismic retrofitting projects. Once players have decided how they will assign their budget, one city is hit by an earthquake. The impact of the earthquake depends on the projects they chose to pursue. This game is targeted at LPAs, public servants and local government ministers. The game is delivered by a single facilitator, with moderators in each room who help manage the conversations. 136 Game 2 The second game looks at seismic risk from two perspectives. The first part of the game takes a zoomed-out view, with players taking on the role of local governments deciding which buildings to prioritize retrofitting. In the second part of the game, players take on the role of a home-owners association in a single apartment building. They meet with different occupants of the building and hear their concerns, then vote on whether or not to retrofit the building. This game is intended for CSOs to deliver to the community groups that they work with. It is facilitated by a single host, for a group of up to 10 participants at a time. Outcomes These events were part of long-term strategy to increase awareness and public engagement in the NSRRS, which includes recommendations for stakeholder input on new programs and policies through regular consultations. Interactive scenario/game events had never been tested before by the MDLPA in Romania, and they proved to be a successful way to engage key stakeholders in productive discussions on key issues. We recommend replicating these events, and other similar events, to increase awareness and participation in seismic risk reduction in Romania. 137 Game 1 - Seismic Risk Reduction - scenario exercise for LPAs Script and Materials Note for facilitator Text in italics is for the facilitator only. Regular text is to be read aloud to participants. Note for moderators Instructions for the moderators are in blue. FACILITATOR TEXT SLIDE SHOW Welcome players as they arrive. Start screen share. Create breakout rooms and name them: Slide - preshow Utopești Imagineni Fictionari Ipotetea de Sus (If there are 12 players or fewer, I recommend only creating two breakout rooms (Utopești and Fictionari). If there are 13 or more players, I would create all three.) Assign the players between the breakout rooms and ensure that the moderators are assigned to the correct breakout room. Don't send them to breakout rooms yet. INTERACTIVE SCENARIOS We are embedded within systems - climate systems, social systems, political systems and biological systems. Interactive scenarios are a vital tool to help us think about and manage these complex systems. In these scenarios, we create a 138 simple model of a complex system. Then policy-makers use this model to test out ideas and experiment with different strategies. Since the early 1980s, interactive scenarios have become an increasingly important part of government, business and military decision-making. Scientists often describe these interactive scenarios as ‘flight simulators’ for decision-makers, offering the opportunity to make mistakes and experiment safely with ideas in a virtual space. These scenarios also assist in formulating responses to specific problems and crises. An appropriate game can offer crisis options in near-real time, demonstrate trade-offs, suggest efficiencies, and help identify priorities. Welcome, and thank you for playing. Slide - title page This is a scenario exercise that models the challenges LPAs face when making important decisions, trying to manage many priorities with limited resources. This activity is far too simple to capture the complexities of governing a city. We've left out a lot of things to make this scenario simple, and to illustrate our points. This is not intended to be a realistic simulation, but a prompt for conversation. In the debrief afterwards, we'll discuss which parts of this scenario feel accurate, and which parts do not. CITIES In this exercise, you will be playing in teams. Each team is the LPA Slide - Cities of a different Romanian city. These cities are fictional, but you can imagine that they are similar to the cities you work in today. These cities are named: Utopești 139 Ficționari Imagineni Ipotetea de Sus Utopești is an industrial city focused on oil production. The Slide - Utopești population is around 250,000 and declining, but it's still a densely populated centre in a mountainous region. Fictionari is a coastal city of 200,000 people with a big textiles Slide - Fictionari industry. It's a popular tourist destination. If you are playing with only two cities, click the arrow to skip the next slide. Imagineni is a small city on the coast of around 200,000. It has a Slide - public university and several colleges. The city is orientated towards Imagineni the service sectors. If you are playing with only three cities, click the arrow to skip the next slide. Ipotetea de Sus is a city of 230,000 in the mountains. It is a major Slide - Ipotetea transport hub for Romania with a large manufacturing industry. de Sus Utopești and Imagineni are in medium seismic hazard areas. Slide - seismic Fictionari is in a high risk area. It's possible that your city could be risk hit by an earthquake - but you don't have a lot of information about what would happen to your city if that happened. This activity takes place over the course of a single year. Your objective is to provide the best possible life for the people of your city. That may mean balancing short term and long term priorities. Each group will be sent to a different breakout room. There will be a moderator in each breakout room, so if you need any help or extra information, they can guide you. 140 BUDGET Each LPA will have a budget of nine tokens. You will decide how to Slide - Budget spend that budget. This is your entire budget for the year, so you won't get any additional funding. Once you've spent that money, it's gone. There are a number of different projects that you can undertake as an LPA. Each project costs a certain number of tokens. Some projects are cheap, some are expensive, but all of them are valuable. So you'll have to prioritise what's most important for your city. PROJECTS There are a number of projects that you can choose to spend your Slide - Projects budget on. Each of them costs a different number of tokens. They are: Improve waste collection and sanitation Improve roads and inter-urban transport Expand utilities (power and heating) to unreached areas Fund scholarships for students from vulnerable communities Invest in universal infrastructure for public buildings - make buildings accessible to everyone Digitise part of the public services There are a few projects involving public buildings. You can renovate these buildings for a small cost, including making them more energy efficient. If you want, you can also retrofit these buildings for earthquake safety - but that's more expensive. School buildings - improve energy efficiency School buildings - improve energy efficiency and retrofit for earthquake safety City Hall administration building - improve energy efficiency City Hall administration building - improve energy efficiency and retrofit for earthquake safety 141 Hospital - renovate to improve energy efficiency Hospital - renovate to improve energy efficiency and retrofit for earthquake safety Undertake seismic risk assessment (if you choose this option, speak to the moderator in your breakout room) Run an awareness raising campaign around seismic risk Invest in the city's sports team Create a new park / green area for the city And we have a blank option for you to decide on a small project that isn't part of this list. If you choose to do the seismic risk assessment, let the moderator in your room know and they can give you more information. If you want to do the risk assessment, we suggest doing it early, so you can make use of that information when you're deciding how to spend the rest of your budget. ROLES There are a number of roles in each LPA, each with a different Slide - Roles priority. These roles include: Communications officer - You care about sending messages that gain peoples support towards the administration. Investment officer – You care about the cost vs benefit and sustainability of the city’s investments. Resilience officer - You care about reducing risks and ensuring the people of the city are safe from disaster. Citizens advocates - You care about improving the quality of life for the people living in this city. 142 Business lobbyists - You care about investments that enable private sector development. In each city there will be a moderator. The moderator will take on the role of the mayor - their job is to make sure all the advice gets heard, and that we come to a decision in time. When we come back from the breakout rooms, we'll hear from the communications officer of each city about what your LPA has decided to prioritise. BREAKOUT ROOMS You'll have 15 minutes in your breakout rooms as a city. In that time, Slide - breakout you'll do three things: rooms In your breakout room, the moderator will share a link to a google doc where you can see your options, as well as some more info about your city. 1. The moderator will assign each of you a role within the LPA. 2. The moderator will let you know about some issues that are affecting your city right now. 3. Working as a team, you'll decide how to spend your budget. Reminder that if you choose to do a risk assessment, make sure to let your moderator know quickly, so you have time to make use of that information. If you need any help or more information, the moderator will be there in your breakout room. Send players to breakout rooms. 143 MODERATORS IN BREAKOUT ROOMS End screen share When you arrive in your breakout room, share the link to that city's google doc in the chat. Utopești https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xz2xxKN_Xz5uGxphMUqa43cH1 ZFBITr-2ZlX77GeYPQ/edit?usp=sharing Ficționari https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WQkKS_HRP6DU_09T0jwpqJF0 Iz4eK0KzSj6sIfCwcEA/edit?usp=sharing Imagineni https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NbYQuYe8rVaHFcg1YhJoAKKIa SvbvSbsYhF7h7Lg8hw/edit?usp=sharing Ipotetea de Sus https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tWWm49SUB5HIZvhU1bxejQE_ ULGlvecFBrFUZVdW_dQ/edit?usp=sharing Once the players have clicked on that link, assign each player a role. Communications officer Investment officer Resilience officer Citizens advocate Business lobbyist It's okay if there are more player in each role. Now, read out the breakdown of your city, including the issues that city is facing. Utopești · Population - 250,000 144 · Industrial centre, focused on oil production · Located in a mountainous region · Medium risk seismic area Issues: · There are frequent traffic jams due to poor road maintenance · School attendance is critically low in lower-income communities · There are problems getting reliable power and heating to all districts that need it Fictionari • Population - 200,000 • Significant textiles industry • Located by the coast, a popular tourist destination • High risk seismic area Issues: • People in some apartment buildings are going without heat in winter because utilities are not reaching them • A recent flood damaged the city's green park by the waterfront • The hospital facilities are out of date and run-down Imagineni • Population - 200,000 • Orientated towards service sectors, with a public university • Located in a coastal region • Medium risk seismic area Issues: • People are complaining about garbage piling up in the streets • There is an opportunity to access EU funds if you can improve energy efficiency across the city 145 • Roads in some areas are not sufficient for emergency vehicles (eg ambulances Ipotetea de Sus Population - 230,000 Connected to the main Romanian cities, it is a key transit stop for international travel A major hub for manufacturing car parts and construction materials Medium seismic hazard area Issues: Government records are being lost due to poor storage There have been complaints that the city's public services are inaccessible for people with disabilities Some districts are not receiving heating due to ageing utilities Now, invite participants to decide how they should spend their 9 tokens. As they make decisions, add their choices to the google doc. Before concluding the breakout room conversation, check that the communications officer is confident to share back the LPA's decisions to the larger group. If not, offer to take that task from them. If players decide to spend 1 token on doing a risk assessment, share this link in the chat: https://bit.ly/seismicriskassessment You can also read out the following text if you choose: You dedicate a small amount of budget and some staff time to carrying out a rapid visual assessment of the building stock in your city. You get back some clear information: 146 Your school buildings are HIGHLY VULNERABLE to seismic activity. If there is an earthquake, these buildings will be critically endangered. Any people in these buildings during an earthquake are highly at risk. Your City Hall administration building is VULNERABLE to seismic activity. If there is an earthquake, this building will be somewhat affected, and people in and around the building will be in some danger. Your city's hospital is NOT VULNERABLE to seismic risk. The risk assessment has shown that the hospital structure adheres to best- practice construction codes and it is not necessary to upgrade it. NOTE: the facilitator can't see what's happening in each breakout room, but it's possible for the moderators to send chat messages through to keep them updated. It might also make sense to have a whatsapp or slack channel open for facilitators and moderators to keep in touch and let each other know how their groups are doing - this can help to coordinate timings. SHARE DECISIONS After 10-15 minutes, bring each group back from the breakout rooms. Now, we're going to hear from each LPA about the decisions they made with their budget. We'll hear from each moderator in turn. We'll ask you to list which projects you decided to pursue, and to briefly describe the reason for your choice. The moderators explain which projects they pursued and why. EARTHQUAKE 147 Now unfortunately, in the course of this year, Romania has been hit by an earthquake. That earthquake doesn't hit everywhere, but it will hit some of your cities. The fact is that all of these cities are going to be hit by earthquakes. It's not a question of if, it's a question of when. This year, in 2021, an earthquake has hit. And it's hit one of your cities. In reality, earthquakes are not random. But because we don't have a system that can give us reliable warnings about when and where earthquakes will strike, we're going to use a random element to see which city is hit first. We have a card for each city with that city's name on it. I'm going to draw one at random to determine where the earthquake hits. However, one of our cities, Fictionari, is in a high-risk seismic area. So we're going to have a second Fictionari card. That means it's more likely that an earthquake will hit here. Draw a card at random. Okay, so [CITY] has been hit. So for the city that's been impacted, let's find out what happened. Begin screen share. Did you manage to retrofit your school buildings for earthquake safety? Slide - checklist Check with the moderator what the city did. Click on YES or NO. Now, did you decide to retrofit your City Hall admin building for earthquake safety? 148 Check with the moderator what the city did. Click on YES or NO. Alright, let's find out what happened. Read the appropriate passage. IF THEY RETROFITTED BOTH: Slide - school Well done. The earthquake is a disturbance, but not a buildings okay disaster. The school buildings, which were critically vulnerable, have been retrofitted and are now up to the latest standards. The old City Hall administration building has also been upgraded and it is much stronger and secure. Both these sets of buildings handle the earthquake with a minimum of damage. Other buildings like the city's hospital were already up to standard, so they were not as vulnerable. Unfortunately there are still casualties, and the damage to Slide - damage infrastructure and cost to the city is significant. You will be done paying the cost of this disaster for a long time. Still, thanks to your foresight, you will be able to recover. Your LPA team is regarded as leaders among other Slide - recovery Romanian LPAs - you were among the first authorities to take meaningful action to prepare for seismic risk, and all of Romania can see the benefits. IF THEY RETROFITTED JUST THE SCHOOL: Slide - school Well done. The earthquake is a crisis, but not a total disaster. buildings okay The school buildings, which were critically vulnerable, have been retrofitted and are now up to the latest standards. Other buildings like the city's hospital were already up to standard, so they were not as vulnerable. 149 Unfortunately, the City Hall administration building was also Slide - damage quite vulnerable. Not as bad as the schools, but still out of done date and not up to standard. The building is badly damaged in the earthquake and there are significant casualties among the people in and around the building. Despite this sad outcome, you managed to avoid the worst Slide - recovery of the earthquake. People are grateful that you addressed the potential crisis of the schools buildings, and overall, there's a sense that things could have been worse. Downtime from the earthquake is significant, and it will be a while before your city can move past this setback. Still, your LPA team is well regarded among other Romanian cities - you were among the first authorities to take meaningful action to prepare for seismic risk, and all of Romania can see the benefits. IF THEY RETROFITTED JUST THE CITY HALL BLDG: Slide - City hall The earthquake is a significant tragedy, although you did bldg okay manage to prevent some of the possible damage. The vulnerable old City Hall administration building has been upgraded and brought up to to standard, so it survives the earthquake with no problems. Other buildings like the city's hospital were already up to standard, so they were not as vulnerable. Unfortunately, the school buildings, which were critically Slide - damage vulnerable, have not been retrofitted and were not up to done standard. The earthquake damages these buildings badly, and there are significant casualties among the people in and around these buildings. The impact of this earthquake is severe, the loss of life is Slide - recovery tragic, and it will continue to affect your city for a long time to come. 150 IF THEY RETROFITTED NEITHER: Slide - damage Unfortunately, the earthquake is a brutal disaster for your done city. Some buildings, like the city's hospital, were already up to standard, so they were not badly affected by the disaster. Other buildings, such as the City Hall administration building Slide - damage and the city's schools, were critically vulnerable. These 2 buildings were not code compliant and their seismic risk was unaddressed. The earthquake damages these buildings badly, and there are significant casualties among the people in and around these buildings. The impact of this earthquake is severe, the loss of life is Slide - recovery tragic, and it will continue to affect your city for a long time to come. CONCLUSION Luckily this earthquake only affected a small number of cities in Slide - Romania, but the next one could impact anyone. For those players conclusion whose cities weren't affected by the earthquake, how do you think your city would deal with a crisis like this? Are you prepared, or vulnerable? It's also important to note that in this fictional city, the school buildings were the most vulnerable and the hospitals were not. In your city, the reality may be very different - the only way to find out is to undertake a risk assessment. Preparing for seismic risk is not easy, and the costs of making a city resilient are significant. Every LPA is different, but all of them are trying to fulfil many different needs with insufficient resources. There is no easy answer to the question of prioritisation, but it is critical to make these choices with an awareness of the risks. 151 Thank you very much for taking part. End screen share. 152 FACILITATION NOTES - The game was designed for between 8 - 50 participants. - In the game, you’ll split the players into small groups. Each group should be between 4 - 15 participants. You can have up to 4 groups. The ideal number for the group depends, but around 5-7 is usually good. - Be aware that more players tends to make the exercise run more slowly. Each individual group will take longer to come to a consensus, and it takes longer for more groups to share back their results. As a very rough estimate, playing this game with 15 participants (in three groups of five) might take around 20-25 minutes, while playing it with 36 participants (in four groups of eight) might take more like 30-35 minutes. FACILITATION RESPONSIBILITIES There are two roles in running the game: the facilitator and the moderators. - The facilitator is responsible for reading the rules to the players at the beginning, sharing the slideshow presentation and managing the zoom breakout rooms. It’s possible to split this role between two people if you prefer - one person can read the rules and run the slideshow, and the other can be responsible for managing the zoom breakout rooms. - The moderators are responsible for hosting the conversation in each of the rooms with the players. Their job is to engage the participants in a discussion about managing the resources of their LPA, and to fill out the google doc form that captures that information. It’s technically possible to play this game without the moderators - the participants can be left to manage the discussion and fill out the google doc on their own. However, 153 the moderators are a good way to ensure that the conversation stays on track and to make sure there are no worries about filling out the google doc form. MANAGING PLAYERS - Avoid criticising your participants for their choices, even if they make decisions that lead to the worst outcome. If people feel judged for their decisions in the game, they are less likely to engage in a constructive discussion. Acknowledge that the game is difficult, and that there are no good or easy choices in the game. - Some people may criticise the limitations of the game - typically, by saying that it’s too simple to be realistic. Don’t try to argue with this comment - acknowledge that the exercise is simple, but note that this is a deliberate choice to allow us to begin this conversation without getting too bogged down in details. - In the breakout rooms, the key goal of the moderator is to ensure that all players have the chance to speak, and that the conversation is not dominated by one or two voices. BREAKOUT ROOMS - In Zoom, go to Zoom settings - then click on ‘View More Settings’. This will take you to the Zoom webpge, where you can adjust settings in more detail. Scroll down to ‘In Meeting (Advanced)’ and ensure that Breakout Rooms are enabled. - You may wish to change some of the breakout room default settings. Do this during the meeting: In main Zoom Menu click on ‘Breakout rooms’. The select ‘Options’. You can move all participants into breakout rooms 154 automatically (i.e. they do not need to accept an invitation), or you can make the countdown timer for closing the breakout rooms longer or shorter. DEBRIEF DISCUSSION The most critical part of the exercise is the debrief discussion. This is where players share their observations, experiences and learnings from the game. It’s important to ensure that you’ve allowed enough time for this debrief, as this is where much of the value of the activity will emerge. - As a rough rule of thumb, the debrief should be close to the duration of the exercise itself. So for a 30 minute exercise, allow 30 minutes for the conversation. - The game is not intended to be a realistic depiction of the system of LPA management in Romania - it’s far too simple for that. The goal is for the game to provoke interesting conversations and reflections. So don’t be concerned if people critique aspects of the game as being unrealistic - this is a chance for them to highlight what they think are the key dynamics at play within the system. - One good question to begin the debrief can be, ‘What was accurate about this game, and what was inaccurate?’ This allows people to talk about the dimensions of the system that they think are important in relation to the exercise’s focus on seismic risk reduction. - The game focuses on the challenges and limitations of LPAs in dealing with seismic risk reduction - there are too many things to do and not enough resources to do them all. However, having raised some of these barriers and obstacles to action in the game, it’s great if you can find a way in the debrief discussion to start talking about solutions. How might we overcome some of these barriers? Are there best practice examples of cases where LPAs have navigated these obstacles? 155 Ficționari ROLES RESPONSIBILITY NAMES Communications officers - You care about sending messages that gain peoples support towards the administration. Investment officers – You care about the cost vs benefit and sustainability of the city’s investments. Resilience officers - You care about reducing risks and ensuring the people of the city are safe from disaster. Citizens advocates - You care about improving the quality of life for the people living in this city. Business lobbyists - You care about investments that enable private sector development. Ficționari 1. Population - 200,000 2. Significant textiles industry 3. Located by the coast, a popular tourist destination 4. High seismic hazard area Issues: 5. People in some apartment buildings are going without heat in winter because utilities are not reaching them 6. A recent flood damaged the city's green park by the waterfront 7. The hospital facilities are out of date and run-down 156 YOUR CHOSEN PROJECTS Remember, you have a total of 9 tokens to spend. POSSIBLE PROJECTS Improve waste collection and sanitation 2 tokens Improve roads and inter-urban transport 3 tokens Expand utilities (power and heating) to unreached areas 3 tokens Fund scholarships for students from vulnerable communities 2 tokens Invest in universal infrastructure for public buildings - make buildings 2 tokens accessible to everyone Digitise part of the public services 2 tokens School buildings - improve energy efficiency 2 tokens School buildings - improve energy efficiency and retrofit for 4 tokens earthquake safety City Hall administration building - improve energy efficiency 1 tokens City Hall administration building - improve energy efficiency and 3 tokens retrofit for earthquake safety 157 Hospital - renovate to improve energy efficiency 2 tokens Hospital - renovate to improve energy efficiency and retrofit for 4 tokens earthquake safety Undertake seismic risk assessment 1 token (if you choose this option, speak to the moderator in your breakout room) Run an awareness raising campaign around seismic risk 1 token Invest in the city's sports team 1 token Create a new park / green area for the city 1 token [blank - you decide] 1 token If you choose to do the risk assessment, make sure to let the moderator in your room know. They will let you know what happens next. 158 Imagineni ROLES RESPONSIBILITY NAMES Communications officers - You care about sending messages that gain peoples support towards the administration. Resilience officers - You care about reducing risks and ensuring the people of the city are safe from disaster. Citizens advocates - You care about improving the quality of life for the people living in this city. Business lobbyists - You care about investments that enable private sector development. Investment officers – You care about the cost vs benefit and sustainability of the city’s investments. Imagineni 1. Population - 200,000 2. Orientated towards service sectors, with a public university 3. Located in a coastal region 4. Medium risk seismic area Issues: 5. People are complaining about garbage piling up in the streets 6. There is an opportunity to access EU funds if you can improve energy efficiency across the city 7. Roads in some areas are not sufficient for emergency vehicles (eg ambulances) 159 YOUR CHOSEN PROJECTS Remember, you have a total of 9 tokens to spend. POSSIBLE PROJECTS Improve waste collection and sanitation 2 tokens Improve roads and inter-urban transport 3 tokens Expand utilities (power and heating) to unreached areas 3 tokens Fund scholarships for students from vulnerable communities 2 tokens Invest in universal infrastructure for public buildings - make buildings 2 tokens accessible to everyone Digitise part of the public services 2 tokens School buildings - improve energy efficiency 2 tokens School buildings - improve energy efficiency and retrofit for 4 tokens earthquake safety City Hall administration building - improve energy efficiency 1 tokens 160 City Hall administration building - improve energy efficiency and 3 tokens retrofit for earthquake safety Hospital - renovate to improve energy efficiency 2 tokens Hospital - renovate to improve energy efficiency and retrofit for 4 tokens earthquake safety Undertake seismic risk assessment 1 token (if you choose this option, speak to the moderator in your breakout room) Run an awareness raising campaign around seismic risk 1 token Invest in the city's sports team 1 token Create a new park / green area for the city 1 token [blank - you decide] 1 token If you choose to do the risk assessment, make sure to let the moderator in your room know. They will let you know what happens next. 161 Ipotetea de Sus ROLES RESPONSIBILITIES NAME Communications officers - You care about sending messages that gain peoples support towards the administration. Resilience officers - You care about reducing risks and ensuring the people of the city are safe from disaster. Citizens advocates - You care about improving the quality of life for the people living in this city. Business lobbyists - You care about investments that enable private sector development. Investment officers – You care about the cost vs benefit and sustainability of the city’s investments. Ipotetea de Sus 1. Population - 230,000 2. Connected to the main Romanian cities, it is a key transit stop for international travel 3. A major hub for manufacturing car parts and construction materials 4. Medium seismic hazard area Issues: 162 1. Government records are being lost due to poor storage 2. There have been complaints that the city's public services are inaccessible for people with disabilities 3. Some districts are not receiving heating due to ageing utilities YOUR CHOSEN PROJECTS Remember, you have a total of 9 tokens to spend. POSSIBLE PROJECTS Improve waste collection and 2 City Hall administration building - 3 sanitation token improve energy efficiency and retrofit token s for earthquake safety s Improve roads and inter-urban 3 Hospital - renovate to improve energy 2 transport token efficiency token s s Expand utilities (power and heating) 3 Hospital - renovate to improve energy 4 to unreached areas token efficiency and retrofit for earthquake token s safety s Fund scholarships for students from 2 Undertake seismic risk assessment 1 vulnerable communities token (if you choose this option, speak to the token s moderator in your breakout room) Invest in universal infrastructure for 2 Run an awareness raising campaign 1 public buildings - make buildings token around seismic risk token accessible to everyone s Digitise part of the public services 2 Invest in the city's sports team 1 token token s 163 School buildings - improve energy 2 Create a new park / green area for the 1 efficiency token city token s School buildings - improve energy 4 [blank - you decide] 1 efficiency and retrofit for earthquake token token safety s City Hall administration building - 1 improve energy efficiency token If you choose to do the risk assessment, make sure to let the moderator in your room know. They will let you know what happens next. 164 Utopești ROLES RESPONSIBILITY NAMES Communications officers - You care about sending messages that gain peoples support towards the administration. Resilience officers - You care about reducing risks and ensuring the people of the city are safe from disaster. Citizens advocates - You care about improving the quality of life for the people living in this city. Business lobbyists - You care about investments that enable private sector development. Investment officers – You care about the cost vs benefit and sustainability of the city’s investments. Utopești 1. Population - 250,000 2. Industrial centre, focused on oil production 3. Located in a mountainous region 4. Medium risk seismic area Issues: 1. The roads are insufficient for the workforce - Utopești has the highest rate of traffic accidents per capita in Romania 2. School attendance is critically low in lower-income communities 3. There are problems getting reliable power and heating to all districts that need it 165 YOUR CHOSEN PROJECTS Remember, you have a total of 9 tokens to spend. POSSIBLE PROJECTS Improve waste collection and sanitation 2 tokens Improve roads and inter-urban transport 3 tokens Expand utilities (power and heating) to unreached areas 3 tokens Fund scholarships for students from vulnerable communities 2 tokens Invest in universal infrastructure for public buildings - make buildings 2 tokens accessible to everyone Digitise part of the public services 2 tokens School buildings - improve energy efficiency 2 tokens School buildings - improve energy efficiency and retrofit for 4 tokens earthquake safety City Hall administration building - improve energy efficiency 1 tokens City Hall administration building - improve energy efficiency and 3 tokens retrofit for earthquake safety 166 Hospital - renovate to improve energy efficiency 2 tokens Hospital - renovate to improve energy efficiency and retrofit for 4 tokens earthquake safety Undertake seismic risk assessment 1 token (if you choose this option, speak to the moderator in your breakout room) Run an awareness raising campaign around seismic risk 1 token Invest in the city's sports team 1 token Create a new park / green area for the city 1 token [blank - you decide] 1 token If you choose to do the risk assessment, make sure to let the moderator in your room know. They will let you know what happens next. 167 Game 2 - Seismic Risk Reduction - scenario exercise for CSOs Script It's eight in the morning, a few years in the future, in a city very much like yours. People are getting ready for work, walking through the city, enjoying their morning coffee. Suddenly, there's a rumbling sound, and the ground begins to shake. There's the screech of brakes as cars pull over on the road. Buildings begin to sway, and there are crashes as plates and cutlery fall from tables. In an apartment building in a old part of town, there are shouts and screams. People rush for the stairwells and try to make it downstairs and out on to the street. And the shaking grows even worse. A few streets away, a fire truck swerves through the streets, sirens wailing, heading for the apartment building. They're not sure what they'll find when they get there. Will the building still be standing? Will everyone inside be safe? The fire truck turns the corner and comes face to face with the apartment building. And there in front of them, they see... Now, let's pause the story here and go back in time a few years - back to the present day. The outcome for this building in this earthquake depends on some decisions which you're going to make here and now. INTRO This is a scenario activity about seismic risk preparation, and about the choices we can make here and now to prepare us in case of an earthquake. The purpose of this activity is to examine some of the challenges we currently face in addressing seismic vulnerability. Your choices will affect the outcome of this hypothetical earthquake - but this is not a game that you can win or lose. Whatever happens in this fictional world of this scenario, the real focus of this game is to explore these issues so we can discuss them afterwards. 168 This game takes place in two parts, looking at two different aspects of the system. We'll start with part one, ten years before the earthquake. PART ONE It's ten years before the earthquake. You are a group of local government officials. You've got a budget to undertake seismic risk reduction. That means you can spend money retrofitting some of the vulnerable buildings in your area. Unfortunately, you don't have a huge budget. You can't afford to fix every building in your city. So you'll need to decide where to start - which buildings are your priorities? In reality, there are thousands of buildings in your city, but for the sake of this exercise, we're going to look at just five. We'll use these five buildings as an illustrative example of the building stock in your area. Four of the five buildings are private residential apartment buildings: A, B, C and D. Each of these buildings was constructed in the early 1970s. They each have around 65 residents. The fifth building is a school with about 250 students. This building was also constructed in the early 70s. You have enough budget to retrofit two out of these five buildings. Hopefully in future years there'll be more funding to deal with the others, but for now, you're going to have to choose two buildings to begin with. You'll decide as a group which two buildings you want to prioritise for retrofitting. You can only pick two - you can't split the budget across three or more. However, before you make your decision, you can get some extra information. You can undertake a technical survey to give you a rough idea of how vulnerable each building is to seismic risk. 169 You can also undertake a social survey to learn more about the residents of each of the apartment buildings. You can also look for other options to help pay for retrofitting - you can speak with a bank, and you can talk with other funders. They choose. Technical Survey You start by doing a basic assessment of each building, what's called a rapid visual assessment. This is a good basic measure of how vulnerable these buildings are to earthquakes. You'll need to do a more detailed survey later on, but this is a good start. You learn that apartment B and the school are both vulnerable to seismic risk. However, apartments A, C and D are highly vulnerable - they are in even worse shape. Social Survey You carry out a social survey with the residents and home-owners of each apartment building. This is just the beginning of the conversation, so you'll need to go back and learn more later on. But already you can get some useful information. You are able to get the most up to date resident numbers for each building. You also learn that the home-owners in apartments A, B and D are all worried about the risk of earthquakes and they seem willing to take action. The home-owners in apartment C are less convinced - they're not interested in a retrofitting project, and they don't trust your judgment that the building is at risk. You don't need to worry about the school - that's a public building, so you can make the decision without having to worry about convincing the owners. You also discover that there are some wealthy people in apartment A who would be willing to contribute to the cost of retrofitting their building. 170 Seek Other Funding You go out and look for other funding options. First of all, you speak with a bank. After some discussion, the bank is willing to make a private loan to help with the cost of retrofitting, if the owners can afford to repay that loan. You also speak with EU funders and you find out that there is EU funding available to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. This can be used to pay for some retrofitting costs as well. This is only for small fixes, so it's only useful for buildings that are vulnerable, not buildings that are highly vulnerable. Neither of these options will cover the full cost of a retrofitting project - but they will help. When you're ready, make your decision as a group about which two buildings you'll prioritise. Remember, with your budget, you can afford to fully pay to retrofit two buildings. The group discusses and decides how to assign their resources. When they've decided. Great, excellent decisions. So now we're going to look at [one of the] private residential building/s you've chosen to retrofit. TECHNICAL EXPERTISE SURVEY You've already done a Rapid Visual Assessment to get a sense of how vulnerable the building is. The next step is to undertake a technical expertise survey. This requires getting access to each apartment in the building so the engineers can assess the situation. 171 This can be difficult, because not everyone in the building is willing to grant access to their apartments. But after some months, the engineers have managed to visit 80% of the apartments in the building and complete the survey. They confirm that the building needs to be retrofitted. So now we're going to jump ahead a few years and shift perspectives. For part two, instead of being local government authorities, we're going to zoom in and look at the system from the perspective of one building. PART TWO It's five years before the earthquake. You are the members of the home-owners association in this building. In four days, the home-owners association will gather to decide whether or not to undertake a retrofitting process. There will be a vote. Each of you will make your own decision about whether or not to go ahead with the retrofitting process, and you'll carry out a vote collectively. There are four days until the vote. You can spend that time speaking with some of the people in the apartment building to get a sense of their feelings about the retrofitting project. When you've heard from everyone, each of you will make your own decision about whether to vote YES or NO to the retrofitting project. You can inform your decision by getting input from the different people in the building, but this is your own choice, based on your own judgment. You don't have to do what anyone else tells you. They are: • A tenant who doesn't own their own home • An older couple who owns their apartment • A homeowner with a disability 172 • A business owner who runs a business on the ground floor You can decide what order you'd like to speak to these people in. I'll pick a volunteer to decide which person to speak with first. What you learn from each of the people: Tenant The tenant tells you: I moved into this apartment five years ago. My landlord never told me that the building was vulnerable - it seems owners aren't required to tell tenants about seismic risk. But I'm an engineering student. I know that this building is old, it's at risk and it needs to be retrofitted at some point. I don't have a say in the retrofitting vote because I'm just a tenant, even though I live here - but if I did, I don't know which way I'd vote. The problem is, I don't have savings. I can't afford any more rent than I'm already paying. The owner of this apartment lives abroad. They don't care about what happens here. If the project goes ahead, I won't have a place to rent while the building is being retrofitted. And once the project is finished, they'll probably raise the rent and I won't be able to live here anyway. So either way, I'm stuck. 173 Older couple The older couple tell you: We've lived in this apartment for nearly 50 years. Back in 1978, they came to upgrade the building after the earthquake. When they finished, they said it was all secure and it wouldn't be a problem in any earthquakes. The building doesn't have a red dot or anything. We don't trust the people doing this risk assessment, and we don't think there's anything wrong with this building. They say they want to fix the building, but the truth is, they just want to demolish it. If this project goes ahead, we'll end up losing our home entirely. It's a bad idea and we don't want any part of it. The truth is, we could die tomorrow. Why should we move out of our home and live in temporary housing for years for something that may not ever happen? Home-owner with disability This home-owner tells you: I bought this apartment eight years ago, and I was lucky to find it. I use a wheelchair, and I work in the city nearby. I need a wheelchair accessible apartment that's also close to my work - and I can tell you, there aren't any others. If we go ahead with the retrofitting project, the government will move me somewhere else in the city, wherever they can find a wheelchair friendly place. I won't be able to travel for work, and I'll lose my job. I understand that there's a risk of earthquakes. I'm aware of that possibility. But there are other risks I'm dealing with too. Bottom line is, we don't know how long this will take, we don't know how much it will cost. It's too much of a risk to start a project when we can't be sure how it will end. 174 Business owner The business owner tells you: I opened a cafe on the ground floor of this building 13 years ago. I've been here longer than a lot of the home-owners. Personally I think the building should be retrofitted. It will not only make it safer, it will make it more energy efficient, and it will increase the value of people's homes. But it's frustrating because I don't get a say, even after being here more than a decade - whereas people who bought an apartment here last year are allowed to make decisions. What I hate is that the rules are inconsistent. Businesses are frequently closed for public safety, but home-owners are never inconvenienced, even when their decisions are dangerous. Each of you are now going to make your own decision about whether or not the retrofitting should go ahead. You can draw on any of the things you've heard from the people you've spoken with, but your choice is based on your own judgment. You don't have to do what anyone else tells you - you vote based on what you think is best. When you're ready, we'll count down from three, and give a thumbs up to the camera for yes, or a thumbs down for no. Three, two, one, go. Everyone votes. If everyone voted yes: Great, the retrofitting project will go ahead. If one or more people voted no: So we weren't able to get a consensus, and that means the retrofitting project will not go ahead. 175 Now, let's go around the group and hear from each player - what was the reason behind your decision? For those that voted no: Is there anything that could be done that would change your choice? CONCLUSION It's ten years since the government budget, and five years since the vote on the retrofitting project - we're back where we started, just as the earthquake hits. The fire department has arrived at the building, ready for what they might find. How did the apartment building handle the earthquake? Well, that depends on whether or not it has been retrofitted for earthquake safety. Did you commit to a retrofitting process? YES The fire truck screeches around the corner... and there is the apartment building - still standing, still intact. A few years ago, the local government managed to find funding to retrofit the building. After much discussion, the home-owners association agreed to go ahead with the retrofitting project. The retrofitting process took a number of years, but fortunately it was finished in time before the earthquake hit. The reinforced apartment building was able to survive the earthquake with only minimal impact. When the emergency team gets inside, they find the residents are all safe and secure. Hopefully, the rest of the city has handled the crisis as well as this one building. In the aftermath of the earthquake, everyone is asking one question: What do we need to change in this system to make this easier next time? 176 NO The fire truck screeches around the corner, and there is the apartment building - badly damaged, with the foundations partly collapsed. The residents are trapped inside, and many of them are injured. By the time the rescue crews have dug through the rubble and found everyone, there are a number of confirmed casualties. A few years ago, the local government had proposed retrofitting some buildings in this part of town. Unfortunately, the homeowners didn't agree on going ahead with the project. Some people had fears and concerns that were never adequately addressed, and so the project stalled. The building is irreparably damaged, and will have to be demolished. The people who lived here have lost their homes, many of their possessions - and some have lost their lives. Across the city, buildings that were built or retrofitted according to modern building codes fared well, while many of the older buildings that were not retrofitted had substantial damage. Hopefully, the rest of the city has handled the crisis better than this one building. In the aftermath of the earthquake, everyone is asking one question: What do we need to change in this system to make this easier next time? 177 Developing Personas After playing the game and discussing on Day 1, participants were presented with information about the NSRRS on Day 2, and then on Day 3, they were asked to create personas. This activity provided the framework for a discussion about the issues residents might face in seismic risk reduction, specifically the pain points and obstacles to performing seismic risk assessments. The input gathered from this event was used to create communication materials for a communications strategy for raising awareness on risk assessments (Annex 7). 178 Annex 10 – History and Oral Stories 179 Introduction Romania has been marked by several major earthquakes during the course of only a few generations. In recent times, the most tragic event in terms of human losses has been the 1977 earthquake. Forty-four years later, the collective memory of its impact starts to dissipate, and many people think of it as an historic event that has little chances of happening again. But the phenomena that caused that earthquake is still active today and Romania remains highly exposed to earthquakes. As nearly 70 percent of people in Romania live in areas with medium and high seismic hazard, we can learn from experience that the time to act for reducing our vulnerability to earthquakes is now. We know that another major earthquake will happen, we just do not know when. In this brief collection of history and oral stories we go back in time and hear from the people who have survived an earthquake. We will guide you through the four major earthquakes that have hit Romania in recent times and taken the lives of thousands. While our memory of them may fade away, we are faced everyday with their impact – past earthquakes have further increased the vulnerability of those buildings which were not built to resist earthquakes, as many of them have had only minor repairs and not benefited from adequate seismic consolidation. Moving forward, we invite you to get to know some of the people who are actively contributing to reduce seismic risk in Romania. These are a few examples among a large community of people who are taking action to make Romania more resilience. They will help you understand what we can learn from the past to save lives in the future. Because reducing seismic risk is not about buildings, it is about the people who live in and use vulnerable buildings every day. We hope you will join this community soon! 180 1940 Magnitude: 7,7 Deceased: 593 Injured: 1271 The November 10, 1940, earthquake was the strongest in terms of magnitude (7.7) of the twentieth century, and it had a devastating impact in Romania. In the aftermath of this earthquake, the city of Panciu in Vrancea county was almost destroyed, and other cities such as Focsani, Marasesti, Tecuci, Galati, and Iasi were also severely affected. In Bucharest, the Carlton building, the tallest building in Bucharest at the time – the height was 47 m - collapsed during the earthquake killing at least 150 people. It had been built 4 years before the earthquake, and was an architectonic symbol of interwar architecture, made of reinforced concrete with 14 stories. More than 200 people were inside the building at the time of the earthquake - most of them, unfortunately, did not survive.1 It is critical to understand that while the 1940 earthquake was higher in magnitude, the 1977 earthquake (7.2) generated the highest material and human losses due to the fact that the majority of the buildings were not properly consolidated after 1940. 181 „3:40 at night. The world is sleeping when the earthquake, with a violence never seen before, shook the capital from its foundations. (...) The worst impact of the disastrous earthquake on Saturday night was the total collapse of the Carlton Block (...)” (Tuesday, Nov. 12, 1940, Universul)2 Bucharest, Carlton immediately after the earthquake. Source: Collection of Mr. Emil-Sever Georgescu „All that remains of the city of Panciu is a pile of rubble. In the small town in the most dangerous region, the earthquake reached catastrophic proportions. There are only a few houses left in the whole city. The death toll is high." (Wednesday, Nov. 13, 1940, Timpul)3 Panciu after the earthquake. Source: Collection of Mr. Mandrescu N. (Vrancea major subcrustal earthquakes produced in the twentieth century and their effects on Romania, photographic testimonies, Romanian Academy Publishing House, Bucharest, Romania, 2008) 182 „The population, awakened by the shocks of the earthquake, the infernal noise of the houses collapsing, and the screams of the victims trapped under the rubble, ran madly through the streets. No building was spared" (Wednesday, Nov. 13 1940, Timpul) Focșani after the earthquake. Source: Collection of Mr. Mandrescu N. (Vrancea major subcrustal earthquakes produced in the twentieth century and their effects on Romania, photographic testimonies, Romanian Academy Publishing House, Bucharest, Romania, 2008) How did the earthquake feel and sound like? In 1941, the mayor of Panciu, Ad. Căpăţână, wrote the history of the town4, describing the 1940 earthquake in great detail. Thanks to this report, we can understand today how the earthquake was felt on the ground, how was life for the affected population in the aftermath and the difficulties they felt over the recovery process. According to the mayor, the feeling was that people and buildings were „falling in a 10-12 meters deep pit”. The disaster hit at 3:40 when people were asleep, causing confusion and agitation. On the morning of November 10, 1940, at 3.40 am, strong horizontal and vertical shocks that lasted for 45 seconds collapsed the whole city to the ground. It looked like we were falling alongside the houses in a 10-12m deep pit5. On November 13, 30 people are confirmed dead, and 60 people injured in Focșani. On December 7, 1940, the deputy director of the Bucharest Astronomical Observatory, G. Demetrescu, asked for information about the impact of the earthquake to the City Hall of Focsani. Some of the questions and respective answers are reproduced here „Q: Who felt the earthquake? A: Everyone. It was felt with fear, great fear, and panic. Q: Did anyone wake up because of the earthquake? A: Everyone. Q: Was it possible to distinguish the type of movements? What kind of movements? 183 A: Horizontal and vertical. Strong displacement and rocking. Strong sudden jerks.”6 7 What did happen immediately after the earthquake? A few minutes later, as I could, I went outside. Darkness, no shouting, no mourning. A mute horror in the darkness, gloomier than screams and mourning, had paralyzed them all8. Once the shaking stopped, the survivors start searching for loved ones as the mayor of Panciu wrote - “lanterns and electric pocket lamps were seen among the ruins, spinning unsafely to the right and to the left. The lights were multiplying. Moans and cries for help were heard from all sides, followed by shouts and cries in response. The search for relatives and friends began. All that is heard is short and frightened questions.” The losses The mayor of Panciu recorded at the time that several people had been killed or injured, and the hospital collapsed leaving the city without facilities to provide emergency care to those injured. He wrote that there was barely anyone left in the town after the earthquake, as people sought shelter and were sent to places in the neighborhood to receive medical care. And, in the evening, numbers raised to 42 people confirmed dead and 76 injured – the injured were sent to Mărăşeşti and Focşani, where some of them died. The 1940 earthquake also caused widespread material losses which led to severe disruptions to critical services and businesses. This earthquake put in evidence that critical infrastructure such as hospitals and power plants must be designed, built, or consolidated up to a performance level that ensures they remain operational after shocks. On November 13, 1940, the material losses in Focșani were estimated as follows: „The Aro cinema, the Dinu and Grunfeld stores were razed to the ground. With the power plant no longer operating, the city was left in the dark. The City Hall, the Prefecture, the boys' high school, the legion of gendarmes, the Tribunal and the church of St. Mina suffered great damage, as ceilings and walls collapsed. The damages in Focșani are incalculable”. Official reports on November 15 state that „50 percent of the houses are completely destroyed, and others are damaged beyond repair. No more than 25 percent of the buildings in the city are still standing."9 Most of the damage to existing infrastructure could be avoided if safer construction technologies and practices are in place. As reported by an official in a national newspaper, the losses in the town of Panciu was caused by unsafe construction practices10. How was life in the days and weeks after the earthquake? Life changed dramatically in the aftermath of the earthquake. The town of Panciu was destroyed and streets were blocked by „immense piles of debris”. It was a cold November, and some people had only their nightgowns with them. Some survivors moved to relatives’ homes in other cities, while others found refuge in their vineyards, improvised cottages and wooden houses at the 184 outskirts of the town and nearby villages. „We all had a sad winter”, concludes Ad. Capatana, mayor of Panciu at the time11. 1977 Magnitude: 7,4 Deceased: 1578 Injured: 11.221 Source: “Adevărul” newspaper online edition, photo by Aurel Mihailopol v We must keep the memory of past earthquakes alive and understand our risk 185 Interview with Mr. Emil-Sever Georgescu, Senior Scientific Researcher in the field of Earthquake Engineering, Risk Assessment and Disaster Prevention „At the time of the 1977 earthquake, I was at the cinema, in the Great Hall of the Palace, watching the famous Romanian film "The Salamander's Nest". It a very noisy film, in fact, everything was buzzing around us. At one point, over that huge noise from the movie, we felt vibration and a different kind of noise. I had the impression that it was coming from the heating system in the basement, but as the shaking intensified, I realized that it was an earthquake. Some people in my row had an instinctive reaction to leave the building. I was among those who stopped them. I simply shouted - Wait, don't leave! This building was well constructed." Who was the man shouting to people to stay inside the building? It was Mr. Emil-Sever Georgescu, at the time a young engineer specialized in reinforced concrete constructions who had recently completed his engineering degree. In 1981, he joined the seismic engineering department of INCERC Institute. He is currently a senior scientific researcher in the field of earthquake engineering, risk assessment and disaster prevention. „Why did I ask people to stay? I knew the story of the Palace Hall from one of my professors. It had been built between 1959-1960 and the reinforced concrete dome above the cinema hall had been strengthened with an aluminum structure for increased resistance to earthquakes. When I eventually left the cinema hall, I found that people who had fled outside during the earthquake had been injured in the hallway. I realized how important it was that I didn't run out immediately.” Only a few were aware of earthquakes in 1977 Because a major part of Romania is highly exposed to earthquakes, we must talk about earthquakes and ensure seismic risk management remains at the top of the public agenda. The 1977 earthquake was a shock for everyone. The last major earthquake happened 37 years ago, and many who experienced it had moved on with their lives. There has been no public debate about the possibility of a future earthquake and how to reduce risk and best prepare for such an event. “We knew that design provisions for earthquake resistance of buildings were needed, but it was a rather theoretical problem at the time, even for engineers. There was no public debate about what would happen if an earthquake happens and how important the field of seismic engineering is to reduce the risk.” At first, seeing the surrounding buildings standing, Mr. Georgescu did not realize what the scale of the disaster was. “I got to the bus stop and saw a woman in pajama with a naked baby in her arms. Someone said, "They must have escaped from the Danube block." I went to see and indeed, the Danube block was partially collapsed. People were waiting for buses there, too. They could not come because the roads were blocked. But people did not know.” “It was night and people were quietly calling the names of family members, neighbors, with candles in their hands” 186 New scientific findings On the night of the earthquake, Mr. Georgescu went to the research institute where he worked and found out that there was a seismologic recording of the earthquake, which showed for the first time that the Vrancea earthquakes are different from other earthquakes, and they affect tall, slender buildings much more than short and rigid ones. During Mr. Georgescu’s activity within the institute, he had investigated many earthquakes, including the 1940 earthquake and the collapse of the Carlton building or the 1963 Skopje earthquake, but the field of seismic engineering was at a very incipient stage in Romania and largely disregarded at the time. On July 4, 1977, Ceausescu ordered officials and professionals to stop with seismic consolidation works. Some engineers like Gheorghe Ursu expressed their strong disagreement with this decision and offered to bear the costs of the consolidation works that were necessary at the Patria block. Gheorghe Ursu was persecuted, imprisoned, tortured, and eventually killed in prison. “We were given 24 hours to get consolidation works done. I was assigned as a project engineer to a block in Sector 2. Everyone understood the importance of this moment. With extraordinary efforts, as much as possible of the necessary consolidation work was done. But obviously, the work was far from completion.” Official reports of the time reported on how well the buildings were being consolidated. But soon after, almost nothing was said about consolidation. People affected by the earthquake would come and ask us “Please come to our apartment too, because there are cracks, take a look and repair them.” A block in Bucharest after the 1977 earthquake. Source: Agerpress vi 187 We’ve come a long way since 1940 “After experiencing several earthquakes over the past decades, we have learned how to build better. We know how the Vrancea earthquake affects our buildings and how we can reduce their vulnerability. We also know how to increase the resistance of existing buildings. Now, it is time for action.” Mr. Georgescu briefly explains how engineering knowledge has evolved over the past decades: • When the earthquake of November 1940 happened, the last big earthquake had been forgotten and it was a period of intense political and social turmoil. Engineer Aurel Beleș prepared a list of the buildings that had been damaged after the 1940 earthquake. Almost all buildings in the list collapsed, totally or partially, in 1977. • It was not until 1963 that the first mandatory seismic design code was enforced. After 1977, the design codes were updated to consider the buildings’ strength and flexibility, and the way Vrancea earthquakes can affect their structural behavior. Buildings designed according to the new code are therefore safer than older buildings. Understanding our risk Moving forward, Mr. Georgescu recommends dedicating time and resources to explain the benefits of seismic consolidation to all stakeholders and beneficiaries in a way that is understandable for them. “We need to create more awareness at all levels of society, from property owners to business owners and Ministries. It would be useful to train engineers that are specialized on both energy efficiency and seismic risk reduction in order to implement integrated actions at an accelerated pace.” Let’s hear Mrs. Magdalena D.’s recollections of the 1977 earthquake in Bucharest Where were you? What were you doing at that time? Mrs. Magdalena was a 18-year-old girl at the time. She notes “We were living in the Dorobanti area. I was in the last year of high school. It was evening, around 9 o'clock. My mother was watching TV, and I was preparing to get to bed. I was entering the living room to talk to my mother when I felt it and saw the chandelier in the living room swinging. My mother had experienced another earthquake before and shouted: Earthquake!” It was less than a minute, but it seemed like an hour. Those were terrible moments. Many were shocked and even jumped out of the window during the earthquake. 188 “An aunt was visiting us at the time. She had experienced the 1940 earthquake also. She went out to the yard and held on to a peach tree. She thought we have to leave the house, but we were concerned that the chimney of the house or other object could have fallen on her. My father jumped out of bed and tried to keep the chandelier from falling. I learned from my parents that there would be aftershocks. After a while, we went out to the street. The air was full of dust, probably from the many buildings that collapsed, and the moon looked different. I was strongly impressed by this image, I stared at it for a long time. I had never experienced anything like this before.” How was your life in the days and weeks after the earthquake? “Relatives from Transylvania came to see if we had survived because the phones were not working. The next day I found out that the block from Scala Confectionery and the Continental Block collapsed, where the actor Toma Caragiu and the director Alexandru Bocăneț died. Those were terrible days - you could only see rubble and people walking long distances to school or work as public transport was not operating because of the earthquake. After classes resumed, I use to walk to school, although it was a large distance. I was impressed by the fact that many apartments collapsed, but the pantries still standing - they were real housewives' pantries, with jars and everything. In some flats, only the bathroom’s columns were standing. In the meantime, I had my college exam, and joined the Economic Studies Academy that year. Before the course started in September, they took us to the site of a collapsed student dormitory in Amzei Square, and gave us a hammer to take down some walls. At the slightest shock, an entire wall would collapse. It was a very sad experience. We could not believe how fragile these buildings were!” How people supported each other? “The home of our French teacher was destroyed and he lost family members. He was living in a block near the Royal Palace, and I asked everyone to make a small contribution to help him. When I gave him the envelope with the money we had collected, he was very touched but it was painful for him. These are very sad stories.” 189 1986 Magnitude: 7,1 Deceased: 150 Injured: 558 An earthquake of 7.1 magnitude on the Richter scale hit the Southeast of Europe including Romania on August 31, 1986, just 9 years after the devastating 1977 earthquake. It happened during the night at 00:28, causing 150 fatalities. Mrs. Magdalena also experienced this earthquake in Bucharest. This was another distressing experience for her, as she had just given birth to her son and knew the impact an earthquake can have. This time we were better prepared “I had just given birth to my son and had returned home from the maternity hospital a few days earlier when the earthquake happened. I was breastfeeding him when I felt it. I leaned against the bed and ran while searching for a beam. I realized in that moment that I should have asked my husband who is a civil engineer where to hide. We had moved to that block that year. I was with the baby in my arms and running around confused. I knew that we should not take the stairs. We were living on the 3rd floor of a building that had been recently built. My husband told me that after the 1977 disaster, the construction industry started considering seismic risk and that building was safer than older ones. And indeed, that building withstood large and small earthquakes since.” 1990 Magnitude: 6,9 Deceased: 9 Injured: 362 Three destructive earthquakes hit Romania in the afternoon and night of May 30, 1990. The first and strongest, of 6.9 magnitude on the Richter scale, happen at 14:40 local time. The second, of 6.4 magnitude, hit at 03:17 on May 31. And after 3 seconds, a third one of 6.1 magnitude hit. These earthquakes have further increased the vulnerability of old buildings that had not been consolidated after previous events. Mrs. Magdalena was at the office when she felt the first earthquake. “During the 1990 earthquake, I was in the office, working in the CFR Palace. We hide under the desk on the 7th floor. When the shaking stopped, a colleague cried that her little girl was alone at home on the 8th floor, and I ran with her to their home. I was worried that she would not be able 190 to reach her, she was very scared. We found the little girl and but it difficult to reach her. She also hid under the desk, it was terrible. That earthquake was very strong too!” Source: Kouteva-Guentcheva M. and Boshnakov K., A Contemporary View to the Impact of the Strong Vrancea Earthquakes on Bulgaria. In The 1940 Vrancea Earthquake. Issues, Insights and Lessons Learnt. Springer, 2016 20 _ _ Earthquakes will happen again. And reducing risk is a shared responsibility. Together we can make Romania more resilient. We talked to Mihai Șercăianu and Matei Teodor Sumbasacu who are civil engineers and activists for seismic risk reduction in Romania Mihai is a civil engineer who has dedicated his career to understand how a city could be more resilient through better planning and higher quality infrastructure. He says that from time to time disasters such as earthquakes happen, causing severe disruptions to essential services cities provide. In the aftermath of such events, “we can only save what can be saved. What matters the most is what we do before the disaster happens to minimize its impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.” After the fire at the Colectiv nightclub in 2015, it was clear to Mihai that it is urgent to change how risk is handled in Romania. This led him to dedicate his career to the topic. He started discussing with peers on "How can we help make our city more resilient?", "How can we make knowledge available to the general public, so that people are better prepared?" 191 “Through my work as engineer and activist, I encourage people to ask questions. To ask questions to themselves. When you ask a question, you also seek an answer.” (Mihai Șercăianu) For Matei, a combination of factors has taken him to this line of work. “I studied civil engineering and did my master at the Polytechnic University of Athens. There I could learn what seismic risk reduction means in practice. With access to a seismic engineering lab, I could simulate the collapse of a building and investigate solutions to make it safer.” Matei passed this knowledge along to his own life. He tried to retrofit the apartment building he was living in, but this was an effort he could not complete because of various challenges. So, he realized that Romania needs new solutions to overcome those challenges and looked for ways of getting more involved. “I talked to my friends about seismic risk as I learned new things about seismic vulnerability, and they were quite interested. We then decided to start an NGO”. (Matei Sumbasacu). “My friends and I were determined to do something. We start meeting once a week to brainstorm and share information. Everyone came up with something.”, explained Matei. Are we prepared for the next earthquake? Mihai points out - “No, we are not. But we can be. And this is a shared responsibility. Ourselves as residents of potentially vulnerable buildings are the ones most interested in ensuring our building is safe. There have been positive steps taken in recent years. In 2016, there were only 3 or 4 NGOs dealing with this issue. Now, there are many more initiatives, and the results are becoming visible. The first seismic risk reduction strategy the government is preparing will scale up this effort by communicating with all actors involved and providing new solutions to accelerate implementation of seismic consolidation works. This includes risk-informed and transparent prioritization processes and multi-annual funding for seismic consolidation.” “There are many problems in a city, and we should not rely solely on the authorities. All of us can contribute to make Romania a safer place for everyone.” (Mihai Șercăianu) Matei invites everyone to learn about available solutions to make us better prepared and to save lives. “There is a lot that can be made, but we need to join efforts and work together with ministries, local public authorities, NGOs, businesses, and individuals. For instance, after an earthquake heavy equipment is necessary to unblock roads and open the pathway for search and rescue teams. Individuals or companies that have such equipment can help by making that equipment available 192 after an earthquake. But the conditions should be agreed upon before the disaster and training provided as needed. Wi-fi hotspots like the ones available at airports are needed after disasters. Emergency response services would be more efficient if teams have access to a real-time map of the city after the earthquake, indicating the buildings that collapsed and which roads are blocked. And we have many other ideas!” Where can we find more information? Mihai advises everyone to search for information about the building, such as the year of construction and whether the building has been consolidated, before buying or renting a property. "This type of information is important because each construction is built according to the regulations enforced at the time of construction, and these regulations have improved over the years. Engineering has evolved and we have better regulations now. The older the building, the higher the chances it is vulnerable. But new buildings can be vulnerable too if they are not adequately constructed. You need a qualified engineer to make an assessment.” Mihai also emphasizes that if only the façade was repaired, it is most likely that building was not consolidated and remains vulnerable to earthquakes. You can find more information and resources about seismic risk at [placeholder for the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration seismic risk portal] 193 Carusel building – A story of perseverance and commitment for the consolidation of historic buildings A discussion with Mr. Jean Chrissoveloni, private owner Source: carturesticarusel.ro, photo by Cosmin Dragomir We talked with Mr. Jean Chrissoveloni, the owner of the beautiful building on Lipscani Street, which now houses the largest library in the country, Cărturești Carusel. The building stands as an exemplary case of consolidating a historic building and the quality of the architectural concept has charmed tourists and locals alike. Who is the owner of the Carusel building and how did it recover its lost beauty? A descendant of a famous Greek-Romanian family of bankers (who founded the Chrissoveloni Bank), he and his family received the permission to leave the country in 1960. This had been facilitated by the Greek Ministry of External Affairs, as by the time they fled Romania, Mr. Chrissoveloni’s father had been incarcerated 3 times. Their properties have been confiscated by the state, only to be refound in ruins after the revolution, requiring lengthy and difficult retrocedation processes. Mr Chrissoveloni was 17 years old at the time. He returned to Romania 30 years later, right after 1989, after having built an international career – “My sisters would be listening to radio stations with Romanian music when we fled the country, they had a very hard time due to this change”, while he was the one who embraced the chance they were given. “However, as you can see, little 194 can be predicted in life. I was the one to return to the country where I was born in after it became free in 1989.” My family has done business in Romania for 100 years and we had left the country with two suitecases. In 1990, I had nothing but my father’s testament with me, we did not have any other papers. We started the quest to recover our documents and get our confiscated properties back. A landmark building making history in the center of Bucharest The Carusel building, on the Lipscani Street in Bucharest has been consolidated with private funds, despite various legal and procedural difficulties. “The building was bought by my great- grandfather, Nikolaos Z. Chrissoveloni, in 1904, at an auction”. After the purchase, the existing construction was torn down and rebuilt completely after an elegant store in Vienna. This was the first large unniversal store that had been built in Romania, there were only small stores at the time. During the communist times, the building was home to the „Family” store, specialized in textiles. Today, following a succesful consolidation process made from the owner’s private funds, it is home to the Carturesti library and has proven to be a a viable economic investment. The consolidation was a huge success. It turned out exactly how we wished for! But it was also an enourmous effort. If we hadn’t had it in us to persevere, as Romanians have learned to do over centuries, we would have caled it quits shortly. 195 Source: carturesticarusel.ro, photo by Cosmin Dragomir After the fall of the communist regime, when Mr. Chrissoveloni managed to regain property rights over the building, it was in a deplorable state. There were huge crack in the wall and pigeons were populating its attic. After a rather challenging authorization process, he worked with an architect specialized in historic buildings, who also recommended the structural engineers for the project. “Our vision is to create an open-air shopping center in the historic heart of the city, in partnership with the City Hall”. We imagine a welcoming area with no cars on the street, only stores, cinemas and other services. But for this to be possible, the existing buldings in the center of Bucharest need to be consolidated and restored. We need to consolidate our historic center, because the next earthquake will generate a disaster. We are determined to consolidate the building on Blanari Street, too. Another building that was regained back by the Chrissoveloni family is located on the Blanari street. The building is included in the list of expertized buildings with Class 1 seismic risk. Other properties owned by the family have also entered the necessary course of consolidation. Identifying external financing opportunities is key, however, underlines Mr. Chrissoveloni. Private investors and property owners are a key partner and need to be supported with policies aimed at enabling a functioning and performant economy. 196 What is your message for other private investors which may follow your example? “We should form a group of former property owners, willing to recover properties confiscated under the communist regime and create a platform with a unified voice, that can become a viable dialogue partner in the communication with state entities and city halls. This way, the group would gain visibility and negotiation power as interested investors. Not many of the former property owners know what they need to do to gain back their rights over the property or don’t have the funds to follow through with a consolidation, so a platform like this would provide them access to existing experience. Having an exchange platform would avoid many difficult or ambiguous situations that individual owners, often in old age, face themselves with.” "Better safe than sorry" Mrs. Magdalena has experienced the 1977, 1986, and 1990 earthquakes. She has some words to younger generations. “Keep yourself informed and join discussions about how to prepare for an earthquake and reduce risk. Ask your family and friends about their own experience and pass along this message.” Join this conversation! Make sure to check any scheduled events related to seismic risk in your city, town, or commune. Be proactive in searching for information about the vulnerability of the place you live in, attend or work. Learn More Learn more about seismic risk and how you can get involved in its reduction at [placeholder for the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration seismic risk portal]. 197 Annex 11 - Materials for communicating the NSRRS (Flyers, Responsible Resident Checklist) 198 Developing flyers for communicating 3-level Risk Assessments Considering the common perceptions and concerns of the stakeholders previously identified, the following messages have been selected to inform flyers about performing 3-level risk assessments. These points can also serve as a basis to create new informational materials in the future. General awareness of seismic risk • Romania is at high risk of seismic damage. The `Red Dot` only shows how little we know at this moment. Due to the low percentage of buildings that have been technically surveyed, the red dots are not a reliable indicator of safety • We prepared a clear roadmap with concrete and achievable steps that can be taken to reduce risk and protect yourself, your loved ones and your property from the effects of the next major earthquake. Role of risk assessments and expertise available • Risk reduction requires a collective effort of the whole society • Know your risk. Risk assessments will provide the data necessary to know the risk level of your building • Engineers have been trained and certified to provide reliable assessments • The risk assessment process has been simplified. Professional teams will be performing assessments of visual elements of buildings in your city to prioritize interventions. Detailed building assessments and access to private spaces will only be required for buildings deemed to have a high risk. • Risk assessments will provide data necessary to know if your building requires further expertise, and the data will be publicly available • Seismic risk assessments will reveal the buildings deemed high-risk and government financing will be available. • The time and cost required for a consolidation process will vary depending on the interventions identified after the detailed expertise of the building. • Public buildings with high-risk will be prioritized for consolidation. Schools and hospitals with high vulnerability will benefit from increased safety through dedicated funding. Investment program • The new investment program dedicated to consolidation of high-risk buildings will prevent many of the delays and difficulties of past programs. • Multi-annual program. The new program will allow for multi-annual financing and offer beneficiaries the flexibility they need. 199 • The project funding will be guaranteed for the completion of the project, so you won’t be stuck out of your home due to lengthy delays in implementation Immediate benefits of consolidation • There are immediate benefits of measures to reduce seismic risk when paired with other initiatives (reducing bills through increased energy efficiency, improved living conditions and comfort, improved accessibility for disabled, fire safety) • The state of the building is the best indicator of its value. Consolidation increases and secures the value of real estate. The importance of Information-sharing • HOAs must include everyone, including renters and business owners and vulnerable people in the discussion – risk reduction requires involvement of the whole society / community • As a renter, you have the right to know the risk level of the building you live in. • Inform the property owner about the risk assessments performed in the area and keep them up to date with discussions within the HOA, if they are abroad or are not actively involved in discussions. 200 FLYER ABOUT RISK ASSESSMENTS 201 Figure 11.1 flyer about risk assessments Developing flyers on actions to reduce seismic risk (“What you can do”) Another flyer has been developed to detail actions to reduce seismic risk. Flyers targeted at homeowners and HOAs can include a selection of the following key messages: • Romania is at high risk of seismic damage and the actions we take today can save lives in the future. • You are a critical partner for the success of the NSRRS! • Concrete and achievable steps can be taken to reduce risk • Reducing seismic risk in Romania is a shared responsibility. • Know the risks you are exposed to. You may be thinking - “my building is safe, it does not have a red dot”. But here’s the truth: red-dot buildings are the few ones that had the chance to go through a technical survey. • Be informed about the investment opportunities available for the consolidation of buildings with high seismic risk. • Know your neighbors and participate in your community. Only together can we be more prepared in the event of an earthquake. • Talk to others about seismic risk and actions to reduce it. Make them aware that a detailed expertise of indoor elements may be necessary if the building is deemed as high-risk. 202 • Listen to the opinions voiced within your HOA and focus on building consensus for performing risk assessments and retrofitting work to increase seismic safety. • Make a plan for you and your family in case of an earthquake: emergency backpacks and family plans are essential. • Do you know vulnerable people in your building? As a reliable neighbor and HOA member, ensure that they are aware of the risks, know that action is possible, and they also have a plan for emergency situations. • Make sure you can receive alerts and warnings on your phone and that you know how to stay informed during an emergency situation. FLYER ABOUT “WHAT YOU CAN DO” 203 Figure 11.2 Flyer about “what you can do” What can other stakeholders do? Line ministries: Integrate seismic risk reduction into other policies and financing for resilience Ministries of Health, and climate change adaptation (Ministries of Health, Education and Research, Education and Internal Affairs, Culture, European Funds, and Finance) Research, Internal Affairs, Culture, European Funds, and Finance Local public authorities Allocate a budget for seismic risk reduction (programs for risk reduction, transitional housing, and risk communication). Perform risk assessments and prioritize public buildings for consolidation. Provide feedback to MDLPA to improve programs and financing. Integrate seismic risk reduction and disaster response into local planning. CSOs (as relevant for Assist in sharing information on risk reduction with target communities. each region, with Provide feedback on how to improve programs to meet the needs of key target localized groups. CSOs preferred) Heads of public Perform regular assessments of the seismic safety of public facilities. institutions 204 Incorporate seismic safety into school curriculum. Work closely with local public authorities to implement programs and policies to reduce seismic risk of public assets. Presidents of Communicate the urgency and necessity of risk reduction to the property Homeowners’ owners within your site. Associations and individual owners of vulnerable properties Assist in building collaboration for performing risk assessments and renovations necessary for seismic safety. Professional bodies and Assist in developing and promoting accreditation for seismic engineering. technical institutions Provide training opportunities in seismic engineering to professions. Assist in the assessment of seismic risk expertise among professionals via surveys. Academia and Research Create and distribute seismic risk data and information to professionals and Entities the general public in collaboration with MDLPA. Media Learn about the basics of seismic risk in Romania, including basic risk vocabulary. Engage and inspire civil society to take action on risk reduction through reporting on seismic risk. Private sector Learn about individual responsibility for risk reduction and contribute private investments for risk reduction actions, whenever possible. All citizens Share information on seismic risk reduction measures with your community and ensure you have a safety kit and a plan for an emergency situation such as an earthquake. Small actions today can have a major impact tomorrow. 205 RESPONSIBLE RESIDENTS’ CHECKLIST A short guide for people living in areas exposed to earthquakes Making decisions about the homes that we inhabit in areas with high seismic risk involves two distinct processes: having as as much information as possbile on their level of seismic risk, and deciding, in an informed manner, what level of seismic risk is acceptable for us. Estimating the seismic risk of a building can be challenging, even for those already familiar with the topic. The limited official information currently available on the existing building stock, as well as the multitude of “unofficial” (and, sometimes, conflicting) sources make information gathering difficult. Also, seismic risk is a complex issue, and its reduction requires a “whole-society” approach. In this sense, everyone needs to play their part, and this starts with becoming informed and familiar with what each of us can do to reduce seismic risk. This guide shall attempt to enable current and future property owners to make more informed decisions and, at the same time, provide them with a view on the new approach proposed by the National Seismic Risk Reduction Strategy [placeholder for link to NSSRS presentation]. What is the basic information that we should gather? • Get familiar with the basic definitions and terms used in seismic risk management [link to document with definitions] • Construction year A building’s year of construction is important, as its level of seismic protection provided greatly varies depending on what seismic design code was in force at the moment of its design. Generally, buildings built before the year of 1963 are considered to not have been designed for seismic action (so called “pre-code” buildings), those designed between 1963 and 1977 are considered to have been designed for seismic action, although their protection through design is deemed not sufficient (so called “low-code” buildings). Buildings designed between 1978 and 1992 have been designed under adequate seismic design norms (so called “moderate-code” buildings), whereas buildings designed after the year of 1992 are considered to have a high seismic protection embedded in their design (“high-code” buildings). • Building’s height and number of stories Typically, in Romania, higher buildings seem to be more affected by the effects of earthquakes. This is not to say that shorter buildings are invulnerable, however. • Seismic hazard of area where building is located Romania’s territory is split in different areas, according to seismic hazard [placeholder for link to definition of seismic hazard and hazard map]. The higher the seismic hazard, the stronger the ground movement is expected for the specific area. 206 • Regularity and symmetry of building Buildings displaying more regularity usually behave better in earthquakes than irregular ones. Regularity may mean horizontal regularity (the shape of the typical floor layout should be as regular as possible – circle, square, rectangle), or vertical regularity (the floor layouts should be as similar between them as possible, with no major differences from one floor to another) • Previous interventions: retrofitting or reparations Some older buildings have been intervened upon during their lifetime. However, without some clear documents, it is difficult to personally assess the adequacy of the intervention. One thing to remember is the difference between repairing and retrofitting. After a traumatic event, a building is repaired if it is brought to the state before the event. A retrofitting intervention brings the building to a superior state than the one before the event, so that damage from future potential similar events are avoided/minimized. • Seismic vulnerability information Some buildings in Romania have been technically surveyed („expertizate tehnic”) over the past 30 years. The lists of technically surveyed buildings should be publicly available at the City Hall and will also be available on the information portal at the level of MDLPA. However, keep in mind that only a very small portion of the buildings in Romania have been surveyed so, if your building is not present on the list, this just means that nobody ever checked it (not that it is invulnerable to earthquakes). Any building surveyed gets classified in one of the four seismic risk classes, from I to IV. For more information on seismic risk classes, check out this resource: [link to seismic risk classes explanation] Also, during the 90’s, another classification system has functioned in Romania – the Urgency categories. The buildings in the Urgency categories have been deemed vulnerable back then and the Urgency categories referred to the deadline for the seismic risk reduction (retrofitting) intervention upon those buildings. U1 = intervention in maxim 2 years, U2 = maximum 5 years, U3 = maximum 10 years. Getting more information Under the NSRRS, each municipality shall carry out typological surveys, with the support of the MDLPA. These surveys will mean that teams of experts will be sent out throughout your city and rapidly assess the potential seismic vulnerability of buildings by combining desktop information with information gathered on-site, such as structural typology of the building, or its existing degradations. The results of these surveys will be transparently communicated by local authorities and MDLPA and will support the prioritization of future interventions, starting with detailed technical survey („expertizare tehnică”). These typological surveys will help us get a much better idea on the scale of Romania’s seismic risk and will enable local administrations to prioritize the interventions within their territory and ensure that the limited resources that we have get directed towards areas of maximum impact. [placeholder for link to Level 2 screening document] 207 Getting involved A working group for communicating the NSRRS and gathering feedback shall be established. This group will include civil society organisations that can adapt the content of the NSRRS so that it is accessible to everyone, including vulnerable groups. It is essential that everyone understands the future proposed framework and gets their information from verified sources, so we invite you to work together to spread the word about the ways in which each of us can reduce seismic risk. Learn more about seismic risk and how you can get involved in its reduction at [placeholder for the MDLPA seismic risk portal]. You are also invited to provide feedback for adapting and updating different mechanisms and propositions in the NSRRS [placeholder for link to feedback forms]. 208 FLYER ABOUT “RESPONSIBLE RESIDENTS” Figure 11.3 Flyer about “Responsible residents” 209 Competence makes a difference! Project selected under the Administrative Capacity Operational Program, co-financed by European Union from the European Social Fund 210