Focus Groups (FG) are an integral part of the DRMMP and serve as one of the mechanisms for stakeholder participation. Through the FGs, relevant stakeholders get the chance to provide inputs and tackle issues, as well as validate the assumptions, findings, and recommendations of the DRMMP. In this sense, FGs provide the forum to stimulate discussion, develop a common understanding, and build consensus on specific elements of the DRMMP. At the same, it provides the opportunity for stakeholders to enhance their core competencies in relation to the DRMMP.
FG members are expected to participate in focus group meetings, which may be called upon by EMI or MCGM from time to time. However, they do NOT substitute themselves to the PIT. They are NOT responsible for the undertaking of the project, its timeline or deliverables.
Essentially, FGs are constituted to:
FGs are formed on a voluntary basis, consisting of representatives from relevant government agencies (national, state, city), non-government organizations, academia, private sector, professional organizations, and other city stakeholders.
In Mumbai, five FGs have been identified as follows:
FG 1- Legal and institutional
FG 2- Hazards, vulnerability and risk
FG 3- Disaster risk management
FG 4- Land use planning and construction standards
FG 5-Emergency management, social mobilization and education
Each group is headed by a Chair who coordinates the agenda of the FG and its interaction with the PIT. The Chair works closely with EMI’s Task Leaders and the PIT to ensure congruence with the DRMMP process.
Additional groups or sub-groups may be created in the future depending on the needs of the project. The terms of reference of the FGs could also change as the project evolves.
FG members are expected to participate in focus group meetings, which may be called upon by EMI or MCGM from time to time. However, they do NOT substitute themselves to the PIT. They are NOT responsible for the undertaking of the project, its timeline or deliverables.
Essentially, FGs are constituted to:
- Provide stakeholders’ inputs and issues.
FG members are expected to provide their views, interests and inputs to ensure that the voices of the stakeholders are heard and incorporated in the development of the DRMMP. They are also expected to provide information on the availability of needed data, and help identify focal persons and/or entities where such data are stored. - Provide a “reality check.”
FGs serve as validation forum to ensure that the DRMMP, its elements, assumptions, and recommended actions are grounded on local conditions and practice. - Serve as target for training and competency building.
FG members are the primary targets for training and competency building. In return, they are expected to take part as main respondents in surveys, interviews and other methodologies aimed at assessing local training needs. - Provide sustainability.
FGs can outlast the project terms and continue in the development and updates of the DRMMP, as well as the implementation of some of its recommendations within the context of their own organizations or constituencies. On a voluntary basis, members of the FGs can undertake tasks to complement particular activities of the PIT. - Build stakeholders ownership.
FG members get the chance to influence the DRMMP process and its outcome as a group of informed stakeholders. The city’s priority areas for DRR (i.e. IWOs) will be determined through the FGs. - Improve inter-institutional coordination.
Through the participatory process, FG members get educated and informed about the various parameters and considerations related to the development of the DRMMP, including the city’s hazards, vulnerability and risk elements. They can thus relate these back to their own risk management processes. This basic understanding is necessary in order to enable them to harmonize the overall disaster risk management coordination for the city.
FGs are formed on a voluntary basis, consisting of representatives from relevant government agencies (national, state, city), non-government organizations, academia, private sector, professional organizations, and other city stakeholders.
In Mumbai, five FGs have been identified as follows:
FG 1- Legal and institutional
FG 2- Hazards, vulnerability and risk
FG 3- Disaster risk management
FG 4- Land use planning and construction standards
FG 5-Emergency management, social mobilization and education
Each group is headed by a Chair who coordinates the agenda of the FG and its interaction with the PIT. The Chair works closely with EMI’s Task Leaders and the PIT to ensure congruence with the DRMMP process.
Additional groups or sub-groups may be created in the future depending on the needs of the project. The terms of reference of the FGs could also change as the project evolves.
