Risk Communication and media interventions in disaster risk management – contributions from two practical experiences in Brazil

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/dma.v67i.98784

Keywords:

risk communication, media interventions, DRM, PN-PDC, GIRD+10

Abstract

Disasters intensification was exacerbated by climate change and structural inequalities, which require effective communication strategies to strengthen resilience and enhance society’s response capacity. Accordingly, the aim of the current study is to investigate the theoretical and conceptual foundations of interconnections between risk communication and media interventions, and their contributions to disaster risk management (DRM) improvements in Brazil. The theoretical framework encompasses studies in risk communication, perception and media interventions fields. The methodology includes a literature review based on the theoretical framework and a case study on two unprecedented experiences in the country: the GIRD+10 project and the process to develop the first National Civil Protection and Defense Plan (PN-PDC). The findings reinforced the understanding that risk communication goes beyond the mere outspread of information to integrate participatory practices, transparency and adaptation in messages to different audiences and sociocultural contexts. The diversity of communication strategies adopted in both initiatives supported the multipliers’ engagement, ensured clarity in planned actions’ implementation and reinforced the perception that DRM policies have indeed been developed in the country. This study highlights the need for guidelines to ensure these practices effectiveness, with emphasis on continuous training, campaign monitoring and broader access to reliable information.

Author Biographies

Cilene Victor da Silva, Universidade Metodista de São Paulo (UMESP)

Professora titular do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Comunicação Social da Universidade Metodista de São Paulo (UMESP), onde é líder do grupo de pesquisa ''Jornalismo Humanitário e Media Interventions'' (HumanizaCom), professora permanente do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Religião, e docente responsável pelo Projeto de Extensão Montanhão - UMESP de Justiça Climática, Resiliência e Adaptação.

Lilian Sanches, Universidade de São Paulo (USP)

Doutora em Psicologia Social pela Universidade de São Paulo (USP) e mestre em Comunicação Social, é jornalista formada pela Universidade Metodista de São Paulo, onde também cursou pós-graduação em Gestão de Conteúdo Jornalístico com Ênfase em Plataformas Digitais. Em consonância com o objeto de pesquisa, participa do grupo de pesquisa HumanizaCom, onde tem buscado trabalhar narrativas que contribuam para a desconstrução de estereótipos reforçados pela cultura midiática. Além disso, tem como objetivo seguir investigando os elementos culturais, políticos e psicossociais envolvidos na representação social do terrorismo, buscando alternativas que visem reduzir as distorções da realidade bem como contribuir para combater o fenômeno da islamofobia e preconceitos que permeiam a temática. Ademais, acumula mais de 15 anos de experiência profissional, cobrindo diversas editorias como cultura, economia, gestão de cidades, serviços públicos e assuntos internacionais.

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Published

2026-06-18

How to Cite

Victor da Silva, C., & Sanches, L. (2026). Risk Communication and media interventions in disaster risk management – contributions from two practical experiences in Brazil. Desenvolvimento E Meio Ambiente, 67, 559–586. https://doi.org/10.5380/dma.v67i.98784

Issue

Vol. 67 (2026): Communication of Socio-environmental Risks and Disasters

Section

Communication of socio-environmental risks and disasters

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Copyright (c) 2026 Cilene Victor, Lilian Sanches

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