This page is a central place to gather resources related to ISDSI’s approach to risk management, and to support the October, 2010 workshop at the Wilderness Risk Management Conference.

This is a dynamic page, and will be uploaded with handouts, worksheets and other materials as the workshop draws closer. This page will be updated after the workshop, and continue to host resources for people interested in risk management at the intersection of international and wilderness programs.

2010 WRMC Workshop Title:

Crossing the Border Matters: Practical Risk Management in Developing Countries

Presentation Overview:

International wilderness trips are growing in popularity, especially to “non-traditional” settings in developing countries. However, even experienced wilderness leaders and risk managers may be caught unprepared by differences in legal systems, cultural expectations, and a sometimes radically changed risk management terrain. This practical hands-on session will examine in detail key issues and concerns for working in developing countries, appropriate for trip leaders, risk managers and expedition members.

Topics Covered:

1. Overview of key issues in international risk management
2. Pre-trip: What you need to know before you go, how to do an effective “recon” visit pre-trip, resources online (from the US State Department to Expat online forums)
3. Travel to site: Crossing borders, medical supplies and international travel, customs, immigration issues
4. Logistics in-country: Questions to answer for different modes of transport (4WD, train, planes, etc.), financial issues, permitting and permission, lead time for access
5. Communications: Cell phones, internet, sat phones, language, etc. Who to communicate to (parents, office, etc.) and when
6. Medical issues: Common concerns, key issues, working with local doctors, finding a good in-country medical advisor, WFR interfacing with local medical professionals, evacuation protocols, assessing WHO/CDC information and its limits
7. Cultural Issues: Interfacing with local communities, choosing local guides/instructors, common pitfalls, cultural competency, how to critically assess local knowledge
8. Documentation: Course logs, language issues, documentation
9. Political / environmental risks: coup, military, police, earthquake, tsunami, political protests

Outcomes for Participants:

1. Be able to plan and lead an international trip.
2. Have an understanding of the inherent risks in international programs and a plan for what to do about them.
3. Have in-hand a list of checklists/data/resources for their next international trip.