Disaster Risk

Results from the third Workshop on Social Media for Disaster Risk Management are now out. Academics, practitioners, tech experts, and emergency responders joined forces and explored how to enhance disaster management using social media and AI.  

Exploring social media across different disaster scenarios 
Use cases of social media data in different disaster scenarios - showing its role in providing (near) real-time information to improve disaster response times and support emergency decisions - were explored. Within these scenarios, the participants discussed specific topics such as the integration artificial intelligence for data analysis, how to address data veracity challenges or the ethical concerns regarding privacy and misinformation. 
One of the workshop’s highlights was a simulation exercise resembling the 2023 earthquake in Türkiye. The participants used social media data for a near real-time impact assessment. This hands-on activity to enhance the situational awareness during the emergency made it clear how social media could support traditional data sources by offering timely and detailed information during crises. 
 
Implementing standardised protocols and training for social media data integration 
Standardized frameworks and protocols are essential for the ethical and effective use of social media data in disaster management. This was one of the key conclusions from this workshop. Another shared reflection was that continuous training and the creation of dedicated roles for social media analytics within disaster response teams would be beneficial.

Looking ahead, the experts recommended developing pilot projects that allow for testing the integration of social media data into existing emergency response frameworks. They also called for further interdisciplinary collaboration, refining guidelines so that the reliability and the responsiveness of disaster management tools is improved. 

In conclusion, the workshop highlighted the potential of social media in disaster risk management, pointing out next steps and beneficial improvements. The participants set the stage for future collaborations with a key shared vision: improving global disaster resilience.

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Highlights from the 8th European Civil Protection Forum 
The 8th European Civil Protection Forum brought together over 1300 participants from more than 70 countries, marking a significant event in the civil protection community. This year's forum featured an impressive array of over 30 sessions and workshops, the inaugural UCPM Foosball Championship, and 45 exhibitors at the Civil Protection Village. 

Extraordinary Speakers and Sessions 
The Forum featured a series of engaging sessions and workshops, with distinguished speakers from diverse backgrounds offering valuable insights on key issues in civil protection. Commissioner Janez Lenarčič opened the Forum, setting the stage for discussions on topics such as regional cooperation, the role of artificial intelligence in disaster prevention, and mental health support for first responders. The sessions also included reflections on the 20 years of GDACS, wildfire risk reduction strategies, and the integration of civil protection with humanitarian aid. 

CP Village 
The Civil Protection Village featured 45 exhibitors from various organisations and participating states, offering a platform for networking, and learning about the work of different entities within the civil protection community. Among the exhibitors was a stand from the Joint Research Centre (JRC). 

Celebrating Extraordinary Contributions 
One of the highlights of the event was the UCPM medals for extraordinary achievement, which were awarded to teams from Germany, Norway, and Italy for their exceptional contributions in civil protection. The medals recognised the significant efforts and dedication within the civil protection community. 

UCPM Foosball Championship 
The inaugural UCPM Foosball Championship featured 24 teams, with Luxembourg emerging as the winner, followed by Italy in second place and Austria in third place. The championship provided a fun and competitive opportunity for attendees to showcase their foosball skills. 

Outdoor Demonstrations  
Finally, visitors could enjoy outdoor demonstrations by the Belgian Civil Protection Agency, via B-FAST, showcasing two disaster response units: the Air Operations Support Capacity (AOSC) and the CBRN Mobile Laboratory. The AOSC, composed of air traffic management and ground handling teams, can reopen disaster-affected airfields within 48 hours. The CBRN Mobile Laboratory is a fully equipped unit capable of on-site chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear sample analysis.
Both units enhance Belgium's rapid response and self-sufficiency in international disaster scenarios. 

For more information on the Civil Protection Forum, visit Connect. Share. Grow. | UCP Knowledge Network (europa.eu) 

We are looking for a Data Scientist for Early Warning, Crisis Risk, and Impact Assessment to work on INFORM Warning. The selected person will be contracted by UNDP and seconded to INFORM team at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission in Ispra, Italy. If you find the position interesting, apply below or if you know anybody to fit the post, please share the link below:

https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/17912

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Discover news on disaster risk reduction from three European projects
https://www.myriadproject.eu/newsmyriad/discover-news-on-disaster-risk-reduction-from-three-european-projects/

Myriad Library

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The aim of this ROADMAP2 webinar is to provide a forum for exchange on what are the defining characteristics of good communication practices in civil protection, and sharing concrete recent examples of such practices.
This ROADMAP2 project webinar is aligned with the project’s forthcoming flash report on good communication practices in civil protection. We are particularly interested in practices that improve the accessibility and understandability of risk and crisis information to individuals with various needs and preferences, mitigate the harm caused by people’s exposure to false and harmful information, and help to overcome the barriers to reacting adequately to risk or crisis information, such as distrust towards official sources of information. These practices may include, for instance, effective warnings or instructions given during disasters, risk awareness campaigns that improve people’s preparedness, and novel communication tools or procedures adopted in disaster risk management.

Webinar series of the project ROADMAP2 - "European observatory on disaster risk and crisis management best practices".
Project co-funded by the European Union Civil Protection.

https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/events/webinar-good-practices-risk-and-crisis-communication

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jLZ1Sw2eS_WdmNqd7VkJbA#/registration

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On 12-13 June 2024, the MYRIAD-EU Horizon project will organise the 3rd International Conference : Natural Hazards and Risks in a Changing World in Amsterdam. The call for abstracts is currently open until 31 January 2024. DG ECHO is intending to provide travel support to a limited number of civil protection-oriented PhD students and early career researchers from the UCPM Member/Participating States who submit an abstract, apply for travel support, and will present their findings at the conference.

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An effective climate risk and vulnerability assessment underpins any impactful climate adaptation plan.

To help you develop your region’s climate risk assessment, MIP4Adapt has published a step-by-step guide with examples and templates for you to use. Per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, this guide describes the core elements of a climate risk assessment. It highlights different pathways depending on the resources available and the issues that must be addressed.
You can read the full guide here.

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To support regions and local authorities in developing a citizen engagement strategy for adaptation, MIP4Adapt has developed a “do-it-yourself” (DIY) manual to identify which participatory activities, tools and methods can be implemented in each step of the Regional Adaptation Support Tool (RAST) cycle.
Adapting to the impacts of climate change is a complex challenge. Identifying and implementing effective solutions can be facilitated by engaging and mobilising citizens with diverse values, beliefs and perceptions. This DIY manual was developed to guide users through the challenge of stakeholder engagement. It is there to help build a shared understanding and ownership of climate adaptation plans and actions, which is key to their successful delivery.

Download the Citizen Engagement Manual in all official EU languages. Learn about the importance of stakeholder and citizen engagement in this short video. 

 

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The Mission Solutions showcase effective climate adaptation initiatives across Europe. They demonstrate the power of collaborative effort and innovative approaches in addressing climate challenges and creating a more resilient and sustainable future for Europe.

Under the Solutions area of the Mission Portal, regions and local authorities can access the following:

·     Mission Stories: real-life examples of regional or local actions and good practices regarding the planning, funding, implementation and monitoring of climate adaptation solutions. 
·     Mission Case Studies: highlighting useful practices and transformative solutions at various scales and geographical locations, focusing on meeting the Mission’s needs and objectives. 
·     Citizen Engagement Manual: for regional and local authorities to better understand stakeholder engagement and associated tools and methods. 

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The Mission Portal is a hub for European regional and local authorities preparing and planning their adaptation pathways to climate resilience. The Portal provides:

·     Background information on the Mission 
·     Knowledge, data and tools to support regions and local authorities in their adaptation journey. 
·     EU Mission Solutions that showcase best practices and examples of effective climate adaptation action.  
·     News and events relevant to the Mission and climate adaptation and resilience. 
·     A gateway to the Mission’s EU Adaptation Community of Practice.   

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The new law, agreed with member states, sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.

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The Commission has proposed a new forest monitoring law that aims to create a comprehensive forest knowledge base, address information gaps, and enable better response to growing pressures on forests.

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The Commission welcomed the provisional agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council on the Nature Restoration Law. Once adopted and applied in the EU Member States, the law will be a key contribution to reaching climate neutrality by 2050.

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15 years since the initiative was launched, the Covenant of Mayors is betting increasingly on one key element for local governments to realise their action plans: multilevel governance. What is it and how does the Covenant contribute?

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On 30 November, President von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President Šefčovič hosted the second Clean Transition Dialogue, focusing on energy-intensive industries.

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The deal will oblige the oil, gas and coal industries to properly measure, monitor, report and verify their methane emissions according to the highest monitoring standards, and take action to reduce them.

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The 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) started on 30 November in Dubai. The European Union is calling on all Parties to take urgent action to bring down greenhouse gas emissions this decade and respect their commitments under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C

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We are excited to share the latest advancements in the INFORM Subnational risk models developments. The INFORM subnational risk models support national authorities with disaster risk reduction planning at the local level. 

National actors lead and fund the development  with local stakeholders. It is locally–owned process under the umbrella of INOFRM initiative that provides limited technical support service. This ensures sustainability, local support, and integration into decision-making processes to build local capacity while maintaining quality standards.  

The Training on the INFORM Subnational Risk Methodology for MapAction with  INFORM technical partners
The recent training  on the INFORM Subnational Risk methodology, organized by the DRMKC from September 19th to 21st, marked a significant achievement in supporting the development of INFORM Subnational risk models.

Technical partners from OCHA, UNDRR, UNICEF,  responsible for developing and maintaining INFORM Subnational risk models, and MapAction, a new INFORM partner, came together to enhance their understanding of the methodology and exchange experiences in model development and implementation.

MapAction has offered to provide technical support for those interested in creating INFORM Subnational risk models. The training aimed to equip MapAction with the necessary skills to assist INFORM Subnational model owners.

Centralized support system for INFORM subnational processes with INFORM-MapAction Partnership
The initiative has progressed with the creation of a central support system involving three key organizations: Global INFORM Coordinator (OCHA), Global INFORM Scientific Lead (JRC), and Global technical support for INFORM Subnational (MapAction). This system will function through the INFORM website, enabling local stakeholders and partners to submit assistance requests customized to their requirements.

MapAction is currently updating the INFORM subnational risk model for Niger and creating a new model for Eswatini. Their partnership with INFORM enhances support for countries in developing these models, enabling better understanding of risks and evidence-based disaster risk management planning.

Researchers from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre assessed the accessibility of healthcare facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using the UN's Degree of Urbanisation (DEGURBA) methodology, the research has shown a disparity between urban and rural healthcare facilities.  

Healthcare Disparities in Sub-Saharan Africa  

In urbanized areas in Sub-Saharan Africa - encompassing major cities and adjacent regions - the accessibility to healthcare is notably superior to that of rural areas. The research shows that 95% of the urban population resides within a 30-minute radius of a healthcare facility. This is largely attributable to the strategic allocation of resources and the robust infrastructure inherent to metropolitan areas, designed to serve a denser population. 

Rural regions in Sub-Saharan Africa face contrasting scenario. In remote villages and dispersed rural areas, numbers go down to 65% of the population having a healthcare facility at a 30-minute distance. Of the remaining ones, 10-15% are over 3 hours away from any medical establishment.  

More people in SSA are moving to cities faster than before. As more people head to cities looking for better chances, city healthcare services will face more pressure. At the same time, with fewer people living in rural areas, there might be less interest in improving the healthcare facilities there. 

Urban Growth and Healthcare in SSA: Challenges and Opportunities 

This study shows a clear gap in how easy it is to get healthcare in cities compared to the countryside. Cities are growing and need more resources, while rural areas need better facilities to make healthcare easier to access. 

Another key issue is that the growth of cities is changing healthcare in SSA. As more people move to cities and fewer people live in the countryside, it’s important to make sure healthcare services change with this trend. Policymakers need to plan ahead and make sure everyone, no matter where they live, can get the healthcare they need. 

Lastly, this study is telling organizations around the world that they need to work together to fix the healthcare problems in SSA. The UN has a method that can help figure out where the problems are – the Degree of Urbanisation. By working together using this method, it’s possible to make big changes and make sure everyone in SSA can get to a healthcare service, no matter where they live. 

Background Information 

The European Commission has long been working together with African partners. Other initiatives - not linked with this specific work - include the Africa Knowledge Platform, which features a layer dedicated to the electrification of healthcare facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Navigating the complex world of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) demands a mix of staying updated, collaborating strategically, and tapping into innovative solutions. The 7th DRMKC Annual Seminar will be the place where all these elements come together to build effective disaster resilience strategies. Here’s what it has to offer:

Turning Knowledge into Action 
This seminar isn't just about talking; it's about turning insights into practical strategies. If you're eager to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and policy implementation in DRM, you'll find valuable takeaways here.    
  
A Hub for Collaboration 
The spotlight is on co-creating solutions and fostering engagement among multiple stakeholders. If collaboration is a priority for you, this event could be your ideal platform to get to know key actors who have DRM experience and are ahead of – and influencing - the latest trends on the topic. 

Diverse Workshops 
The seminar covers a wide range of topics, from risk communication to early-warning systems and DRM governance. You will have a chance to discover content that resonates with various aspects of DRM and learn from top-notch speakers – most working on policy or in reputable research or international institutions. 
The conference’s accessibility via live stream also makes it an appealing choice for those who prefer digital platforms or who might to physically be in Brussels. See the full agenda and how to register / follow the web streaming in the DRMKC website.