The Regional Forum, organized by UNDRR-Regional Office for Europe, Portuguese National Authority for Civil Protection, European Commission and European Council, represents one of the most important moments of meeting and knowledge exchange in the field of risk reduction. Here the events in which we are involved
The European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction (EFDRR), the three annual meeting dedicated to address some of the most important issues and challenges in the field of risk reduction, is held between 24 and 26 November 2021. The event takes place in Matosinhos, Portugal, albeit in virtual mode. It represents an opportunity to exchange and compare best practices, good practices, scientific advances and new challenges in the field of risk reduction, in order of driving future action plans. In addition, the results of the Forum are included in the United Nations Secretary-General’s report to the General Assembly, in the deliberations of the High Level Political Forum in New York, and in the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction.
The issues addressed during the EFDRR are very important to CIMA Research Foundation, which focuses much of its efforts and activities on risk reduction. Following our participation to the Regional Forums in Latin America and the Caribbean and Africa, during which we introduced some of the experiences and results achieved in those geographical areas, we will therefore also be present in the European context… in a way, “at home”!
Specifically, our researchers are participating to four moments.Two working sessions on November 25:
- Science Policy Interface – Improving Data for DDR (h 15.00-16.15), attended by our Program Director Marco Massabò. It is dedicated << interface between policy and science for disaster risk reduction. The starting point is the COVID-19 pandemic experience. While revealing how many of our models of action were not enough to respond to the threats it offers anyway a chance to examine the relationship between science, policy and society at large, especially in terms of awareness of the systemic nature of risks, and in which science takes an active role in the social debate.
- Climate Change Adaptation & Disaster Risk Reduction (h 15.00-16.00), attended by our Program Director Lauro Rossi, ocuses on the link between the concepts of analysis, awareness and action, thinking of climate change as a systemic risk for society. This focus is particularly relevantin light of what was discussed at COP26 in Glasgow.
Moreover, CIMA Research Foundation is participating in the EFDRR Road Map 2021-2030 – Accelerating Implementation of the Sendai Framework plenary session that takes place on November 26, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Our Program Director Roberto Rudari will talk about some key points of the roadmap that will guide the Forum’s strategy for the next years that represents also a direct outcome of the Forum. Three priorities are addressed during the meeting: progress in policies and investments for a better understanding and preparedness for risks; accelerating the implementation of the Sendai Framework through concrete measures and actions that improve resilience and reduce risks at regional, national and local levels; improving an approach to risk reduction and governance that integrates all levels of government, stakeholders, communities and most at-risk groups, both as actors and as beneficiaries of decisions taken to reduce the socio-economic impacts of disasters.
Finally, at the side event titled How can science and technology practically help us in better assessing disaster impacts , held on November 26 from 10.30 to 11.30, Eva Trasforini, head of our Risk Assessment and Loss Data Department,addresses the topic of using historical data on disaster impacts in risk assessment and mapping.