CATALYST

Capacity Development for Hazard Risk Reduction and Adaptation

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The coordinating action, Capacity Development for Hazard Risk reduction and Adaptation,or CATALYST, brings together scientists, stakeholders and networks to identify and share the best of knowledge, know-how and practices related to natural hazard and disaster risk reduction (NH/DRR), including adaptation. Its ultimate objective will be the strengthening of capacity development in this area. Strengthening of capacity development will be achieved by facilitating knowledge exchange and improving the science-application interface; deepening and adding value to the body of integrated knowledge on NH/DRR; identifying key gaps in current NH/DRR knowledge and research; reinforcement of existing European and International network capacity; increasing the capacity of NGOs and SMEs to mainstream NH/DRR in their activities; the effective dissemination of the findings of the coordinating action; and the development of an enduring NH/DRR reference website and online discussion forum.

A core activity of CATaLySTis the convening of stakeholders including researchers and practitioners in a think tank allowing virtual and face-to-face exchange on areas of concern such as methodological limitations and data gaps, as well as best practices. This coordinating action will also establish and maintain during the project's duration, an information archive (as part of the project website) that is easily accessible to the research community for finding out more about existing NH/DRR resources and research work. The archive will be transferred together with the website to an existing organisation or SME concerned with NH/DRR to ensure that it is maintained and enhanced.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Climate change is likely to increase natural hazard risk. The EU is promoting new strategies to manage the risk posed by extreme climate and weather events and lessen the risks involved for people and assets.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

In recent decades, the economic loss and social hardship inflicted by extreme climate and weather events have increased substantially according to the latest research. From floods and rogue waves to earthquakes and heat waves, EU governments and authorities are on the lookout for strategies to reduce hazards and adapt to this new reality.

The EU-funded project 'Capacity development for hazard risk reduction and adaptation' (http://www.catalyst-project.eu (CATALYST)) rose to the challenge. Working on expanding knowledge exchange on reducing hazard risks and adapting to climate change, the project compiled and analysed the latest on the topic worldwide in order to support concerned policymakers and stakeholders.

It sought to document knowledge on risk management that explores issues related to water resources, land use planning and economic development. The focus was on diverse regions around the world. These were Central America and the Caribbean, East and West Africa, the European Mediterranean, and South and South-East Asia.

To achieve its aims, the project team formed a think tank of 120 regional experts to create key knowledge products that could benefit those working on disaster risk reduction and adaptation. Regional experts articulated the needs and best practices for their region while encouraging international exchange among the different regions and strengthening the science-policy interface.

Several valuable reports emerged from the project, including one on issues, gaps and opportunities in the regions. A report detailing stakeholder advice to policymakers was also published. Four regional best practice papers entitled 'Before Disaster Strikes: Transformations in Practice and Policy' were produced.

Lastly, CATALYST produced a policy notebook of best practices to support decision-makers and practitioners in anticipating, managing and reducing the risk of natural hazards. These reports and others produced by CATALYST are available from http://www.catalyst-project.eu/doc/CATALYST_D65_Best_Practices_Policy_Notebook.pdf (Best Practices Policy Notebook).