KULTURISK

Knowledge-based approach to develop a cULTUre of Risk prevention

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The extreme consequences of recent catastrophic events have highlighted that risk prevention still needs to be improved to reduce human losses and economic damages. The KULTURisk project aims at developing a culture of risk prevention by means of a comprehensive demonstration of the benefits of prevention measures. The development of a culture of risk prevention requires the improvement of our: a) memory and knowledge of past disasters; b) communication and understanding capacity of current and future hazards; c) awareness of risk and d) preparedness for future events. In order to demonstrate the advantages of prevention options, an original methodology will be developed, applied and validated using specific European case studies, including transboundary areas. The benefits of state-of-the-art prevention measures, such as early warning systems, non-structural options (e.g. mapping and planning), risk transfer strategies (e.g. insurance policy), and structural initiatives, will be demonstrated. In particular, the importance of homogenising criteria to create hazard inventories and build memory, efficient risk communication and warning methods as well as active dialogue with and between public and private stakeholders, will be highlighted. Furthermore, the outcomes of the project will be used to efficiently educate the public and train professionals in risk prevention. KULTURisk will first focus on water-related hazards as the likelihood and adverse impacts of water-related catastrophes might increase in the near future because of land-use and/or climate changes. In particular, a variety of case studies characterised by diverse socio-economic contexts, different types of water-related hazards (floods, debris flows and landslides, storm surges) and space-time scales will be utilised. Finally, the applicability of the KULTURisk approach to different types of natural hazards (e.g. earthquakes, forest fires) will also be analysed.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

New methods to develop a culture of risk prevention across Europe will minimise the impact of natural disasters and strengthen communities through better communication and recovery.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Significant developments in climate change and land use are bringing with them increased threats of natural disasters such as floods and landslides. The EU is concerned about the effectiveness of traditional approaches in combating water-related disasters caused by increasing rainfall, weakening soil and rising sea levels. To better face such challenges, the EU-funded project 'Knowledge-based approach to develop a culture of risk prevention' (Kulturisk) is revolutionising post-disaster recovery strategies.

The project is investigating novel prevention initiatives such as early warning systems, improved planning and risk insurance, as well as highlighting the need to create hazard inventories and record sites (build memory). It is studying specific problem areas across the EU such as the Danube River in eastern Europe, low coastal areas in the United Kingdom, and mountain catchments in Switzerland.

Generally, prevention measures are much more socially and economically viable than post-disaster recovery. In this light, the project team is reviewing structural measures, insurance policies and land planning strategies to develop risk-based methodology for evaluating risk-prevention measures. It is also examining EU and international policies in risk prevention, as well as current risk assessment methods for natural hazards and recent developments in hazard mapping.

Key project priorities also include shaping public awareness of risks through better communication, in addition to training engineers, consultants and authorities to better assess socioeconomic benefits of relevant risk-prevention techniques. The project also called for involving stakeholders in assessing risks to develop management measures that incorporate concepts such as sustainability and global change.

Several benefits are expected from the project, such as better estimation of disaster costs, improved readiness of people to cope with emergencies, and more effective risk management. A much more powerful way for evaluating the benefits of different risk-prevention measures has already emerged and will be applied to different case studies across Europe. With the expected project success, the Kulturisk approach could eventually be applied to other disasters such as earthquakes and forest fires.