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Paper presentation at the International Conference “AdaptToClimate”, 27 – 28 March, 2014, Nicosia, Cyprus

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A paper on “Improving resilience against extreme and rare events in coastal regions: an initial methodological proposal - the case study of the city of Rethymno“ has been presented at the International Conference “AdaptToClimate”, 27 – 28 March, 2014, Nicosia, Cyprus. The conference, amongst others, aims on climate change adaptation, vulnerability assessment, disaster preparedness and emergency planning, and decision support tools.

Abstract of the paper

Coastal floods are regarded as among the most dangerous and harmful of all natural disasters affecting urban areas adjacent to the shorelines. Rapid urbanization combined with climate change and poor governance often results in significant increases in flood risk, especially for coastal communities. Significant efforts are currently focusing on forecasting, prediction and early warning capabilities using state of art science and technology to help policy makers and emergency services develop robust risk reduction strategies. However, forecasting and prediction is only part of the answer. Of equal importance is the ability to develop broader management strategies, supported by appropriate institutional and organizational arrangements. Preparing for effective response to extreme events not only involves technology but also significant social, economic, organizational and political considerations. This lack of integration between social aspects and technical measures, within a robust sociotechnical representation and understanding of risk and its evolution is provided by PEARL– an EU funded project – to be completed by 2017, which is developing adaptive risk management strategies for coastal communities focusing on extreme hydro-meteorological events, using a multidisciplinary approach, integrating social, environmental and technical research and innovation. In the present paper the general methodology of the program is briefly presented and the suggested approach concerning the coastal area of Rethymno is discussed.

  • C. Makropoulos, V. Tsoukala, A. Lykou, M. Chodros, N. Manojlovic and Z. Vojinovic, 2014: Improving resilience against extreme and rare events in coastal regions: an initial methodological proposal - the case study of the city of Rethymno. Proceed. of the AdaptToClimate International Conference, Nicosia, 27-28 March 2014
  • V. Tsoukala, et al., 2014, conference presentation
The 2014 Conference will be held in Bremen (Germany) on 19-20 May 2014.

PEARL at the European Maritime Day in Bremen, 20 May 2014

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Together with RISC-KIT and ASTARTE, PEARL will organize a workshop titled “Coasts and Ports at Threat” at the European Maritime Day to be held on 20 May 2014 in Bremen, Germany.

This workshop will discuss the objectives and early research results of three projects. The workshop will illustrate the importance of a trans-disciplinary research approach in understanding the differences and similarities of risk assessment and measures at European coasts by combining the expertise of natural, social sciences and the humanities in coastal and maritime research. The workshop will be introduced by the responsible EC Programme Officer, Ms Eleni Manoli and the representatives of the three projects.

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

PEARL presented at 1st Preparatory Meeting of the 22nd OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum in Vienna, 27 - 28 January 2014

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The OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum is the main annual event in the OSCE’s second dimension. In 2014, under the Swiss OSCE Chairmanship, the 22nd Economic and Environmental Forum focused on “Responding to environmental challenges with a view to promoting cooperation and security in the OSCE area”.

The forum is organised as an exchange platform for a number of national and international institutions, NGOs, academia and the business community from the OSCE’s 57 OSCE participating States with the objective to reinforce the role of the OSCE in the promotion of good governance in disaster management. Natasa Manojlovic from TUHH introduced the aims and activities of PEARL in respect to holistic risk governance and stakeholder participation. During the panel forum, the potential of large scale international project such as PEARL to support the implementation of good governance in disaster risk management has been discussed.

  • Manojlovic, N., 2014: Learning and Action Alliances as a Vehicle for Innovation and Active Learning - How to Enhance Community Based (Flood) Risk Management? Proceed. of the 22nd OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum, Vienna, 27-28 January 2014