Disaster Science and Management Conference
The School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Venda will be hosting the first Disaster Science and Management Conference on 2 and 3 March 2015 in collaboration with the National disaster management centre and other sector departments.
Background
Disaster Risk Science refers to knowledge that is geared towards disaster risk reduction and management. Every year natural disasters are ravaging communities across many nations in the world. In recent times we have witnessed disasters associated with climate change and variability in the form of hazards related to severe weather events. Human induced hazards are also affecting millions of people; the worst affected being the most vulnerable in society. Disasters affecting African countries include extreme temperatures, drought, floods and storms. These disasters impede the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Vulnerability, lack of information, lack of resources, weak or non-existent early warning systems and fragile infrastructure all contribute to disaster situations. Disasters affect livelihoods, cause losses in lives, assets, the economy and the environment. The capacity to cope with disasters is further accentuated by population growth, disease outbreaks conflict and civil unrest. Different countries in Africa are devising various responses including prioritising training, research and community engagements. An integrated and inter-displinary approach is required to cope with these disasters. However skills and knowledge on disaster risk science, risk reduction and risk management is lacking both locally and internationally. Building skills and knowledge in this area is a requirement that tallies with the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015. Priority for Action 3 of this framework requires that we “use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels. In response the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Venda is developing an undergraduate program, research activities and community engagements to meet this need.
The conference is organised in two parts as follows:
First event
A 3 day Pre-conference workshop and exhibition with the theme "GIS and remote Sensing as Decision Support tools for Disaster Management". This event will be held at University of Venda from the 25 to 27 February 2015.
Second and Final event
A two-day Conference and Exhibition event with the theme "Disaster Risk Science and Management: South Africa’s Response to a changing global environment". This event will take place at the Ranch Resort in Polokwane from 2 to 3 March 2015.
Objectives of the conference
• Share knowledge and information on disaster risk science, disaster risk reduction and management by scholars, practitioners and policy makers.
• Discuss and identify approaches for incorporating disaster risk science and practice in higher education and training.
• Discuss and identify approaches of involving communities in disaster risk reduction and avoidance.
• Hold a pre-conference training workshop in GIS for disaster management.