European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement: Medium term plan 2011-2015

Working together in Europe and the Mediterranean for the prevention of disasters, preparedness and response:

The objective of this plan is to provide a political and technical instrument containing priorities and guidelines for the action of the European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement (EUR-OPA) for the next five years, improving its effectiveness in a context of moderate financial resources and increased vulnerability of European and Mediterranean societies.

It presents EUR-OPA's three priorities for action: (i) focusing on preparedness for emergencies: using information to save lives and help victims; (ii) using knowledge to reduce vulnerability, including the promotion of research and use of knowledge in disaster risk reduction, risk mapping and spacial planning, environmental resilience, climate change risk assessment, training and technological risks prevention; and (iii) placing people at the heart of disaster risk reduction by improving prevention and preparedness and promoting good governance, education, or ethical aspects, among others.

The plan was adopted at the 12th Ministerial Session of the European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement (EUR-OPA), Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, 28 September 2010.