UNU-EHS Experts Contributed to Risk Reduction Conference at South African University

Scientists of UNU-EHS were among the international experts presenting their research findings at the disaster risk reduction conference focusing on water related disasters at DiMTEC (Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa) at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. The conference took place on 26 and 27 May 2009.

UNU-EHS has partnered with DiMTEC through its Cooperation Unit in Southern Africa (UNU-CUSA). The goal of this partnership is to offer professional training courses for mid-career professionals on vulnerability and risk assessment. The 2009 seminar was the second one to be held, the first took place in 2008.

Official website of DiMTEC and its Water Related Disasters Conference 2009 .

The conference offered a platform for researchers and academics to share their results in studies and training experiences and in tackling practical problems. The presentations focused on topics related to floods, droughts and pollution.

Dr Fabrice Renaud, Associate Director at UNU-EHS, and Dr Jörn Birkmann, Head of the UNU-EHS Vulnerability Assessment Section, were two of the participating experts.

The partnership with DiMTEC contributes to the ambition of UNU-EHS of strengthening disaster risk preparedness, mitigation and management.