HR: 1340h
AN: U33A-0796    [Abstracts]
TI: ICSU ROA Science Plan for Hazards and Disasters in Africa
AU: * ENOW, A A
EM: a.enow@icsu-africa.org
AF: International Council for Science, Regional Office for Africa, P.O.Box 13252 Hatfield, Pretoria, 0082, South Africa
AU: CHANTSON, J
EM: j.chantson@icsu-africa.org
AF: International Council for Science, Regional Office for Africa, P.O.Box 13252 Hatfield, Pretoria, 0082, South Africa
AU: MUHONGO, S
EM: s.muhongo@icsu-africa.org
AF: International Council for Science, Regional Office for Africa, P.O.Box 13252 Hatfield, Pretoria, 0082, South Africa
AB: African communities are very vulnerable to various types of hazards and disasters, the most devastating of which are floods, droughts, earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions. Major challenges faced by the continent in the face of these events include poor knowledge and understanding of how and why hazards develop to disasters; lack of monitoring targeted towards hazard prediction, early warning and disaster prevention; limited availability of scientific data for efficient risk analysis and management; limited number of trained personnel to interpret available data; and poor application of available knowledge in decision-making. To address these challenges, the International Council for Science - Regional Office for Africa (ICSU ROA) has prepared a science plan which aims at enhancing human and institutional capacity for disaster monitoring, prediction and early warning; raising awareness among vulnerable communities; investigating and validating indigenous knowledge systems for improved resilience; and facilitating evidence-based disaster management policies. The paper highlights the major hazards and disasters plaguing Africa (with emphasis on geo-hazards), describes the research priorities identified, and explains the strategy for implementation of the science plan. The implementation strategy includes, among others, the formation of multi- and trans-disciplinary international research teams and networks.
UR: http://www.icsu-africa.org
DE: 1600 GLOBAL CHANGE
DE: 1800 HYDROLOGY
DE: 6300 POLICY SCIENCES (7964)
DE: 6600 PUBLIC ISSUES
SC: Union [U]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting