Partners News

ProVention History

The ProVention Consortium was created in 2000 to provide a forum for dialogue and catalysing new ideas and collaborative initiatives on disaster risk reduction. Hosted first by the World Bank and then by the IFRC, ProVention included a broad and active set of humanitarian and development, from governments, UN agencies, the Red Cross Red Crescent, civil society, academia, and the private sector.

ProVention has been widely recognised for its role in brokering links among diverse actors. In its ten run between 2000 and 2010, many of ProVention’s original goals to mainstream attention to disaster risk reduction were successfully attained by partner organizations. ProVention-inspired initiatives live on in the work of:

This website highlights the resources that have been developed through ProVention projects and related partners initiatives. It is hoped that the resources on this site will continue to be useful in improving policy and practice and advancing the disaster risk reduction agenda.

For a review of ProVention achievements between 2000 and 2010, a short analysis of key lessons and an overview of progress on ProVention work program activities in 2009, see the ProVention Update 2010 report.

Launch of Global Assessment Report in Bahrain

The 2009 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction provides hard-hitting evidence to demonstrate how, where and why disaster risk is increasing globally and presents key findings from a global analysis of disaster risk patterns and trends, including where high mortality and economic loss is concentrated. Read more...

Two Studies Tie Disaster Risk to Urban Growth

The New York Times published an article about the Global Assessment Report from UN/ISDR and the Views from the Frontline study from the Global Network of Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Reduction. Read more...

GFDRR South-South Cooperation: call for proposals

The GFDRR South-South Cooperation Program for Disaster Risk Reduction has just released a new call for proposal. Deadline for applications: June 30, 2009. Read more...

Disaster risk reduction and emergency response for water supply, sanitation and hygiene

A thematic reference note assists professionals in different fields understanding the key issues, identifying key resources and institutions on the topic of disaster risk reduction and emergency response for water supply, sanitation and hygiene. Read more...

Local Government Climate Change Leadership Summit

On 2-4 June 2009 local, regional, and national representatives from around the world will gather in Copenhagen to engage in a national-local dialogue on climate change. Read more...

India Climate Watch: Spotlight on the climate negotiations

The Center for Social Markets has released the first edition of a new newsletter that tracks progress and preparations by government and NGOs in India for the upcoming climate negotiations at the COP-15. Read more...

Short courses at the University of Cape Town

The Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme holds short courses twice a year for NGOs, Aid Organisations, local government officials and other professionals. The next iteration will take place in June 2009 and will focus on: Disasters & Development and Community Risk Assessment.

New Local Government Climate Change Adaptation Toolkit

Developed by ICLEI Oceania and the Australian Government, this toolkit provides a set of tools and exercises to assist local councils as they work through decision-making and management processes on adaptation. Access the toolkit...

Guide on Real Time Evaluations

ALNAP is piloting a guide to assist evaluation managers and evaluation team leaders in commissioning, overseeing and conducting real-time evaluations of humanitarian operations. Read more...

Deepening Crisis in Gaza: Lessons for Operational Agencies

A new lessons paper from ALNAP distils key lessons from other crises for operations, policy, learning, evaluation, communications and knowledge management. Read more...

Wiki on disaster reduction and climate change adaptation

The frontline knowledge explorer offers an opportunity to test an innovative new model for generating, documenting and sharing knowledge. Read more and get started....

Call for submission: good practices on "Hospitals Safe from Disasters"

UNISDR and WHO are inviting submissions from all stakeholders on good practices and lessons learned on making Hospitals Safe from Disasters. Deadline for submissions: 30 May 2009. Read more....

New website on disaster risk reduction in Africa

Ardhi University and the University of Cape Town launched a website focusing on disaster risk reduction initiatives in Africa: www.riskreductionafrica.org.

Workshop on Geospatial Analysis for Attaining MDGs

The Center for International Earth Science Information Network at Columbia University will host a 5-day training workshop on geospatial data analysis techniques for population and demographic research in Bonn, Germany in April 2009. Read more...

Microinsurance innovation grants

ILO's Microinsurance Innovation Facility has announced a third round of grants up to $100,000 to help organizations to develop new ideas and test innovative approaches to providing better insurance products to low-income households. The deadline for submission is 10 March 2009.
Read more...

Commonwealth Scholarships at King's College

Six full studentships covering tuition and living costs are available from the Commonwealth for students on the MA Environment and Development, MA Tourism, Environment and Development and MA Disasters Adaptation and Development programmes in 2009/10.
Read more...

Sustainable Recovery short course: April-May 2009

Lund University, in cooperation with the University of Copenhagen, is offering an intensive course on disaster recovery. Deadline for application is 1 February 2009. Read more...

Online library: educational and training materials

Children’s books, textbooks, lesson plans, activities, games, and online resources on disaster prevention and school safety are now available online.
Visit the library, or submit additional resources...

New website: Global Network on Disaster Reduction

The Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction is happy to announce the launch of its new website: www.globalnetwork-dr.org

Private sector and disaster risk reduction

The private sector has an important role to play to reduce disaster risk. UNISDR recently launched a collection of good practices and lessons learned on this issue and the WBCSD published an issue brief for business on adaptation to climate change.

UNISDR Global Platform 2009

The second session of the Global Platform will take place on 15-19 June 2009 in Geneva. A Disaster Risk Reduction Marketplace will provide an opportunity to showcase experiences and create linkages among participants for technical cooperation and mutual support. Booths will be made available which may be maintained by participants throughout the session. Read more...

InterAction Foreign Assistance Briefing Book

Recommendations for incoming U.S. president on how U.S. policies and programs can be more responsive to the realities of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations. Read more...

Web-based DRR course for Francophone Africa

The Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management course starts on February 16, 2009 and will run until March 20, 2009. Read more...

Canada Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Fund

The Fund seeks to support, on a locally responsive basis, small projects that tangibly and practically reduce risk in vulnerable communities. Community groups, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies are eligible. Read more...

Copenhagen Policy Forum: 12-13 November, 2008

The purpose of the Forum is to identify opportunities and build joint efforts, especially as input to the 14th UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP-14) to take place in Poznan, Poland; and for providing input to the COP-15 in Copenhagen 2009 to effectively address the urgent challenges of disasters and climate change. Read more...

State of the world’s cities report 2008/9: Harmonious cities

This new report from UN Habitat highlights the climate risk to coastal cities around the world noting that there are 3,351 cities in the low elevation coastal zones around the world which could be exposed to sea level rise -- 64 per cent of which are in developing countries. Read more...

Guide to Participatory Impact Assessment

The Feinstein International Center has been developing and adapting participatory approaches to measure the impact of livelihoods based interventions since the early nineties. A newly released guide for draws from this this experience. Open document...

2009 Sasakawa award call for nominations now open

Nominees should be individuals and institutions who have contributed to building the resilience of nations and communities to natural hazards through innovative practices and outstanding initiatives. Read more...

Advanced Course in Assessment and Management of Geological Risk - Switzerland, 2009

In partnership with several universities and international organisations, the University of Geneva offers a multidisciplinary training for professionals. Read more...

E-conference on Culture and Risk: 22 Sept-3 Oct 2008

ICIMOD and the Mountain Forum Secretariat are organising a global e-conference on "Culture and Risk: Understanding the Socio-Cultural Settings that Influence Risk from Natural Hazards". Read more...

Periperi U: USAID grant will underwrite disaster mitigation

To meet increasing demands for skilled human resources to reduce and manage disaster risks in Africa, UCT and USAID have signed a US$2.9 million agreement that will strengthen the capacity of 10 African universities in disaster-related scholarship and practice over the next three years. Read more...

African Climate Change Fellowship Program - call for applications

A variety of fellowship types are offered to support projects, research, and other activities that advance adaptation in Africa. Read more...

Microinsurance innovation grants

ILO has announced a 2nd round of innovation grants to stimulate new ideas and test innovative approaches to providing better insurance products to low-income households. The deadline for submission is 17 September 2008. Read more...

Community-driven reconstruction

The International Rescue Committee has published an article in the latest Humanitarian Exchange on "Community-driven reconstruction: a new strategy for recovery" that highlights their experience using community block grants for recovery. Read more...

Climate Resilient Cities

UN/ISDR and GFDRR have published Climate Resilient Cities, a primer on reducing cities’ vulnerability to climate change disruption and strengthening disaster risk management. Read more...

DRR Jobs

Some job opportunities with ProVention partners are now posted on the ProVention website. Read more...

Symposium on "Cities and Climate Change"

The 5th World Bank Urban Research Symposium will be held June 28-30, 2009 in Marseille, France on the topic of "Cities and Climate Change: Responding to an Urgent Agenda". The organisers have issued a call for papers with an application deadline of September 30, 2008. Read more...

UNU-EHS MRF Chair on Social Vulnerability

UNU-EHS is seeking three part-time candidates for its Munich Re Foundation Chair on Social Vulnerability to explore the cultural and economic dimensions of vulnerability with special attention on indigenous perceptions, participatory approaches, and community-based coping practices to detect and reduce vulnerability. Read more...

IDRC 2008, Davos, Switzerland: 25-29 August 2008

The IDRC Davos Conference is coming up soon. To register, click here.

Linking climate change adaptation and DRR

A new Tearfund report discusses the rationale for adopting a more integrated approach to climate adaptation and disaster risk management, and provides recommendations to improve communication and collaboration between the two communities. Read more...

Impact of climate change on children - new report

As children make up, on average, more than 50% of those affected by today’s crises, it is critically important to respond to the impact of increased disasters on children. Read more...

Kofi Annan Launches Global Alliance for Climate Justice

“The human face of climate change” was the focus of the first Global Humanitarian Forum meeting, which brought leaders of the humanitarian and development communities together with heads of major corporations, scientists and academics, civil society, the media and political leaders. Read more...

World Vision advocacy position paper

The prevalence and impact of natural and man-made disasters is increasing, as are urbanisation, population growth and climate change. It is the poorest and most vulnerable who bear the brunt of disasters. Read more...

Cyclone Nargis: Lessons for Operational Agencies

ALNAP developed a new lessons learnt paper for cyclone Nargis. Read more...

GFDRR Call for Proposals on South-South Cooperation in DRR

The GFDRR South–South Cooperation Program aims to facilitate collaboration and partnership among low- and middle-income countries. Deadline to submit proposals: June 30, 2008. Read more...

New Certificate in Disaster Risk Reduction, Switzerland/India

This new interdisciplinary certificate focuses on climate change and hydrometeorological risks. Read more...

WEF report: Buidling Resilience to Natural Disasters

To deepen understanding of the private sector’s role in building resilience, the WEF facilitated a series of dialogues. Read the report...

New MA Disasters Adaptation and Development

A new masters programme in disaster risk reduction will start in September 2008 at King's College. Read more...

Young scientists and practitioners seminar, Nepal, 5-6 June 2008

Deadline for paper submission: March 15, 2008. Read more...

International Conference on School Safety, Pakistan, 14-16 May 2008

The Aga Khan Development Network and FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance will host an International Conference on School Safety in Islamabad. The conference will provide an opportunity to policy makers, practitioners, and users of safe schools to meaningfully interact and commit to an Action Agenda on school safety, with recommendations for immediate and practical follow-up at the national and the regional levels. Read more...

New disaster section on the IFRC website

The Federation launched a new disaster section on its public website on 15 February 2008. Read more...

International CRED summer course 2008: July 7-18, 2008

CRED is offering a 2-week intensive course to familiarise professionals with epidemiological techniques that help to determine the impacts of disasters and conflicts. Read more...

InterAction Annual Forum: May 6-9, 2008

The InterAction Annual Forum is the largest gathering of international humanitarian and development professionals. Read more...

Forced Migration Review - call for papers

Forced Migration Review is preparing an issue on climate change and displacement. Read the call for articles...

Transport companies' alliance for disaster response

A partnership launched at the World Economic Forum brings together relief organisations and transport companies, united in a can-do approach to disaster response. Read more...

World Conference of Humanitarian studies 2009

The World Conference of Humanitarian Studies 2009 will be held from 4-8 February 2009 in Groningen, the Netherlands. Read more...

Third annual Summer Academy on Social Vulnerability

MunichRe Foundation and the United Nations University Environment and Human Security are accepting applications until 15 January, 2008. Read more...

Annual Hazards and Disasters Student Paper Competition

The Natural Hazards Center launched its fourth annual Hazards and Disasters Student Paper Competition. Deadline for submissions: March 14, 2008. Read more...

Adaptation and the Post-2012 Framework

Tearfund presented its new report on adaptation and the Post-2012 Framework at the COP13 conference in Bali. Download the report...

Training Course on Spatial Planning Disaster Risk Reduction

The next NATO training course on spatial planning will take place on 3-8 March 2008 in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Read more...

UNESCO publication on Disaster Preparedness and Education

UNESCO has identified education for natural disaster preparedness as a core issue to be addressed under the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Read more...

IFRC World Disasters Report 2007

The World Disasters Report 2007 focuses on discrimination and the need to work harder to identify and assist the most vulnerable in an emergency. Read more...

From Risk to Opportunity 2007: Insurer Responses to Climate Change

This Ceres publication reports progress made by insurers to develop new products and services that can help investors, entrepreneurs and consumers deal with the changes provoked by global warming. Read more...

World Bank portal: climate change impacts on rural poor and their livelihoods

The Social Development Department of the World Bank hosts a web discussion forum on local institutions, climate adaptation, and livelihoods. The portal also includes case studies, resources, knowledge center, research opportunities and events. Read more...

Munich Re Microinsurance Conference - Mumbai, 13-15 November 2007

This event is the third international Microinsurance Conference and jointly hosted by the CGAP Working Group on Microinsurance and the Munich Re Foundation with the support of the IRDA. Read more...

New website for the Capacity for Disaster Reduction Initiative

The new CADRI website contains an online database of disaster risk reduction academic courses worldwide. Currently the database contains more than 70 entries and will continue to expand. Read more...

IIASA's 2008 Young Scientists Summer Program

IIASA's annual Young Scientists Summer Program is a three-month (June–August) research program for around fifty advanced students whose interests correspond with IIASA's ongoing research. The application deadline is 15 January 2008. Read more...

Characteristics of a Disaster-Resilient Community

The DFID DRR Interagency Coordination Group released a guidance note aiming to define characteristics of a disaster-resilient community. This document will be field-tested over the coming 18 months. Read more...

IFRC videos on YouTube

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies videos are now available online. Read more...

Job vacancy at the ProVention Secretariat

The ProVention Secretariat, hosted at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Headquarters in Geneva, is looking for a senior assistant.
Read more...

International Workshop on Evaluating Climate Change and Development - May 2008

Proposals for papers or presentations on methodological issues in evaluating climate change mitigation or adaptation can be submitted until November 15, 2007. Read more...

IRIN: the humanitarian impact of urbanisation

At present, 3.3 billion people live in urban centres across the globe. By 2030 this number is predicted to reach five billion, with 95 percent of this growth in developing countries. Read more...

International Day for Disaster Reduction

Activities to commemorate the International Day for Disaster Reduction focused on the theme “Disaster Risk Reduction Begins at School”, a theme selected for the World Disaster Reduction Campaign 2006-2007. Read more...

Asia-Pacific regional workshop on school education and DRR

The workshop, which will take place on 8-10 October 2007 in Bangkok, is jointly organised by UNESCO, UNICEF, UNESCAP, UNCRD, IFRC, ASEAN, ADRC, ADPC, ASB and UN/ISDR Asia & the Pacific. Read first announcement...

ADPC / Mekong River Commission workshop

Regional Workshop on Innovative Approaches to Flood Risk Reduction in the Mekong Basin to be held on 17-19 October 2007 in Khon, Thailand. Read more...

Rockefeller Foundation commits $70m to climate change resilience

On 9 August 2007, the Rockefeller Foundation announced a $70m commitment to build the resilience of communities most likely to be hardest hit by climate change. Read more...

United Nations Climate Change Conference, 3-14 December 2007

The Conference, hosted by the Government of Indonesia, will bring together representatives of over 180 countries together with observers from intergovernmental and nongovernmental organisations, and the media. Read more...

Climate change and urban floodings in Africa

ActionAid released a publication on climate change and flooding in six African cities: Nairobi, Kampala, Maputo, Accra, Lagos and Freetown. Download the file [pdf, 2.2MB]...

Understanding the 2007 floods in South Asia

Several organisations report that the 2007 floods are the worst in many years in South Asia. The latest issue of southasiadisasters.net sheds light on technical aspects of monsoons and flooding in South Asia. Read the newsletter...

ADPC Training Course on Flood Risk Management

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center will hold a training course on flood risk management on 8-19 October 2007 in Bangkok, Thailand. Read more...

26-29 June 2007: Red Cross / Red Crescent Climate conference

Climate-change impacts are creating new complex emergencies around the world, above all in Africa, according to speakers at a conference in The Hague organized by the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre.
Read more...

Dealing with Disasters Conference, 5-6 September 2007

This two-day conference, organised by Northumbria University, the University of Teesside and the University of Glamorgan will explore and highlight resilience, response, investigation and recovery strategies for dealing with both natural and man-made disasters nationally and in an international context.
Read more...

Donor progress with mainstreaming disaster reduction

Tearfund released a research report on institutional donor progress with mainstreaming disaster risk reduction. Based on self-assessments undertaken by 11 donor organisations, it includes recommendations for addessing the issues raised. Read the report... [0.3MB]

Inter-American Network for Disaster Mitigation Best Practices Forum on Natural Disaster Mitigation

In June 2007, three online sessions are being organised to share experiences on the application of information and communication technologies for the mitigation of natural disasters in the Americas. Read more...

CRED Summer Course 2007

CRED/UCL and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative are organising a summer course on Assessing Public Health in Emergency Situations (APHES) on July 16-27, 2007 in Brussels. For more information, contact CRED.

Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

The first session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction took place on 5-7 June 2007 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Read more....

Understanding Climate Change in South Asia

In order to encourage public dialogue on climate change risk in South Asia, AIDMI published dedicated an issue of southasiadisasters.net to climate change, its science, impact and coping options for South Asian communities. Click here to read the newsletter.

Climate Change and Human Security

On April 17 the UN Security Council held its first ever debate on climate change (view press release). This follows the 6 April 2007 launch of the report of the Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Some ProVention partners have suggested a new way of thinking about the links connecting climate change and international, national and human security. Read more....

Short courses - University of Cape Town

The Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme is organising two short courses in Cape Town on “Disasters and Development” (19-26 June 2007) and “Community Risk Assessment” (27 June - 6 July 2007). For more information, contact DiMP.

Sourcebook on the Integration of Natural Hazards into the Environmental Impact Assessment Process

In an attempt to ensure that natural hazard risk is explicitly addressed during the project cycle, the Caribbean Development Bank and Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Adapting to Climate Change in the Caribbean Project have developed guidelines for natural hazard impact assessment (NHIA) and their integration into Environmental Impact Assessment procedures.
Download pdf file (8.05MB)

Shelter Security in Kashmir: a Central Aspect of Long-Term Recovery

The latest issue of southasiadisasters.net examines the subject of shelter security in Kashmir following the 2005 devastating earthquake and compares financing options of housing reconstruction. Click here to read the newsletter.

Tearfund launches new report: Legislation for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction

The report reviews current national experience of undertaking legislative reform for disaster risk reduction. It also examines the building blocks of successful legislative reform based on case study research; presents a detailed account of the reform process in South Africa from 1994 to 2006 and proposes recommendations for those undertaking legislative reform for disaster risk reduction. Read more...

World Disasters Report 2006

In 2005, the world responded more generously to people’s humanitarian needs than at any time in recent history. Yet millions still missed out on vital, potentially life-saving aid because funds were directed at high-profile disasters, while countless other crises were neglected, according to this year’s annual World Disasters Report, launched on December 14th by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Read more...

Megacities as Hotspots of Risk - Summer Academy 2007

Munich Re Foundation and United Nations University Environment and Human Security proudly announce the second annual Summer Academy on Social Vulnerability. Qualified PhD candidates to apply by 15 January 2007. Read more...

IIASA Young Scientists Summer Programme

IIASA's 3-month Programme for Young Scientists offers research opportunities to talented young researchers whose interests correspond with IIASA’s ongoing research on issues of global environmental, economic and social change. Application deadline: 15 January 2007. Read more...

DKKV / GTZ 7th Forum and Disaster Reduction Day

The German Committee for Disaster Reduction and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit organised their 7th Forum on the theme "Out of the blue? Disaster Reduction: Knowledge-Transfer–Practices" in Eschborn/Germany on 19-20 October 2006. Read more...

11 October 2006 - International Day for Disaster Reduction

The theme of the International Day for Disaster Reduction and campaign for 2006 “Disaster risk reduction begins at school” aims to inform and mobilise governments, communities and individuals to ensure that disaster risk reduction is fully integrated into school curricula in high risk countries and that school buildings are built or retrofitted to withstand natural hazards. Read more...

Tata-Dhan Academy training on 'The Art of Upscaling Microfinance'

Tata-Dhan Academy invites applications for its fourth international Programme on 'The Art of Upscaling Microfinance' to be held at Madurai, India during December 1-11, 2006. The Programme will focus on Upscaling Microfinance; Microfinance for Poverty Reduction; and Microfinance as Development Finance. Last date for receiving the applications is November 10, 2006. Read more...

Summer Academy on Social Vulnerability

On 23 – 29 July 2006, the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and the Munich Re Foundation held their first Summer Academy on Social Vulnerability on the theme "Global water hotspots: Social vulnerability and resilience building."
Read more...

Evaluation of international tsunami response highlights inequities in aid spending

The Tsunami Evaluation Coalition (TEC) launched its Synthesis Report on Friday 14th July. This major independent evaluation highlights that a total of at least US$ 13.5 billion was raised in response to the tsunami, amounting to over US $7,100 for every affected person. This contrasts starkly to only US$3 per head spent on someone affected by the 2004 floods in Bangladesh. The report presents an appeal to donor governments for more consistent donations and support prior to disasters to help states in high-risk zones reduce risk and respond better when emergencies strike. Read more...

World Urban Forum III - Vancouver, June 19-23

UN-HABITAT is hosting the World Urban Forum III in Vancouver, Canada June 19-23. The theme of the forum is 'Our Future: Sustainable Cities – Turning Ideas into Action' and will feature a full plenary programme as well as a large series of networking events, a number of which are specifically focused on disaster mitigation and recovery. See the WUF website for full details.

Community Risk Transfer Through Microinsurance: An Opportunity for South Asia?

Following the UN year of Microcredit in 2005, there is growing interest in microfinance solutions to help alleviate poverty in developing countries. The latest issue of southasiadisasters.net examines the subject of microinsurance and discusses the opportunities and challenges that have been learned through recent experiences in implementing microinsurance schemes in Asia. Click here to read the newsletter.

Global Conference on Disaster Prevention, Cambridge - Massachusetts, April 26-28, 2006

A global conference to develop strategies to minimise the human and financial loss of disasters through strategies of coordinated action across national and international entities, government, business and academic institutions.
For more information, click here.

IEG Evaluation of World Bank Assistance for Natural Disasters

The World Bank is the largest funding agency of disaster recovery and reconstruction in developing countries. Since 1984, it has financed a total of $26 billion in disaster activities. In April 2006, the World Bank published one of the most comprehensive reviews of disaster preparedness and response ever conducted. The report calls for new thinking that integrates predictable disaster risks into development programmes. Read more...

IEG Conference on The Effectiveness of Assistance for Natural Disasters, Washington, 21 April 2006

The World Bank Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) hosted a Conference on the Effectiveness of Assistance for Natural Disasters on Friday, April 21, 2006 in Washington, D.C. The conference provided a forum for government and civil society representatives and World Bank staff to share views on how to improve the effectiveness of donor support for natural disasters response and prevention.
For more information about this event, click here.

DFID launches new policy on disaster risk reduction

In 2005, DFID announced that 10 per cent of funds spent on disaster relief will be invested in initiatives to reduce the impact of disasters. DFID's new policy entitled 'Reducing the Risk of Disasters' sets out ways to do this.
For more information, click here.

Third International Conference on Early Warning: Bonn, 27-29 March 2006

Germany hosted the Third International Early Warning in Bonn, from 27 to 29 March 2006, under the auspices of the United Nations. The conference included an action-oriented Priorities and Projects Forum that presented a series of specific projects in early warning areas and a Scientific and Technical Symposium that discussed issues associated with early warning systems worldwide.
For more information, click here.

Munich Re latest reports

Munich Re recently launched two reports: 'Topics Geo - Annual review: Natural catastrophes 2005' and 'Hurricanes - More intense, more frequent, more expensive'.
For more information, visit Munich Re's website.

CRED releases 2005 disaster summary

ISDR and the Belgian Université Catholique de Louvain's Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) unveil the official figures of the number of disasters in 2005 and their impact at a press conference at the United Nations in Geneva on January 30th.
For more information, click here.

Global Conference on Insurance and Reinsurance for Natural Catastrophe Risk: Turkey, 8-9 Dec 2005

The World Bank and the Association of Insurance and Reinsurance Companies of Turkey organised the Global Conference on Insurance and Reinsurance for Natural Catastrophe Risk, which looked at innovative schemes to finance natural catastrophe risk in developing countries.
For more information, click here.