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AFPCN, c/o ENGREF
19, avenue du Maine
75732 Paris Cedex 15

Association Française pour la Prévention des Catastrophes Naturelles (AFPCN)
European Network of National Platforms

 

AFPCN contributed to the founding in 2007 of a European Network of National Platforms, whose members are currently Czech, French, German, Polish national platforms. The Basel Agreement defines objectives and operating rules.

Activities of this network include:

  1. Dialogue and a possible harmonization among members, in connection with consultations, conferences, position papers and communications (e.g. with the European Commission, the Council of Europe, UNESCO, ISDR, etc.);
  2. The development of analysis and recommendations for improvement or harmonization of policies / strengthening research / strengthening the participation of civil society in the management of some specific risks or developing methods for risk management. A first set of results is scheduled for June 2011.

During the German presidency (by DKKV) from 2007 to 2009, this network represented civil society in formal consultations of the European Commission (for risk prevention and adaptation to climate change), and presented common positions in various international events.

AFPCN chairs the network since July 2009. By 2011, the goal is to involve European countries towards a more integrated and harmonized risk management approach. Through analysis of risk management practices in different countries, and on the basis of lessons learned, expected outcomes are recommendations targeted at national platforms, research and public policies. A work plan is under development with the participation of members of the Scientific Council of the AFPCN.

Following the last meeting of the network on 2 June 2009 in Paris, discussions during the Global Platform (16-19 June 09 at Geneva), and in connection with the proposals of the Risq-UE Seminar (26-28 November 2008), a number of themes were proposed, some related with the development of an EU strategy for the prevention of natural and man-made disasters by the European Commission.

The findings of these analyses will be presented to policy makers (national assemblies, parliaments and European Parliament, ...) and practitioners (associations, specialized centers, research centers, ...), for example through publications, workshops and seminars.

Themes are being selected from among:

Hazards
  1. Flood management in transboundary watersheds
  2. Flash flood in small watersheds (including Mediterranean)
  3. Storms
  4. Forest fires
  5. Earthquake
  6. Tsunami
  7. Climate change
  8. Risk in coastal areas
  9. Risk in urban areas
  10. Risk in mountain areas
  11. Risk in tropical areas
Methods and tools
  1. Assessment and mapping: hazards, exposed elements and risks
  2. Early warning
  3. Feedback and return on experiences
  4. Education and information sharing
  5. Sharing skills and knowledge with developing countries
  6. Risk transfer & insurance
  7. Emergency and reconstruction
  8. Media and communication
  9. Critical infrastructure and networks

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