The workshop aims to transfer knowledge about geohazards, share transboundary data and suggest effective measures for the mitigation of geo-related risks in the Caucasus region, which affect millions of residents and several critical infrastructures, such as hydropower plants, nuclear power plants and gas and oil pipelines.
The event will be held in the framework of the NATO key priority “Disaster forecast and prevention of natural catastrophes” of the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme. Several countries in the Caucasus are developing their independent energy resources and infrastructures, and are also becoming major energy suppliers to Europe using the newly-built lifelines that also cross the conterminous states. However, the Caucasus countries share major risks to their critical energy infrastructures due to several geohazards, as this region is prone to earthquakes, landslides, floods and volcanic eruptions.
The workshop will thus provide an ideal opportunity to showcase and discuss cutting-edge data and methodologies for enhancing knowledge of the local and regional natural hazards, and improving preparedness towards the related threats. It will also provide an opportunity for the involved countries to cooperate on a technical and political level. Invited experts, in fact, comprise scientists belonging to academic institutions and professional bodies from different countries worldwide, as well as decision-makers and representatives from public sector administrations and civil emergency institutions across the Caucasus region.
International collaboration is paramount for helping countries improve their civil protection systems, as well as enhancing preparedness and prevention measures in case of natural geological disasters; the event will provide an ideal platform for all attendees, to foster cross-border cooperation aimed at ensuring security from natural disasters across the whole Caucasus region.