Climate and Disaster Reduction
The purposes of UNESCO in the field of natural disasters are: to promote a better understanding of the distribution in time and space of natural hazards and of their intensity, to set up reliable early warning systems, to devise rational land-use plans, to secure the adoption of suitable building design, to protect educational buildings and cultural monuments, to strengthen environmental protection for the prevention of natural disasters, to enhance preparedness and public awareness through education and training communication and information, to foster post-disaster investigation, recovery and rehabilitation, to promote studies on the social perception of risks. The Organization plays an advocacy role on the need for a shift in emphasis from relief and emergency response to prevention and increased preparedness and education of potentially affected populations. The approach supported by UNESCO stresses the merit of preventive approaches through the design and dissemination of mitigation measures, proper information education and public awareness.  UNESCO acts as a catalyst, particularly in capacity building and in regional and international cooperation. UNESCO plays a major role in the creation of scientific institutions and/or in the improvement of facilities of existing institutions by strengthening their scientific infrastructure and access to information, as well as by facilitating opportunities for training and research.

UNESCO Sector: Division of Basic and Engineering Science / Sector for Disaster Reduction
Responsible Staff:  Badaoui Rouhban, Kristine Tovmasjana
More information: http://www.unesco.org/science/disaster/index_disaster.shtm