Earth Sciences and Geo-Hazards Risk Reduction
Responsible for providing the secretariat service for the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP). The IGGP comprises the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP), which for over 45 years has brought geoscientists together from all regions of the world to study the Earth and geological processes under themes which have increasing societal relevance, and the UNESCO Global Geoparks, which promote sites of international geological value and are the basis of local sustainable development.
IGGP functions to serve as a knowledge hub of UNESCO to facilitate international scientific cooperation in the geosciences and sustainable use of natural resources, in particular mineral resources, and to advance new initiatives related to geo-diversity and geo-heritage.
The section has also the role to be an in-house interdisciplinary task force for a coherent UNESCO response based on sound science to natural hazards and disaster risk reduction, including capacity for early warning and early recovery response in Member States.
The increasing losses from disasters caused by natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, volcanoes, windstorms, drought and desertification, represent a major challenge to UNESCO’s Member States, in particular developing ones.
Building a culture of resilient communities requires active and knowledgeable citizens and informed decision-makers.
Through a multidisciplinary and intersectoral approach, the Earth Sciences and Geo-Hazards Risk Reduction Section builds capacities and fosters partnerships so that Earth sciences and technology can serve to mitigate the effects of the threats and reduce vulnerability increase scientific knowledge and improve living conditions and well-being of communities in general.
News
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06.06.19
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07.05.19
Cutting-edge technologies against floods, fires and extreme weather events
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17.04.19
Eleven sites and extensions in Asia, Europe, and South America Receive UNESCO Global Geopark Label
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05.04.19
Global alliance meets in Geneva to move school safety agenda forward
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22.02.19
Nine new projects of societal relevance join the International Geoscience Programme