Dr. Maneesha V. Ramesh, Director, Amrita Center for Wireless Networks and Applications (AmritaWNA), Amritapuri, will be one of the conveners at the Tech4Dev 2018 Conference, to be held from June 27-29, 2018.
The conference will focus on people-centered warning systems for different natural hazards by using an interactive and interdisciplinary round-table format and by encouraging the participation of practitioners and researchers with experience in warning systems for floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. The discussion will be stimulated by the presentation of strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned from a series of case studies in different geographical, geo-environmental and cultural settings. Particularly encouraged are case studies for Early Warning Systems (EWS) deployed in areas of the Global South.
Many recent international initiatives have been highlighting the importance of Early Warning Systems (EWS) for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and community resilience. To be effective, EWSs for natural hazards need to have not only a sound scientific and technical basis but also a strong focus on delivering to the people exposed to risk. The seventh global target of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) is to “substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments to the people by 2030”. Current shortcomings in the conception and applications of EWS often undermine risk reduction at the local level.
System managers, researchers and other stakeholders with experience in people-centered EWSs for natural hazards will participate in the session, which will be structured as an interdisciplinary round-table to discuss and exchange ideas on the development and operation of such systems. Particularly encouraged is the participation of people with experience in EWSs deployed in areas of the Global South. The most significant case studies will be selected for oral presentations (10 minutes) in the first part of the session. Authors of quality extended abstracts not selected for oral presentation will be invited to present their research by means of a Poster. The session will include a final open discussion on strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned in the development of people-centered warning systems.
