ESPON Project 1.3.1
Thematic scope and context
The main aim of the project is to represent the spatial patterns of
natural and technological hazards in administrative regions of the
ESPON space, on NUTS 3 level.
Hazards are natural extreme events or technological accident phenomena
that can lead to threats and damages among the population, the
environment and/or material assets. 11 hazards, both relevant for the
ESPON space and for spatial planning concerns have been studied, among
which landslides, avalanches, floods, droughts, forest fires,
earthquakes
Key results of the project are the development of individual hazard
recurrence maps, integrated hazard map showing the location of high/low
hazardous areas in Europe, and risk maps (combining hazard recurrence
and vulnerability of a given region), presenting areas most at risk
with respect to different hazards. In a more long-term perspective, the
influence of climate change on the probability of occurrence of certain
hazards (droughts, forest fires, floods) has also been addressed.
The project shows that the spatial picture of natural and technological
hazards poses challenges for balanced and sustainable development in
Europe. Regions are exposed to hazards in varying degrees, placing them
in different “risk positions”. Consequently, risk management should be
understood as an important task for Cohesion policy. In that respect,
the project formulates policy recommendations at European,
Transnational / National, and Regional/Local levels for a better
integration of risk management into policies and spatial planning
practices. In particular, the project proposes a handbook for spatial
planning and risk assessment.
Lead Partner
Geological Survey of Finland, Espoo (Finland).
Detailed information on the contracted project team under Transnational Project Groups.
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