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European Commission, UNDP, Launch Programme to Cut Disaster Risks in SE Europe
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Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, January 2009- With southeastern Europe vulnerable to earthquakes, floods and other hazards, regional leaders met in Sarajevo to discuss ways to reduce risk from such disasters. The meetings set the table for a regional initiative to reduce disaster risks to be launched in March 2009 by the United Nations Development Programme and the European Commission. “Disaster risks know no boundaries and in this context regional cooperation becomes very significant if not essential,” Bosnia and Herzegovina’s UNDP Resident Representative, Christine McNab, said. In the Western Balkans and Turkey, disaster risks include severe earthquakes, floods, forest fires, landslides and pandemics. Environmental degradation and other factors such as poorly regulated building construction also create potential for disasters. The forthcoming UNDP and EC initiative aims to reduce such risks and losses by developing, in cooperation with country governments, unified response strategies and standards. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo and Turkey all plan to participate in the regional initiative. Montenegro, Serbia, FYR Macedonia and Croatia are also planning to participate in a UNDP programme targeting areas of the world where disasters are a major deterrent to sustainable development. The Sarajevo meeting opened the door for regional activities in the program, known as the Global Risk Identification Programme. The Sarajevo meeting also discussed the introduction of the 112 number in southeastern Europe, a requirement for accession to the European Union and a resource for emergency communication centers. |
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