Figure 1: Loss of protective forests in South Tyrol, enhancing the risk of landslides, including rockfallsFigure 1: Loss of protective forests in South Tyrol, enhancing the risk of landslides, including rockfalls.
Flora Höfler, ASFiNAG & Till Wenzel, University of Vienna
The Brenner Corridor – a vital transport route stretching from Bolzano (IT) through Innsbruck to Kufstein (AT) – connects northern and southern Europe and includes key valleys such as the Eisack valley, Wipptal valley, and Unterinntal valley. On November 5th and 6th, 2024, the second PARATUS project workshop took place in Matrei am Brenner, marking another milestone in the ongoing dialogue on managing natural hazards in the Brenner Corridor. Building on the first event from March 2023, the workshop focused on continuing the dialogue between science, practitioners, and local stakeholders on managing natural hazards in the Brenner Corridor.
The PARATUS project, focuses on preparing for so-called multi-hazard events, where multiple hazards such as heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding interact with each other. These events do not need to be directly related – often, they just occur simultaneously or with delays, but also cascading effects that make these situations particularly dangerous. For instance, a storm may destroy protective forests, increasing the likelihood of subsequent landslides. Similarly, flooding can damage critical infrastructure and lead to long-term economic and social consequences. Such events require new strategies to understand how they affect infrastructure, the economy, and people’s lives, especially as climate change is likely to alter these impacts. Although the topic might seem theoretical at first glance, the workshop was very engaging.
Day 1: A Broad spectrum of insights and perspectives
The first day of the workshop began with a series of presentations that provided a multifaceted view of natural hazards in the Brenner region. These talks featured not only scientific experts but also practitioners from various fields.
Flora Höfler from ASFiNAG gave an overview of natural events along the Brenner Corridor since the first workshop in March 2023, highlighting how often the highway is impacted by events like landslides, floods and storms. Particularly interesting was how climate models can assist ASFiNAG practitioners in better preparing for future natural hazards, as explained by Raphael Spiekermann from GeoSphere Austria. Gernot Hoch from the Austrian Research Centre for Forests highlighted the crucial role of protective forests in managing natural hazards and pointed out the growing threat posed by the bark beetle, which increasingly endangers local forests. Following, Florian Riccabona from the District Forest Inspection in Steinach discussed the challenges of managing protective forests along the Wipptal, where steep slopes and aging forests complicate reforestation efforts. Max Hanke from ÖBB concluded the presentations, sharing insights into the challenges faced by the railway operator in the Austrian Brenner Corridor. Unlike ASFiNAG, which mostly deals with landslides and flooding, ÖBB faces the threat of wildfires, which can be triggered by both increased dryness or if when trees fall on power lines.
These presentations not only provided a deeper understanding of the current challenges in the region but also laid the foundation for the interactive part of the workshop that followed.
Interactive exercises: Scenarios and Social Simulation
In this first interactive part of the workshop, participants discussed in small groups, how climate change might influence different aspects of life. In all groups, it became apparent that future planning should pay more attention to the interactions between natural hazards. It was evident that many emergency plans and hazard informations are not yet adapted to future changes, and much work needs to be done. It was highlighted that blocked roads can disrupt local commuters as well as trade, and tourism, placing additional strain on the economies of neighbouring regions. Further, participants stressed the need for better preparedness, faster repairs, and more real-time information to maintain infrastructure safely and efficiently under increasing pressure.
Figure 2: Welcome to Altun and Magna – the fictional countries within the Social Simulation.
Following this, a Social Simulation took place – essentially a role-playing game, where participants took on the roles of people from two fictional neighbouring countries connected by a border pass. A short video outlined the scenario: A looming landslide threatens the road connecting the two countries, and due to differing interests and economic priorities, the situation becomes even more complex. Participants could choose roles such as road operator, business owner, or emergency responder, but they were especially encouraged to select a role different from their own in real life to gain insight into a different perspective. For example, a geologist might take on the role of a supermarket owner to better understand how a roadblock could impact trade. In groups, participants discussed how to handle the impending threat. Should the road be closed to ensure safety, or would the economic consequences be too severe? These decision-making processes emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration, especially when conflicting interests arise in crisis situations.
Seeing the bigger picture: Insights from the PARATUS team
As the PARATUS project extends well beyond the Brenner Corridor, participants were given a look at the broader scope of the project. Via live link from Istanbul, Seda Kundak, professor at Istanbul Technical University, shared insights into the Application Case Study Istanbul. Unlike the Brenner Corridor, Istanbul—a vibrant megacity of 15 million—faces the persistent threat of powerful earthquakes. The 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake vividly demonstrated their devastating impact on communities and infrastructure.
How do earthquakes in Istanbul relate to other hazards such as landslides, flooding, or storms in the Brenner Corridor, and how can these risks be addressed within a single project? This question was further answered by Funda Atun, Co-Project Coordinator and Professor at the University of Twente (Enschede, Netherlands). She provided an overview of PARATUS’s primary goal: the development of a platform – the “Disaster Risk Stakeholder Hub” – which is developed alongside other projects to help stakeholders to manage various natural hazards. This platform will provide both, information on risks and their impacts, as well as tools to assess, predict, and analyse these risks. To ensure it meets stakeholders’ needs, PARATUS actively collaborates with them, inviting ideas to shape its development and improve future preparedness.
Day 2: Natural hazards in the Brenner Region – from risk management to practical implementation
On the second day, the focus shifted to identifying guidelines that could assist stakeholders in better managing the interplay of different hazards. Participants worked together to explore possibilities of hazard interactions. Further, a survey was conducted to collect information on the current practices of present organizations and companies. Participants were also asked whether they believed greater emphasis should be placed on multi-hazard events in future planning, with the majority agreeing that incorporating these interactions into future strategies would be advantageous.
The final part of the program was an excursion along the Brenner route to explore hazard sites on both the Austrian and Italian side. Guided by Volkmar Mair, the tour began at Brenner Lake, where rockfall protection measures like embankments and reforestation safeguard multiple infrastructures, including a parking area of the railway, such as an access ramp of the highway. In Sachsenklemme, participants saw how bark beetle damage to protective forests increases rockfall and mudslide risks, posing new challenges for both natural hazard and infrastructure protection. At Pflerschtal valley, they reviewed flood prevention measures such as reinforced riverbanks and raised bridges to mitigate flooding and blockages. A particularly impressive stop was the Pflersch Volunteer Fire Department, a building constructed with locally sourced rocks from debris flows, illustrating how natural hazards can inspire innovative solutions and create unexpected opportunities.
Figure 3: Natural hazards present not only risks but also opportunities, as demonstrated by the architecture of the Fire Department in Pflerschtal valley
Conclusion
After two intensive days, one thing remains clear: managing natural hazards is an ongoing process that requires constant adaptation. Dialogue and exchange between stakeholders from science, practice, and administration are crucial to developing new approaches and improving existing strategies to prepare for future challenges. The second PARATUS workshop not only continued this dialogue but deepened it – demonstrating the importance of regularly discussing new challenges and solutions. One thing became particularly clear: disaster management requires not only technical knowledge but also a willingness to collaborate – across geographical, administrative, and disciplinary boundaries. It is to be hoped that this dialogue will continue in the years to come.