An Introduction to your Disaster Risk Stakeholder Hub

The Hub has been developed as an entry-level reference point for all stakeholders involved in Disaster Risk Management including:

• Citizens
• Local Organisations
• Responders and Municipal / Regional Authorities
• National and International bodies,
• Researchers and Policy Makers

Its aim is to present a comprehensive starting point for our stakeholders to search for relevant supporting information and data as they develop their own DRM strategies, policies and procedures as well as for those looking to increase their professional knowledge and undertake further research.

The Hub facilitates access to existing data sets produced by international bodies, research and innovation projects and individual organisations and will increasingly be searchable through a structured menu and AI driven search facility.  It also provides links to other tools such as EC’s CORDIS and the UN’s Disaster Risk Gateway.

Current Features:

• Information and signposts to Baseline Knowledge & Tools such as:
  · Terminology · Disaster Databases · Impact Chains · Hazard Data · Exposure · Vulnerability and Loss and Damage Data · Risk Reduction Measures and ·  Best Practice where identified
• Simulations engines including:
  · Impact Chain Generators · Hazard Assessment Tools · Risk Assessment and Reduction Tools and · Serious Games
• A Community for knowledge sharing through:
  · An interactive and dynamic members forum and · Events including Webinars, conferences and exhibitions
• Search of Knowledge Bases & Tools: Users can access disaster datasets categorized by subject/theme and shortly also by a free AI-based search of all available knowledge.
• Links and information on other projects continuing relevant research and development of knowledge and tools.

Currently, the Hub hosts around 70 tools and knowledge bases, with ongoing enhancements for user searchability and access.  It is hosted amongst a user-base of some 2,500 members.

Figure 1- Current Homepage of the Hub

How did the Hub originate?

The Hub originated from the PARATUS project and its aim of providing comprehensive information to participants of its four Application Case Studies – Caribbean, Istanbul, Bucharest, and the Brenner Corridor.  The Hub’s scope is being expanded to provide a universal platform for a broader range of disaster risk management stakeholders but its primary purpose is to support you as Case Study Stakeholders.

Current Governance Arrangements

Hub governance is currently managed through:

• The PARATUS project: for the purpose of fulfilling the terms of its grant agreement
• CMINE: The platform providing community engagement and dissemination capabilities.
  An Administrative Group: Overseeing technical implementation and presentation of the platform.  Currently including RAN, CMINE, ITC, SIC and SFC
• Cluster-Based Management: The intention to migrate governance of the platform to members of other Projects committed to maintaining the Hub in future, thereby ensuring continuity beyond PARATUS’ timeline.
  The Clusters play a crucial role in maintaining stakeholder engagement, ensuring the Hub remains relevant and widely used.

Summary

PARATUS became aware of a growing consensus on the importance of integrating disaster risk knowledge into a unified, sustainable platform available to its Stakeholders. Many other projects have now expressed interest in joining the initiative, marking a significant step toward creating a comprehensive and long-lasting Disaster Risk Stakeholder Hub.

None-the-less, we are very keen that it gets used and benefits those Stakeholders for whom it was designed (you!) so please register an account with CMINE and join the hub here https://drs-hub.eu