About Us
The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (SPS-DRM) (Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama) is a dynamic, non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management. Established for an indefinite period, our mission is to elevate the theoretical knowledge base, conduct cutting-edge quantitative and qualitative research, organize impactful national and international conferences, launch and manage academic journals, deliver comprehensive training programs, and perform thorough risk assessments, along with other academic activities in this vital field. Recognizing the immeasurable importance and pivotal role of non-governmental organizations and civil society in disaster risk management, including their proactive contributions to public policy, risk reduction actions, advocacy for enhanced preparedness and resilience, aid to affected individuals, and collaboration with emergency response services, Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković founded NSDR-URVS on June 15, 2018. This organization unites scientists and practitioners from Serbia and the region to collectively advance theoretical and empirical principles and support local decision-makers and leaders in managing disaster situations effectively.
The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (NSDR-URVS) is led by President Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković, with Anja Beli serving as the Secretary. NSDR-URVS boasts a diverse membership of over 1,500 individuals, including professors from all state and private universities and faculties in Serbia, scientific researchers, practitioners (such as members of the police force, fire and rescue units, emergency medical services, military, and security-related NGOs), as well as students and young professionals directly or indirectly involved in research and practical activities related to emergency situations. Membership is open to all interested individuals and can be obtained by filling out the application form available on our website and submitting it via the Society’s email. Join us and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management.
To further enhance our scientific endeavors, on December 21, 2020, we adopted the Statute and established the International Institute for Disaster Research. This institute serves as a hub for basic, applied, and developmental scientific research in disaster risk management. Our research spans various crucial areas, including disaster and hazard phenomenology, preparedness and risk mitigation, protection and rescue operations, disaster recovery, international cooperation, and legal frameworks related to disasters. We are committed to exploring innovative solutions and sharing our findings to build a safer, more resilient world.
Goals of SPS-DRM
The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (SPS-DRM) is committed to achieving several key objectives. Firstly, it focuses on conducting research in the field of disaster studies. This includes undertaking comprehensive studies to understand the various facets of disasters and their management. Secondly, the Society aims to establish and manage an international journal, specifically the International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, to facilitate the dissemination of research findings and advancements in the field. Additionally, SPS-DRM is dedicated to preparing, applying for, and implementing national and international projects on various aspects of disaster risk management. This involves collaborating with various stakeholders to secure funding and support for impactful projects. The Society also prioritizes the promotion, design, implementation, and improvement of preventive measures against disasters, ensuring communities are better prepared and resilient.
Another crucial objective is raising public awareness. SPS-DRM develops and executes campaigns, programs, and plans to enhance public understanding of the necessity for improved disaster preparedness. This includes educating the public on best practices and safety measures. Furthermore, the Society organizes national and international scientific conferences on disaster risk management, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and networking among professionals. Conducting expert risk assessments and developing protection and rescue plans for emergency situations are also vital goals. These activities ensure that there are robust plans in place to mitigate the impact of disasters. Moreover, SPS-DRM is committed to organizing and conducting various forms of training, courses, seminars, and other educational activities for citizens, students, and employees in interested institutions. These programs are designed to enhance skills and knowledge in disaster risk management. Lastly, the Society performs other tasks in accordance with the law and its Statute, ensuring compliance and alignment with broader regulatory and organizational frameworks. Through these comprehensive efforts, SPS-DRM aims to significantly contribute to the field of disaster risk management and improve community resilience .
Responding to natural disasters is a complex challenge that requires the integration of advanced tools and resources. Modern disaster risk management relies heavily on various online services and databases, enabling decision-makers to quickly analyze available options and make informed decisions. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), introduced in the early 1990s after Hurricane Andrew, revolutionized disaster response by enhancing data collection and decision-making processes. The primary goals of such systems include reducing response times, improving decision quality, and continuously collecting data to monitor system performance, reliability, and outcomes. These systems also ensure the preservation of data for future analysis and forecasting.
The application of computer-based tools in disaster logistics has significantly advanced damage assessments and risk management efforts. Effective disaster risk management depends on access to comprehensive national and international databases. These include general disaster databases and specialized resources focusing on specific hazards. Decision-makers at the local level and emergency service managers must have access to reliable, up-to-date data from diverse sources to manage risks effectively. Spatial data infrastructure plays a critical role in organizing and sharing this information among stakeholders, supported by monitoring networks and satellite systems that provide detailed insights into hazard characteristics over large areas.
In Europe, initiatives like the Orchestra Project and the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) have established frameworks for using spatial data in disaster management. Programs such as Preview, LIMES, and G-MOSAIC utilize satellite technologies and geospatial data to enhance risk assessment and emergency response. Open platforms like GeoNode enable collaborative data sharing, further supporting disaster preparedness and response efforts.
Global risk assessments, supported by organizations such as the World Bank and UNDP, correlate disaster risks with socioeconomic development indices, guiding priorities for international support. Long-term risk databases are essential for analyzing frequency and intensity relationships, allowing for a better understanding of both frequent low-magnitude events and rare high-magnitude hazards.
Innovative tools and applications like Sahana and the Virtual Disaster Viewer provide practical solutions for disaster information management. Developed in response to significant disasters like the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake, these tools enhance organizational coordination, resource management, and impact assessment.
By integrating advanced technologies, reliable databases, and collaborative platforms, modern disaster risk management systems improve operational decision-making, enhance preparedness, and build more resilient communities worldwide. For more information, refer to Disaster Risk Management by Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković.
Enhancing Decision-Making in Disaster Risk Management
To improve the operational capacity of decision-makers in Europe in managing risks from natural and other hazards, the Orchestra Project (Open Architecture and Spatial Data Infrastructure for Risk Management) was designed and implemented as a catalog of specifications for service-oriented spatial data infrastructure (Salamat, Jackson, Gal, & Franz, 2009). The European program Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES)—an initiative by the European Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA)—actively supports the use of satellite technology in disaster management. This includes projects like:
- Preview (Prevention, Information and Early Warning), which supports risk management;
- LIMES (Land/Sea Integrated Monitoring for European Security), integrating land and sea monitoring for security purposes;
- GMOSS (Global Monitoring for Security and Stability), a project for ensuring global safety and stability;
- SAFER (Services and Applications for Emergency Response), offering tools and applications for emergency situations; and
- G-MOSAIC (GMES services for Management of Operations, Situation Awareness, and Intelligence for Regional Crises), a pilot project providing geospatial data for regional crisis prevention and management (GMES, 2010).
In addition, platforms like GeoNode facilitate the creation, sharing, and collaborative use of geospatial data for risk assessment (Clifton, Griffith, & Holland, 2001; Pickle, 2011).
Global Risk Assessments
Risk assessments on a global scale are primarily conducted to establish risk indices for specific countries. These indices are often correlated with socioeconomic development indicators, allowing international organizations like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, WHO, UNDP, and FAO to prioritize support for countries with higher vulnerability (Cardona, 2005).
Software and Tools for Disaster Management
Various applications simplify the coordination of disaster mitigation activities. For instance, Sahana, a free and open-source software developed in Sri Lanka following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, offers solutions for disaster information management. Its capabilities include managing organizations, personnel, volunteers, resources, and activities with visual mapping tools.
Another innovative tool is the Virtual Disaster Viewer, which functions as a social network for disaster impact and damage assessments. It was highly effective during the 2010 Haiti earthquake, enabling hundreds of earthquake and remote sensing experts to analyze high-resolution satellite imagery and provide situational assessments. Such tools are crucial for supporting decision-makers in the future (Underwood, 2010).
Improving Risk Databases
To enhance risk analysis, databases should contain long-term information to examine frequency and intensity relationships (Lyon, 1988). Effective risk evaluation must consider both frequent, low-magnitude events and rare, high-magnitude events. This requires comprehensive mapping and archival research. For example, Italy’s AVI project is one of the most extensive mapping initiatives for landslides and floods, offering critical insights into hazard assessment (Guzzetti et al., 1994; Guzzetti et al., 2005).
By integrating advanced tools, robust data infrastructures, and collaborative platforms, disaster risk management can become more effective, ultimately reducing risks and building resilience.
For more details, refer to the book Disaster Risk Management by Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković.
