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.
Client Security and Protection in High-Risk Zones
This manual is intended for all professionals engaged in providing security and protection services to clients in high-security risk zones, whether employed in the public or private security sectors. At the outset, it is essential to emphasize the distinction between client protection in high-security risk zones conducted in the public sector and that in the private security sector. The public sector encompasses military, police, and intelligence-security apparatuses, which are often directly involved in these activities, sometimes in cooperation with the police, military, and intelligence structures of other states. In contrast, the private security sector may include informal security groups that predominantly operate independently, relying on „agreements“ with clients. These groups typically utilize limited resources—financial, intelligence, and human. On the other hand, specialized security teams within private military companies operate under formal contracts with clients. The resources and capacities of these companies significantly exceed those of informal groups, providing a higher level of professional support and protection to clients.
In this context, the manual focuses primarily on the private security sector, with a particular emphasis on specialized security and protection teams operating within private military companies. The first reason for this focus is that the public sector often functions within a complex and rigid system where resources are abundantly available—from financial means to political and legal protection. However, such a system frequently creates a skewed perception of real challenges. The second reason is the rise of private military companies over the past two decades as key players on the global stage, filling the vacuum left by states withdrawing from certain defense and security-related activities. These companies have taken on part of the burden and responsibility but operate under limited oversight by state structures, particularly regarding client security and protection in high-security risk zones. In some cases, states deliberately withdraw from oversight and control of private military companies and their specialized teams to avoid legal and criminal liability associated with their engagement. This approach further complicates operations in these risky zones.
Informal security and protection groups are increasingly present in high-security risk zones. Their role and significance, often beyond the bounds of moral norms and legal regulations, have become indispensable. However, they will not be the subject of detailed analysis in this manual, despite certain similarities with specialized teams in terms of operations and tasks in high-risk areas. Their actions and tactics require separate treatment in a dedicated study. In this manual, informal groups will be addressed only in broad terms, through key definitions and comparisons with specialized teams in specific aspects.
Twenty years ago, the term „high-security risk zone“ referred to regions such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Mexico, or Colombia. However, today’s geopolitical situation, intertwined with wars, limited military conflicts, and low-intensity armed conflicts, has turned almost the entire world into a potential high-security risk zone. On the other hand, a high-security risk zone can also emerge unexpectedly, where least expected. Even seemingly harmless environments, such as a luxury restaurant in a metropolitan area, can instantly become high-risk zones due to unforeseen situations endangering client safety.
For these reasons, the tactics and operational procedures covered in this manual represent a unique combination of military-police strategy, small military combat unit tactics, classical security and client protection techniques, practical examples, and observations from operatives in real combat situations on the ground. Only tactics and techniques proven effective in practice and functioning in real-life scenarios are applied in this manual.
One key aspect often overlooked in literature and various security and protection courses available on the market is the financial and intelligence aspect of security operations. This dimension is crucial for both informal groups and specialized security teams, which sometimes rely on their own security assessments and information while often working with limited resources in high-risk zones. Although specialized teams are closely tied to private military companies, there are situations where operatives must depend on their own intelligence assessments and limited financial resources, particularly when engaged in sensitive regions or states, or when working with clients who could jeopardize the reputation of the private military companies employing them. In such cases, specific circumstances or the current situation on the ground often require operatives of specialized teams to adapt or improvise, potentially leading to deviations from legal and ethical norms. Additionally, understanding the international legal framework is crucial when planning and conducting security operations in high-security risk zones. Unfortunately, this aspect is often neglected, leading to severe consequences, such as the arrest or loss of life of operatives when situations spiral out of control.
This manual addresses the security and protection of clients from a practical and realistic perspective, without reliance on idealized scenarios often portrayed in the film industry. It presents tactical approaches used by specialized security and protection teams in high-security risk zones, as well as standard operating procedures for conducting security missions in such conditions. Detailed analyses of the tactics, techniques, and procedures of hostile forces aimed at compromising client and team safety are also included. Additionally, the manual provides an overview of the equipment and tools used by operatives during security operations, as well as a review of the standard and improvised weapons and equipment utilized by hostile forces in attacks.
A particular segment of this manual is dedicated to analyzing examples of attacks on specialized teams in high-security risk zones, as well as listing hostile groups with detailed overviews of their key characteristics and areas of operation in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Significant attention is also given to helicopter operations in high-security risk zones, tactical medicine, and the basic and specific combat indications related to the security operations of specialized teams in the field. This manual partially covers the tactical and technical aspects of firearm use but does not delve into specific techniques for handling firearms, assuming that experienced operatives, the intended audience of this manual, already possess the necessary knowledge in this area.
The goal of this manual is to raise awareness of the necessity for continuous improvement in operational-tactical, technical, and medical skills, which are crucial for successfully completing tasks in high-security risk zones. The thematic sections are carefully designed to serve as reminders for operatives of the importance of ongoing development, skill enhancement, and the understanding that every decision, action, and procedure in the field profoundly impacts not only the members of the specialized team but also the client’s safety.
The manual is structured into two main chapters. The first chapter explains the fundamental concepts related to high-security risk zones and client profiles, while the second chapter provides a detailed description of the tactics and operational procedures used by specialized teams. Special emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of working in real combat situations.
Written in a clear and comprehensible style, this manual is primarily intended for operatives of specialized teams engaged in client security and protection tasks in high-security risk zones. It may also be useful to operatives from informal groups performing similar tasks. At the same time, the manual can serve members of state security structures, offering them the opportunity to enhance, expand, and refine their knowledge and skills in this specific field.
If certain tactical actions, procedures, or rules are repeated multiple times, it is done deliberately to emphasize the critical importance of constant reminders that client safety, as well as the safety of the operatives protecting them, is an absolute priority—without exception.
The techniques, tactics, and standard operating procedures presented in this manual have universal applicability and can be utilized worldwide, regardless of geographical, political, or cultural circumstances, in all situations involving client security and protection in high-security risk zones.
Comprehensive Databases on Natural and Man-Made (Technological) Hazards and Disasters: Mapping Risks and Challenges
Preface: In today’s world, where disasters—whether natural or man-made (technological)—are happening more often and with greater impact, it’s more important than ever to have solid, easy-to-access information on the risks we face. That’s where this monograph, „Comprehensive Databases on Natural and Man-Made (Technological) Hazards and Disasters: Mapping Risks and Challenges,“ comes in. Also, it pulls together a range of databases that cover all kinds of disasters, aiming to give a full picture of the risks out there. This publication represents a collaborative effort between disaster risk management experts from Serbia and Austria, each contributing their specialized expertise to enrich the work. The main goal is simple: to offer a valuable resource for anyone involved in disaster risk reduction—whether they’re researchers, policymakers, or on-the-ground practitioners. By mapping out the risks and challenges tied to different hazards, we hope to help create better strategies for reducing disaster impacts. On the other side, we’ve taken a broad approach, covering both natural hazards (like earthquakes, tsunamis, and storms) and man-made ones (like industrial accidents and nuclear incidents). This gives a complete view of the global risk landscape, so no major threat is overlooked. Each chapter focuses on specific types of hazards, breaking down the databases that track these events, how they gather data, and how that data is used. These databases are essential for understanding how often these events happen, where they tend to occur, and how severe they are. This info is critical for predicting future disasters and preparing for them. Furthermore, we don’t stop at just listing databases, we also dig into the challenges of gathering, sharing, and using disaster data. There’s a huge range of data sources, and with different standards and the need for real-time info, it can be tricky. We talk about these obstacles and suggest ways to make disaster data easier to access and more practical to use. Another big focus is the role of technology in disaster risk management. Techs like geospatial tools, remote sensing, and data analytics have changed the game when it comes to monitoring and responding to disasters. We highlight some of the coolest tools and platforms out there that are using these technologies to make disaster management better and faster. Collaboration is key in disaster risk management, and this monograph really pushes the importance of international cooperation. Sharing information and resources across borders helps everyone be better prepared and more resilient. When countries work together, they can better predict and handle the impact of disasters. In a nutshell, this monograph is your go-to guide for understanding the many databases that track both natural and human-made disasters. It takes a hard look at where we stand with disaster data, points out both the challenges and opportunities in the field, and emphasizes how crucial technology, teamwork, and education are in building a safer, stronger world. Our hope is that this work will be a helpful resource and spark more research and innovation in disaster risk management. The monograph starts with an introduction that sets the stage for exploring natural and human-made hazards. It explains why accurate, accessible data is so important for managing disaster risks and gives an overview of the content. From there, the monograph is split into two main sections: Natural Hazards and Man-Made (Technological) Hazards. The Natural Hazards section covers everything from geological events (like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions) to meteorological and biological hazards (like floods, storms, and disease outbreaks). We go deep into the databases that track these events, how they collect data, and how that data is used in risk assessment and disaster management. The Man-Made Hazards section focuses on things like industrial accidents, nuclear disasters, chemical spills, and building collapses. Just like with natural hazards, we break down the key databases and discuss how they help manage and reduce these risks. Introduction: Large-scale disasters, from naturally occurring events such as earthquakes and tsunamis through to man-made ones including industrial accidents and financial crises—have been increasing of late in frequency and intensity, with long-lasting effects on societies and infrastructures while bursting into the global economy. Some of the drivers underlying these challenges—such as climate change, rapid urbanization, technological changes, and geopolitical instability—are becoming increasingly urgent, hence making current risks more complex. This changing scenario requires much more sophisticated ways of managing risks and preventing disasters. Recently, much focus has been directed toward Disaster Risk Reduction, which focuses on reducing the impact of disasters through improved preparedness, mitigation strategies, and rapid response plans. Global frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, draw attention to how data-driven risk assessments underpin resilience at levels ranging from the community to the nation-state and global levels. The increasing frequency and impact of disasters, further compelled by causes that are becoming increasingly interlinked, raise the need for accurate and comprehensive data to higher levels than ever before if risks are to be reduced effectively. The comprehensive mapping of risks and challenges of natural and artificial (technological) hazards and disasters, which was called for by the monograph entitled Comprehensive Databases on Natural and Man-Made (Technological) Hazards and Disasters: Mapping Risks and Challenges, discusses in some considerable detail the matter of pressing need for reliable data in disaster risk reduction. It goes on to give in-depth analysis regarding databases recording the occurrence of both natural hazards—such as earthquakes, floods, and storms—and human-made hazards that include industrial accidents and chemical spills. The effort here is to provide improved access to fundamental information necessary to reduce the impact of disasters and vulnerabilities worldwide by analyzing more than 50 of the most relevant databases. The authors would like to express their gratitude in this regard to Grammarly Premium and ChatGPT 4.0 for grammatical editing and reviewing this book chapter for clarity and quality in translation regarding English. Language improvement suggestions have been provided by the AI tools, but they have not been involved in the elaboration of the scientific content. Full responsibility for originality, validity, and integrity of the manuscript lies with the authors. The basis of any successful disaster risk management is having access to the right information at the right time. Forecasting natural disasters, monitoring environmental conditions that could cause industrial accidents, or tracking disease outbreaks—in all these areas, access to relevant information is key in making contextually informed decisions. However, this movement from pure response to proactive risk reduction has been prompted more than anything by leaps forward in the ways we can gather and integrate data and then analyze it. Data allows the professionals and the policymakers to predict when the events are likely to happen in the future owing to patterns from the past, weather trends, and geological insight in natural disasters. Seismic data, for example, informs the estimation of earthquake risk for areas around active fault lines; similarly, hydrologic models might forecast flood risk in heavy rain seasons. For man-made disasters, for instance, databases that track industrial process, hazardous material storage and safety protocols can find those most prone to accident and undertake precise preventative action before any accident occurs. Nevertheless, the availability and quality of disaster-related data still depend on the individual type of hazard, region, and local capacity for its collection. Whereas in most parts of the world certain risks, such as earthquakes or floods, are quantified, others—in particular, technological or economic hazards—are underreported, with no standardized data collection systems in place. The current monograph closes these gaps by means of a critical review of the diverse methodologies of the individual databases through pointing out strengths and weaknesses and by offering suggestions on how disaster data could be made more comprehensive and usable. Objectives of the Monograph: The primary goal of this monograph is to provide a thorough analysis of the available databases that track both natural and technological hazards. Specifically, it aims to: a) Offer a detailed overview of the most prominent databases that monitor various hazards, focusing on their scope, data collection methods, sources, and relevance to disaster risk management. b) Investigate the challenges associated with collecting, integrating, and utilizing disaster data, with a particular focus on issues of data quality, accessibility, and real-time application. c) Examine how technological advancements—such as satellite imagery, geospatial analysis, and real-time monitoring—are improving the way disaster data is collected and analyzed. d) Provide practical recommendations for enhancing disaster-related data systems, emphasizing the importance of data sharing, standardized reporting, and the incorporation of emerging technologies. e) Promote collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and disaster management professionals by creating a consolidated resource for understanding and utilizing disaster data effectively. Structure of the Monograph: The monograph is divided into two sections: Natural Hazards and Disasters and Man-Made (Technological) Hazards and Disasters. These contain several chapters covering specific kinds of hazards and the tracking and analysis databases for each. This is aimed at presenting the reader with a complete, systematic overview of the disaster data landscape for both natural and technological risks. This chapter, “Natural Hazards and Disasters,” presents a comprehensive analysis, of geological events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to hydrological and meteorological hazards, including floods, droughts, hurricanes, and biological hazards that affect human populations and ecosystems. Each chapter examines key databases for monitoring these hazards, discussing their role in disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, and response planning. a) Geological Hazards and Disasters: Seismic events, volcanic activity, and tsunamis are covered here, with databases like the USGS Earthquake Database and the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. These resources focus on assessing and improving early warning systems for geological hazards. b) Hydrological Hazards and Disasters: From floods to droughts, hydrological events can often be worsened by climate change. This section discusses databases like the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) and the Netherlands Flood Database, which help monitor flood risks and improve water management. c) Meteorological Hazards and Disasters: Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and heatwaves, influenced by climate change, are becoming more frequent and severe. This chapter reviews databases like the NOAA Storm Events Database and the World Meteorological Organization’s Severe Weather Database, which assist authorities in predicting and preparing for these atmospheric phenomena. d) Biological Hazards and Disasters: Epidemics, pandemics, and invasive species cause significant health crises and environmental damage. This chapter explores databases like the WHO’s Epidemic Data Platform and the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD), which monitor biological hazards and guide public health responses. This section “Man-Made (Technological) Hazards and Disasters” examines different man-made hazards that result from human activities, such as industrial operations, transportation systems, and urban development. These risks include industrial accidents, chemical spills, nuclear incidents, and urban disasters, all of which can cause significant harm to people, property, and the environment. a) Technological Hazards and Disasters: Industrial accidents, chemical spills, and nuclear incidents are explored in this chapter. It analyzes databases like the European Major Accident Reporting System (eMARS) and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Nuclear Events Web-based System (NEWS), which provide insights into the causes, impacts, and preventive measures for technological disasters. b) Urban Hazards and Disasters: As cities grow, the risk of urban hazards—such as building collapses, fires, and traffic accidents—rises. This chapter looks at databases like the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the Global Building Collapse Incident Database, which track urban risks and help shape urban planning and safety regulations. c) Social and Economic Hazards and Disasters: Social unrest, terrorism, and economic collapses are significant man-made hazards that can destabilize societies and economies. This chapter examines databases like the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) and the International Disaster Database (EM-DAT), which track incidents of terrorism, political instability, and economic crises, helping policymakers assess risks and develop mitigation strategies. This monograph uses a detailed, systematic approach, evaluating over 50 different databases that track disaster risks. We chose each database based on how relevant it is to specific hazards, its geographical coverage, how reliable the data is, and how easy it is to access. These databases cover a range of sectors, like public health, environmental science, industrial safety, and urban planning. We looked at each one closely, evaluating its effectiveness in disaster risk reduction, its strengths and weaknesses, and how well it could fit into larger data systems. We also dug deep into the challenges of collecting disaster-related data. Many of the issues stem from inconsistent standards across regions, difficulties with data sharing, and the hurdles of using real-time data. By identifying where current data systems fall short, we’ve made practical suggestions for improvement, aiming to add to the global conversation around disaster preparedness and resilience. Challenges and Opportunities in Disaster Data Collection: One of the biggest headaches with disaster data collection is the lack of consistency in how different regions, industries, and hazards report their information. Some databases provide detailed, real-time data, while others have significant gaps, outdated info, or cover only small areas. This monograph tackles these issues by pushing for standardized data collection methods that can work universally across different sectors and regions. On the flip side, new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, satellite imagery, and geospatial analysis are creating exciting opportunities. These tools improve the accuracy of disaster data, make real-time collection easier, and help create predictive models that aid decision-making. AI and machine learning, for instance, are changing how we identify risk patterns, forecast hazards more accurately, and issue timely alerts. Meanwhile, satellite imaging and remote sensing are game-changers for tracking natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, allowing emergency teams to respond more quickly. Geospatial analysis has become crucial for disaster risk reduction too, giving governments and organizations the insights they need to invest in the right mitigation efforts. Tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) layer multiple data sets to create detailed risk maps, showing vulnerable areas and forecasting how future disasters might play out. This tech is now widely used in disaster management, helping to better allocate resources and plan during crises. When it comes to managing disaster risks, international collaboration is crucial, especially because disasters often don’t respect borders and can impact several countries at once. Sharing data, research, and best practices among nations strengthens global efforts to improve early warning systems, disaster response strategies, and risk mitigation measures. This monograph emphasizes the importance of initiatives like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which promotes international cooperation in data collection and sharing. Platforms like the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) combine data from various countries, offering real-time alerts and comprehensive risk assessments for all kinds of disasters. International organizations like the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are key players in setting global standards for data collection and encouraging cross-border cooperation. They offer platforms where disaster data can be shared transparently, making sure that countries have the information they need to respond effectively to emergencies. This monograph explores how these global efforts help build a more resilient world, especially for vulnerable populations.The monograph also looks at how integrating regional databases into global systems can improve disaster risk reduction. For example, databases like the European Major Accident Reporting System (eMARS) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) provide localized data that, when integrated into global networks, enhance monitoring and response efforts. By combining regional and global insights, disaster preparedness becomes more coordinated, improving cross-border collaboration. Data Gaps and Future Directions Despite progress in disaster data collection, there are still big gaps, particularly in developing countries where resources for collecting and analyzing data are limited. This lack of accurate, timely data often leads to underreporting, incomplete datasets, and less capacity to address disaster risks globally. Certain hazards, like slow-onset disasters such as droughts, or complex risks involving technological failures, are also underrepresented in global databases because of the challenges in tracking and reporting them. This monograph highlights these gaps and suggests strategies to address them. Strengthening local capacity for data collection, investing in new technologies, and building international partnerships are critical steps toward filling these gaps. Additionally, non-traditional data sources, like social media and crowd-sourced information, can offer real-time, community-driven insights that complement traditional disaster monitoring systems. Looking ahead, there’s a lot of potential for new technologies to revolutionize disaster data systems. Blockchain, for instance, could improve secure data sharing, cloud computing could boost real-time data storage and analysis, and smart city technologies could integrate disaster risk management into urban planning. The Internet of Things (IoT) adds another layer of opportunity, with sensors monitoring environmental conditions and infrastructure in real-time, allowing preventive measures to be taken before disasters strike. Collecting and using disaster-related data comes with some serious ethical responsibilities. It’s crucial to make sure that the processes we use to gather this data respect people’s privacy and dignity, especially when we’re dealing with health-related information. For example, when tracking disease outbreaks, public health surveillance might need personal data, but it’s essential that this data is handled with care to protect individual privacy. International organizations, like the Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI), have set guidelines for how to ethically collect data during health emergencies, but these standards really need to be applied across all forms of disaster monitoring. Another big ethical issue is the gap between wealthy and poorer countries when it comes to accessing disaster-related data. Wealthier nations often have advanced systems to gather and analyze data, while developing countries might not have the infrastructure or resources to do the same. This imbalance puts vulnerable populations at even greater risk. Closing this gap will require international cooperation, capacity-building efforts, and data-sharing agreements that make sure all countries have the tools they need to manage disaster risks effectively. Lastly, we also need to think about who owns the data and how it’s controlled. With more private companies getting involved in data collection—whether it’s through satellite imagery, telecoms, or AI-powered analytics—there are valid concerns about who actually owns that data and how it’s being used. Governments and international organizations need to set clear rules to ensure that disaster-related data remains a public resource, available to all, and used for the good of society as a whole.
The Efficiency of Disaster and Crisis Management Policy at the Local Level: Lessons from Serbia
A scientific monograph offers a comprehensive examination of crisis and disaster management policy in Serbia. Leveraging rich scientific research experience in the field of disaster studies, the authors critically assess the merits and demerits of various levels of crisis and disaster management. Crafted to address the subject matter, objectives, and methodologies employed, the monograph stands as a multidimensional, multimethod work primarily of a qualitative nature. Rooted in a qualitative approach, it scrutinizes the concept of crisis and disaster management policy across 23 cities in Serbia. Beyond enriching understanding in the intricate realm of crisis and disaster management policy at the local level, its aim extends to furnishing recommendations concerning necessary methodological and organizational shifts in the operations of local governance and decision-making bodies, legal frameworks and protocols, security strategies, decision-making processes, coordination efforts, collaborative initiatives, communication strategies, public engagement practices, educational endeavors, and information dissemination channels. In terms of the societal justification for the research, derived from empirical findings, specific conclusions and proposals have been drawn regarding the efficacy, transparency, and deficiencies in the implementation of crisis management policy concepts within Serbian cities. Concrete recommendations and proposals are presented to enhance the qualitative aspects of the concept in areas where shortcomings or inadequacies are identified. The societal justification for this research primarily lies in augmenting the capacities of local self-governments to enhance preparedness, cope with, and overcome crises and disasters, fortify safety cultures, and foster the development of „resilient local communities.“ Within the initial portion of the scientific monograph, the authors scrutinize and elaborate on five thematic units, each classified into corresponding chapters. The opening (first) chapter explores crises and disasters as political constructs. Delving into the concepts of crisis and disaster, the discussion navigates through theoretical distinctions among related phenomena such as disasters, emergencies, risks, accidents, and crises. Special emphasis is placed on examining the characteristics of disasters and emergencies, with reference to typologies such as classical, modern, and combined. In the second chapter of the scientific monograph, the authors delve into theoretical concepts surrounding crisis and disaster management. They explore themes such as strategic management and leadership during crises and disasters, crisis management, emergency management, and related concepts. The chapter also examines the characteristics of crisis and disaster management, models of management processes during crises and disasters, crisis and disaster management within public administration, and organizational approaches to crisis and disaster management. Moving on to the third chapter, the authors undertake a comprehensive examination of crisis and disaster management policy. Within this section, they scrutinize various issues pertaining to crisis and disaster identification, decision-making in crisis and disaster situations, interpretation of crises and disasters within the realm of political communications, risk communication regarding crises and disasters, resolution strategies for crises and disasters, as well as the assignment of blame and responsibilities. The chapter also highlights the potential for organizational learning and the implementation of reforms induced by crises and disasters.The fourth chapter of the scientific monograph focuses on community resilience in crisis and disaster situations. Here, the authors outline the characteristics of resilient communities, with particular emphasis on urban safety and the criteria for designating cities as safe. Additionally, citizen responses to crises and disasters are examined within this context. In the fifth chapter, the authors explore crisis and disaster management practices within the European Union and European countries, along with the institutional framework for such management within the EU. Special attention is given to the analysis and description of crisis and disaster management systems across European nations. In the second part of the scientific monograph, a detailed methodological framework for the conducted research is presented. This includes discussions on research subjects, objectives, and tasks, as well as the hypothetical research framework, scientific and social justifications, sources and types of data, and methodologies for data collection and processing, alongside an overview of key indicators. The third part of the scientific monograph comprehensively describes the analytical dimensions of the conducted research results. The first chapter of this section explores the cultural and historical dimensions of crisis and disaster management policy in Serbia, examining administrative-territorial frameworks, central and local levels of management and administrative structures, responsibilities and regulatory frameworks, legal reforms, and degrees of regulatory governance. In the second chapter of the third part, the authors delve into the dimensions of crisis and disaster management as public policies, discussing the socio-economic context of crisis and disaster management in Serbian cities. They explore strategic frameworks, the development of strategic and institutional frameworks for security and crisis management at the local level, intersectoral collaboration, operational frameworks for disaster management, institutional frameworks, financing, coordination between agencies, supervision, evaluation of public policies, and resource monitoring. In the third chapter, the exploration extends to partnerships and collaborative efforts in crisis and disaster management processes within Serbian municipalities. This encompasses the intricate dynamics between the state, local self-governance, and citizens concerning crisis management policies in Serbia. It further delves into the expectations that local self-governments hold towards citizens and vice versa, particularly regarding the safeguarding of their interests. Additionally, the chapter scrutinizes the typologies of crises and their perceptual reality among citizens in Serbia, as well as the identified risks delineated in national and local strategic documents. Furthermore, it examines scenarios in crisis and disaster management where volunteer engagement is integral, assessing the readiness level of citizens for such involvement within local communities. Moreover, the chapter explores collaborative initiatives with neighboring municipalities, ongoing projects concerning crisis management within Serbian local self-governments, and the scope and nature of regional or international cooperation pertaining to crisis and disaster management at the local level in Serbia.Concluding with the fourth chapter, attention shifts towards the realm of information dissemination and educational endeavors concerning crises and disasters within Serbian municipalities. This includes the specialized training programs tailored for mayoral officials in navigating crisis and disaster scenarios effectively. Moreover, it encompasses the intricacies of crisis communication strategies deployed at the local level and the pivotal role of informative and educational initiatives as integral components of proactive crisis management strategies within local communities.
Exploring Multifaceted Factors Influencing Community Resilience to Earthquake-Induced Geohazards: Insights from Montenegro
COMMUNITY DISASTER RESILIENCE IN SERBIA
Spremnost srednjih škola Sliva Zapadne Morave u Republici Srbiji za smanjenje rizika od katastrofa i upravlјanje vanrednim situacijama
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
In an age where the intricate interplay between human activities and the environment demands careful consideration, „Human Resource Management in Environmental Security“ emerges as a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic relationship between human resources and environmental sustainability. This academic endeavor seeks to navigate the complexities inherent in managing human capital within the framework of environmental protection. In the pursuit of securing our environment, the traditional paradigms of human resource management must evolve to meet the challenges posed by climate change, resource depletion, and ecological imbalances. Globalization introduces an array of new challenges and imposes escalating requirements concerning environmental quality, creating an imperative for innovative solutions. In response, human resource management becomes a proactive force, necessitating the initiation of strategic initiatives aimed at improving the quality of human potential expression through the thoughtful allocation and maximization of resources. The complexity inherent in determining coordination and subordination in the functioning of the environment alongside other systems is defined by a strategic conflict. This conflict is intricately conditioned, on one hand, by the economic needs of local governments striving for progress and, on the other hand, by the imperative of ensuring the sustainability of the environment. Human resources management emerges as a pivotal link in addressing, navigating, and ultimately overcoming this intricate strategic conflict. The term „human capital“ is inextricably linked to Human Resources, serving as a nuanced reflection of their physical, spiritual, and emotional characteristics. The result of engaging human resources in the environment transcends mere utilitarianism and could not hitherto be accurately identified with their overall resources. Detecting, targeting, and engaging the latent human potential in environmental protection emerges as a profound challenge, requiring a multidimensional approach. Provided it is secured by robust environmental support, the „human capital“ owned by a unit of local government transforms into a potential driving force of high-value performances within the environment and the jurisdiction covered by the local government. The role of human resources in environmental protection is not just significant but indispensable. Consequently, there is an immense need to focus on comprehending the behavior of human resources and identifying opportunities for their holistic development. This emphasis is crucial as it positions human resources as a decisive factor influencing and affecting the continuity in achieving environmental sustainability. Human resources within local governments are dynamic entities capable of learning, expressing the ability to create, acquire, and transmit new knowledge and concepts. They do so successfully by adapting these innovations to their neighborhoods, their environment, and their overarching intentions. In line with the previously stated premises, there exists a pressing need for a scientific breakthrough in the modelling of human resources. This breakthrough aims to position human resources as the true value of each respective local government, both concerning the integrity of the scope of their business activities and, especially, when it comes to environmental protection. This study represents a significant step in that transformative direction. The created model of human resource management in environmental protection is not just a theoretical construct; it’s a pragmatic concept that fundamentally alters the character of the basic assumptions about human resources for the environment. This initiative marks the initiation of a change in the established context, setting the stage for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. This book is a collaborative effort that brings together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to shed light on the multifaceted dimensions of human resource management in the context of environmental security. By delving into theoretical frameworks, empirical studies, and practical applications, it endeavors to provide a holistic understanding of how human resources can be strategically leveraged to address environmental issues. The chapters within this volume address a spectrum of topics, including motivational factors for environmental stewardship, sustainable resource management, and the role of local self-government in mitigating environmental externalities. Through rigorous academic inquiry and thoughtful analysis, the contributors contribute to the growing body of knowledge that informs both scholarship and practical approaches to human resource management for environmental sustainability. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the authors who have dedicated their expertise to this scientific field, the reviewers whose insightful feedback enhanced the quality of the content, and the contributors whose diverse perspectives enrich the discourse. We hope that the insights presented in these pages stimulate critical thinking, inspire innovative solutions, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the crucial intersection of human resource management, environmental security and emergency management.
Otpornost na katastrofe - vodič za prevenciju, reagovanje i oporavak
Dragi čitaoci, sa zadovoljstvom vam predstavljamo knjigu ,,Otpornost na katastrofe – Vodič za Prevenciju, Reagovanje i Oporavak”. Ova knjiga je namenjena svima koji žele da se bolje pripreme za nepredviđene situacije, bilo da su izazvane prirodnim katastrofama poput zemljotresa, poplava ili šumskim požarima ili antropogenim katastrofama kao što su požari, nezgode na radu, teroristički napadi ili pandemije. Živimo u svetu koji se neprestano menja i često se suočavamo sa izazovima koji zahtevaju brzo i efikasno reagovanje.
Osmišljena je kako bi vam pomogla da razumete različite aspekte katastrofa, da prepoznate rizike i da se pripremite za njih. Kroz nju ćete saznati kako da zaštitite sebe, svoje porodice i zajednicu, kako da reagujete u nepredviđenim situacijama i kako da se oporavite nakon katastrofe. Nema ništa važnije od bezbednosti i dobrobiti onih koje volimo i zato je važno da budemo informisani i spremni. Ova knjiga vam pruža praktične savete, korake za planiranje i konkretne smernice koje će vam pomoći da budete spremni za sve što budućnost može doneti. Kroz detaljne opise i praktične primere, naučićete kako da se nosite sa različitim scenarijima, okolnostima i situacijama koje se mogu javiti u vanrednim situacijama.
Autor ove knjige je posvetio mnogo vremena i truda kako bi vam pružio najvažnije informacije o katastrofama i kako da se nosite sa njima. Zasnovani na stručnim saznanjima i iskustvima stručnjaka iz različitih oblasti, ovi saveti su utemeljeni na najnovijim istraživanjima i najboljim praksama u oblasti katastrofa. Nadamo se da ćete ovu knjigu koristiti kao resurs za unapređenje vaše sopstvene otpornosti i zaštite, ali takođe i kao sredstvo za edukaciju i osnaživanje vaših zajednica. Zajedno, možemo da stvorimo bezbednije i otpornije zajednice, spremne za izazove koje budućnost donosi. U knjizi ćete pronaći informacije o osnovnim koracima koje treba preduzeti kako biste se zaštitili i pripremili za katastrofe. Upoznaćete se sa konkretnim savetima o tome kako da kreirate plan za vanredne situacije za vašu porodicu, šta treba da imate u kući za slučaj katastrofe i kako da se ponašate tokom samih takvih okolnosti. Osim toga, razmotrićemo i važnost obnove nakon katastrofe i kako da se oporavite sa što manje posledica.
Ovaj vodič ne obuhvata samo niz pratičnih saveta; on takođe otvara prostor za stručnu diskusiju o otpornosti i pripremljenosti za katastrofe. Uključivanje mladih, stručnih i ambicioznih naučnih saradnika u pisanje domaćih i međunarodnih projekata, kao i u sprovođenje naučnih istraživanja, predstavlja korak ka izgradnji stručne zajednice posvećene prevenciji, reagovanju i oporavku od katastrofa. Kroz analize rizika, proučavanje efikasnih strategija reagovanja i istraživanje novih tehnologija, ova zajednica doprinosi širem razumevanju i unapređenju otpornosti društava na nepredviđene događaje. Ovaj multidisciplinarni pristup, podržan stručnim saznanjima i iskustvima, ključan je za izgradnju održivih sistema prevencije i upravljanja u katastrofama. Želim da napomenem i to da je ova knjiga više od samo praktičnog vodiča; ona je ključ za otkrivanje snalažljivosti i pripremljenosti u nepredviđenim okolnostima.
Sažeta u ovom vodiču su znanja i veštine koje će vas naučiti kako da zaštitite sebe, svoje najbliže i vašu zajednicu, pružajući vam bezbednost u svetu koji se neprestano menja. Ona nije običan priručnik već je poziv na akciju, inspiracija za razmišljanje i ključ za transformaciju našeg shvatanja o otpornosti. Sa stručnim i sveobuhvatnim pristupom, istražuje različite aspekte katastrofa, prepoznaje rizike i priprema nas za pravilno postupanje u takvim situacijama. Ovaj vodič nije samo resurs za ličnu otpornost, već i temelj za izgradnju zajednica spremnih na izazove koje budućnost nosi. Spremni ste za otkrivanje sveta otpornosti na katastrofe? Započnite svoje usavršavanje sa ovom jedinstvenom knjigom koja će vas podstaći da razmišljate, delujete i postanete deo globalne zajednice otpornosti. U svetlu ubrzanog tempa promena koje oblikuju naše okruženje, ,,Otpornost na katastrofe” postavlja se kao sredstvo za razumevanje kompleksnosti savremenog života. Bez obzira da li se suočavate sa poplavama, zemljotresima, nesrećama na radu, terorističkim napadima ili pandemijama, ovaj vodič nudi dragoceno uputstvo za sagledavanje rizika i efikasno reagovanje. Ono što izdvaja ovu knjigu jeste njena praktična orijentacija. Ne samo da vam pruža informacije o tome kako se ponašati tokom katastrofe, već vas navodi da razmislite o koracima koje možete preduzeti unapred kako biste se pripremili i bili otporniji na katastrofe koje će biti sve učestalije i razornije.
Osim toga, knjiga naglašava važnost procesa oporavka nakon katastrofe, pružajući smernice o tome kako se nositi sa stresom i obnavljati normalnost u životu. Poseban naglasak stavljen je na ulogu zajednice u izgradnji otpornosti. Ova knjiga podstiče čitaoce da razmišljaju o svojoj ulozi u širem kontekstu i kako zajedno možemo stvoriti bezbednije i otpornije zajednice. Kroz primerima obogaćen tekst, otkrivate konkretne korake koje možete preduzeti kako biste doprineli jačanju kolektivne otpornosti na katastrofe. Stručni pristup autora proizilazi iz iskustva i saznanja stručnjaka iz različitih oblasti studija katastrofa. Njihova posvećenost pružanju relevantnih informacija i saveta ogleda se u temeljnom proučavanju najnovijih istraživanja i primeni najboljih praksi. Svaki savet i smernica podržani su stručnim znanjem, a multidisciplinarni pristup pruža sveobuhvatan uvid u kompleksnost izazova sa kojima se suočavamo.
Neka vam ova knjiga ,,Otpornost na katastrofe – Vodič za prevenciju, reagovanje i oporavak bude lični vodič u pripremi, reagovanju i oporavku u katastrofama izazvanim prirodnim i antropogenim opasnostima
ISTORIJSKI RAZVOJ NAUČNO-STRUČNOG DRUŠTVA ZA UPRAVLJANJE RIZICIMA U VANREDNIM SITUACIJAMA
Medijski sistem Bosne i Hercegovine i promene identiteta
Ova monografija je rezultat i nastavak autorovih interesovanja i istraživanja u oblastima srodnim temi master rada, koji je odbranio na Kriminalističko-policijskom univerzitetu u Beogradu. Izbor predmeta istraživanja, ali i primenjena naučno-stručna aparatura ukazuju na multidisciplinarnost pristupa i njegovu društvenu opravdanost. Naime, osim studija medija, konfliktologije, teorije identiteta, sociologije, komunikologije, politikologije i nauke o bezbednosti, u radu su umnogome zastuplјene i mnogobrojne srodne društvene discipline ‒ etika, istorija, međunarodno pravo, politički marketing, diplomatija i druge. U skladu s multietničkom, multiverskom i multikulturnom orijentacijom Bosne i Hercegovine, autor je nastojao da, proučavajući sveukupnost komunikacijske prakse, sagleda aktuelne rezultate u izgradnji novih identiteta. S obzirom na to da su u istraživanju korišćeni relevantni teorijski izvori, empirijska istraživanja i radovi iz različitih naučnih polјa, za analizu svake pojedinačne oblasti primenjivan je odgovarajući kategorijalni aparat.
Osnovni cilј autora je bio da kroz određenje istorijskog konteksta nastajanja savremenog medijskog sistema Bosne i Hercegovine istakne njegov značaj u političkom, etničkom, nacionalnom, kulturnom i obrazovnom smislu, uvek iz aspekta bezbednosti. Sistematiza-cijom teorijskih pristupa i tipologijom modela medijskih sistema identifikovane su informacione determinante unutar šireg komunikacijskog kompleksa Bosne i Hercegovine u periodu 1997‒2022. godine. Na taj način je ukazano i na funkcionalnost, prirodu i obrazac modifikovanja medijskog sistema u skladu s procesima digi-talizacije, ali i na poziciju međunarodnih aktera koji pokušavaju da iz senke oblikuju agendu za promenu svesti javnog mnjenja. Name-ra autora je bila da pojasni teorijsko određenje i pozicioniranje medijskog sistema u okvirima prirode i delovanja javnih medija i kontekstu uticaja na kreiranje novog identiteta koji bi odražavao kolektivitet stanovništva Bosne i Hercegovine.
Rad je metodološki strukturiran u tri poglavlјa ‒ Uloga i značaj komunikacionih agensa i njihovog uticaja na društvo, Normativni okvir medijskog sistema Bosne i Hercegovine i Funkcije medijskih sistema u kreiranju identiteta i nacionalne bezbednosti, pri čemu svako od njih predstavlјa zaokruženu teorijsko-empirijsku celi-nu. Usled ubrzanih i sveobuhvatnih tehnoloških promena unutar medijskog kompleksa Bosne i Hercegovine, društvo je poprimilo sasvim drugačije, modernije i eksplozivnije komunikacijske okvi-re. Spajanjem kompjuterskih mreža, telekomunikacija i klasičnih masovnih medija nastali su mnogobrojni njuz portali i hibridni mediji. U praksi je auditorijum razmasovlјen, odnosno podelјen na stariju publiku, vernu klasičnim medijima, i mlade koji informacije uglavnom traže u virtuelnom prostoru. Novija istraživanja percepcije i stavova građana/ki Bosne i Hercegovine ukazuju na promenu svesti javnosti s postepenim razotkrivanjem nastojanja političkih elita da ih „svojim slikama stvarnosti” antagonizuju s Drugima. Kreiranje atmosfere zamrznutog koflikta sa susednim etnicitetima ili konfesijama ima za posledicu latentno ili manifestno narušavanje nacionalne bezbednosti, odnosno nedovršeno i nestabilno društvo.
Monografija pred čitaocima predstavlјa skroman doprinos autora nastojanjima da se ukaže na snagu i moć svakog pojedinca, naročito u društvima u tranzicionim promenama. Ekskluzivnost uloge medijskih sistema u kreiranju novih identiteta nesumnjivo je veoma važna za širu javnost, ali i za sveukupnu bezbednost države. Građa-ni/ke nisu dovolјno upoznati s fenomenima participativnog novinarstva, formalnih i neformalnih socijalnih medijatora ili virtuelnim oblikovanjem javnosti, iako svojevolјno ili ne već umnogo-me učestvuju u propagandnim postupcima. Rasvetlјavanje takvih promena, kao i ukazivanje na zamke i opasnosti od političkog uplitanja, zloupotreba i uticaja na medijsku stvarnost bili su motiv i povod za nastanak ove knjige, koja će, kako autor istinski veruje, biti njegov skroman doprinos razvoju i demokratizaciji društva, negovanju tolerancije i stvaranju sigurnijeg bezbednosnog okruženja.
ISTORIJSKI RAZVOJ NAUČNO-STRUČNOG DRUŠTVA ZA UPRAVLJANJE RIZICIMA U VANREDNIM SITUACIJAMA
Medijski sistem Bosne i Hercegovine i promene identiteta
Ova monografija je rezultat i nastavak autorovih interesovanja i istraživanja u oblastima srodnim temi master rada, koji je odbranio na Kriminalističko-policijskom univerzitetu u Beogradu. Izbor predmeta istraživanja, ali i primenjena naučno-stručna aparatura ukazuju na multidisciplinarnost pristupa i njegovu društvenu opravdanost. Naime, osim studija medija, konfliktologije, teorije identiteta, sociologije, komunikologije, politikologije i nauke o bezbednosti, u radu su umnogome zastuplјene i mnogobrojne srodne društvene discipline ‒ etika, istorija, međunarodno pravo, politički marketing, diplomatija i druge. U skladu s multietničkom, multiverskom i multikulturnom orijentacijom Bosne i Hercegovine, autor je nastojao da, proučavajući sveukupnost komunikacijske prakse, sagleda aktuelne rezultate u izgradnji novih identiteta. S obzirom na to da su u istraživanju korišćeni relevantni teorijski izvori, empirijska istraživanja i radovi iz različitih naučnih polјa, za analizu svake pojedinačne oblasti primenjivan je odgovarajući kategorijalni aparat.
Osnovni cilј autora je bio da kroz određenje istorijskog konteksta nastajanja savremenog medijskog sistema Bosne i Hercegovine istakne njegov značaj u političkom, etničkom, nacionalnom, kulturnom i obrazovnom smislu, uvek iz aspekta bezbednosti. Sistematiza-cijom teorijskih pristupa i tipologijom modela medijskih sistema identifikovane su informacione determinante unutar šireg komunikacijskog kompleksa Bosne i Hercegovine u periodu 1997‒2022. godine. Na taj način je ukazano i na funkcionalnost, prirodu i obrazac modifikovanja medijskog sistema u skladu s procesima digi-talizacije, ali i na poziciju međunarodnih aktera koji pokušavaju da iz senke oblikuju agendu za promenu svesti javnog mnjenja. Name-ra autora je bila da pojasni teorijsko određenje i pozicioniranje medijskog sistema u okvirima prirode i delovanja javnih medija i kontekstu uticaja na kreiranje novog identiteta koji bi odražavao kolektivitet stanovništva Bosne i Hercegovine.
Rad je metodološki strukturiran u tri poglavlјa ‒ Uloga i značaj komunikacionih agensa i njihovog uticaja na društvo, Normativni okvir medijskog sistema Bosne i Hercegovine i Funkcije medijskih sistema u kreiranju identiteta i nacionalne bezbednosti, pri čemu svako od njih predstavlјa zaokruženu teorijsko-empirijsku celi-nu. Usled ubrzanih i sveobuhvatnih tehnoloških promena unutar medijskog kompleksa Bosne i Hercegovine, društvo je poprimilo sasvim drugačije, modernije i eksplozivnije komunikacijske okvi-re. Spajanjem kompjuterskih mreža, telekomunikacija i klasičnih masovnih medija nastali su mnogobrojni njuz portali i hibridni mediji. U praksi je auditorijum razmasovlјen, odnosno podelјen na stariju publiku, vernu klasičnim medijima, i mlade koji informacije uglavnom traže u virtuelnom prostoru. Novija istraživanja percepcije i stavova građana/ki Bosne i Hercegovine ukazuju na promenu svesti javnosti s postepenim razotkrivanjem nastojanja političkih elita da ih „svojim slikama stvarnosti” antagonizuju s Drugima. Kreiranje atmosfere zamrznutog koflikta sa susednim etnicitetima ili konfesijama ima za posledicu latentno ili manifestno narušavanje nacionalne bezbednosti, odnosno nedovršeno i nestabilno društvo.
Monografija pred čitaocima predstavlјa skroman doprinos autora nastojanjima da se ukaže na snagu i moć svakog pojedinca, naročito u društvima u tranzicionim promenama. Ekskluzivnost uloge medijskih sistema u kreiranju novih identiteta nesumnjivo je veoma važna za širu javnost, ali i za sveukupnu bezbednost države. Građa-ni/ke nisu dovolјno upoznati s fenomenima participativnog novinarstva, formalnih i neformalnih socijalnih medijatora ili virtuelnim oblikovanjem javnosti, iako svojevolјno ili ne već umnogo-me učestvuju u propagandnim postupcima. Rasvetlјavanje takvih promena, kao i ukazivanje na zamke i opasnosti od političkog uplitanja, zloupotreba i uticaja na medijsku stvarnost bili su motiv i povod za nastanak ove knjige, koja će, kako autor istinski veruje, biti njegov skroman doprinos razvoju i demokratizaciji društva, negovanju tolerancije i stvaranju sigurnijeg bezbednosnog okruženja.
UPRAVLJANJE U NUKLEARNIM KATASTROFAMA
Knjiga ,,Upravljanje u nuklearnim katastrofama“ predstavlja originalno, sveobuhvatno i prvo delo na našim prostorima u kojem se prikazuju rezultati teorijskog i empirijskog istraživanja karakteristika različitih faza integrisanog upravljanja u nuklearnim katastrofama, kao što su: prevencija i ublažavanje rizika od nuklearnih katastrofa; pripremljenost građana, lokalnih zajednica i države za nuklearne katastrofe; odgovor (mere zaštite i spasavanja sa taktikom njihove primene) i oporavak od posledica nuklearnih katastrofa. Pored toga, autori na vrlo intuitivan, pristupačan i razumljiv način opisuju složenu fenomenologiju nuklearnih katastrofa sa posebnim osvrtom na korišćenje nuklearne energije u mirnodopske svrhe i nuklearni terorizam kao jednu od najozbiljnijih pretnji bezbednosti u XXI veku.
Pored sveobuhvatnih teorijskih elaboracija, u naučnoj monografiji autori predstavljaju rezultate kvantitativnog istraživanja uticaja demografskih, socio-ekonomskih i psiholoških karakteristika ispitanika na njihove stavove o brojnim relevantim pitanjima iz oblasti upravljanja u nuklearnim katastrofama (percepcija rizika i strahovi o nuklearnim katastrofama, percepcija o prihvatanju i odbijanju korišćenja nuklearne energije u mirnodopske svrhe, multidimenzionalna pripremljenost građana, lokalnih zajednica, države i interventno-spasilačkih službi (policije, vatrogasno-spasilačkih jedinica i službe hitne medicinske pomoći) za reagovanje u nuklearnim katastrofama, percepcija pozitivnih i negativnih perspektiva izmene zakonske regulative o izgradnji nuklearnih elektrana u Srbiji).
Višeetapnim slučajnim uzorkovanjem, anketirano je nekoliko stotina građana, na području grada Beograda, korišćenjem metode snežne grudve. Dobijeni podaci su analizirani i interpretirani korišćenjem statističkih tehnika, kao što su: višestruka regresija, Hi-kvadrat test, Jednofaktorska analiza varijanse (ANOVA), T-test i Pirsonova linearna korelacija. Rezultati naučnog istraživanja umnogome doprinose unapređenju teorijskog i empirijskog fonda naučnih saznanja koja se mogu iskoristiti za kreiranje strategija i programa unapređenja pripremljenosti stanovništva za reagovanje u različitim nuklearnim i radiološkim katastrofama.
Autori zahvalјuju recenzentima prof. dr Vladimiru Jakovlјeviću, prof. dr Srđanu Milašinoviću i prof. dr Bojanu Jankoviću, koji su umnogome doprineli modernosti i unapređenju strukturiranosti i sadržajnosti naučne monografije. Posebnu zahvalnost autori duguju svojim porodicama koje su nam pružile nesebičnu podršku i bili oslonac tokom pisanja monografije. Veliku podršku, autori duguju i Naučno-stručnom društvu za upravlјanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama i Međunarodnom institutu za istraživanje katastrofa, bez čije naučne, logističke i finansijske podrške knjiga ne bi ugledala svetlost dana.
Referenca – Cvetković, V., & Martinović, J. (2021). Upravljanje u nuklearnim katastrofama. Beograd: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
MITOVI O KATASTROFAMA: ISTINE I ZABLUDE
Knjiga ,,Mitovi o katastrofama: istine i zablude“ predstavlja bogatu riznicu podataka o najaktuelnijim i praktikovanim mitovima iz oblasti studija katastrofa, koji se razlikuju po svojoj morfologiji i društvenoj funkcionalnosti. Vešto i pronicljivo objašnjavajući suprotstavljene načine interpretacije ponašanja ljudi u uslovima katastrofa, autori na interesantan, znalački i dovitljiv način elaboriraju opšte mitove o katastrofama, mitove iz domena zdravstva, kao i iz domena pružanja humanitarne pomoći. Neprekidno tragajući za otkrivanjem istine i zablude, autori na virtuozan i naučno prihvatljiv stil preispituju mnogobrojne mitove: prirodne katastrofe su izuzetni i retki događaji; katastrofe ubijaju nasumično bez poštovanja ekonomskog ili socijalnog statusa; tehnologije će spasiti svet od prirodnih katastrofa; zemljotresi su prirodne opasnosti koje prouzrokuju velike ljudske žrtve; prirodne katastrofe slabe moral pogođene zajednice; neodlučnost ljudi za evakuaciju u uslovima katastrofa; nakon katastrofe, stvari se vraćaju u normalu kroz nekoliko nedelja; privremena naselja su idealna stambena rešenja za žrtve katastrofe; preopterećenost najbliže bolnice pacijentima nedaleko od mesta katastrofe; donacije krvi su u uslovima katastrofa neophodne; žrtve katastrofa razvijaju „Sindrom katastrofe“; prirodne katastrofe stvaraju epidemije zaraznih bolesti; mit o paničnom ponašanju ljudi u uslovima katastrofa; katastrofe prouzrokuju antisocijalno ponašanje itd.
Uvreženost i opšteprihvaćenost spomenutih mitova o katastrofama, naprosto nameću potrebu sprovođenja multimetodskih istraživanja, imajući u vidu da njihovo praktikovanje unapređuje ili unazađuje organizovanje integrisane i efikasne zaštite ljudi i materijalnih dobara od prirodnih i antropogenih katastrofa. Osim neprocenjivih teorijskih elaboracija, autori u naučnoj monografiji predstavljaju impresivne i obilne rezultate kvantitativnog istraživanja u kojem se ispituje nivo praktikovanja mitova o katastrofama. Polazeći od činjenice da je svako ponašanje koje nije zasnovano na naučnim činjenicama domen mitskog tumačenja stvarnosti, višeetapnim slučajnim uzorkovanjem, sprovedeno je sveobuhvatno istraživanje na području Beograda, na uzorku od preko 250 ispitanika. Dobijeni podaci su analizirani i interpretirani korišćenjem statističkih tehnika, kao što su: Standardna višestruka regresija, Hi-kvadrat test, Jednofaktorska analiza varijanse, T-test i Pirsonova linearna korelacija. Rezultati istraživanja prikazanog u monografiji mogu biti iskorišćeni od strane donosioca odluka u Srbiji za potrebe unapređenja sveobuhvatne pripremljenosti za reagovanje u prirodnim i antropogenim katastrofama.
Referenca – Cvetković, V., & Marina, J. (2021). Mitovi o katastrofama: istine i zablude. Beograd: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
