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.
Development and Improvement of the Communication Strategy of the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management
The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management lacks a communication strategy that would enhance the organization’s activities in improving the safety of people in disaster situations in the Republic of Serbia. The absence of such a strategic document prevents the organization from significantly influencing the awareness of citizens and decision-makers in the area of protection and rescue in disaster situations.
Expanding on this issue, the absence of a well-defined communication strategy leads to a lack of coordinated efforts in raising public awareness, disseminating crucial information, and advocating for stronger policies. Without a clear communication roadmap, the organization misses opportunities to engage effectively with stakeholders, from local communities to national authorities, which limits its impact on both preventative measures and emergency responses.
3.2. What is the goal of the project?
The overall goal of the project is to improve the communication strategy of the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, which will strengthen the organization’s advocacy capacities in improving the safety of people during disaster situations in the Republic of Serbia. Given that the organization currently lacks a communication strategy, the project aims to define activities and engage a consultant who would help the organization enhance its advocacy position in processes related to defining and disseminating campaigns that improve the institutional and legal framework of the Republic of Serbia in the field of disaster management, while aligning with European Union regulations and standards.
By improving the organization’s communication standards, the following changes will be enabled: a stronger impact on raising public awareness and knowledge in the field of disaster situations; better connections between the organization, decision-makers, and citizens to influence reform processes in line with European standards and directives; improved external and internal communication, further strengthening the organization; enabling direct influence on the wider population, thereby accelerating reform processes in the field of disaster management, etc.
In terms of specific project objectives, the following changes will be achieved to foster the organization’s development: improved communication among all organization members; enhanced communication between the organization and external entities significant for protection and rescue in disaster situations; strengthened communication with all international organizations relevant for knowledge and experience exchange, particularly in terms of aligning with EU scientific and institutional standards in disaster situations; a developed and reinforced advocacy position through national and international campaigns; a higher level of public awareness about the organization’s work and its influence on reform processes in the country.
3.3. How does the project contribute to the development of the organization and the initiation of new ideas?
The project will conduct the necessary analyses required for the creation of a communication strategy that will enable the achievement of the previously mentioned goals. Therefore, the result of the project will be a comprehensively written and adopted communication strategy that will allow the further development of external and internal communication with all relevant entities and forces in disaster protection and rescue.
To achieve the project’s goal of creating a communication strategy, the following activities will be carried out: content analysis to collect data beneficial for improving the organization’s communication; this analysis will help identify all relevant problems; analysis of the organization’s micro and macro environment; implementation of a SWOT analysis that will allow the organization to identify its strengths (e.g., what are our advantages in communication? What are we doing right? What communication resources do we have? Do we have a person/department that deals with these issues? What do others see as our strengths?) and weaknesses (e.g., what can we improve in communication? What are we doing wrong? What should we avoid?), as well as to examine potential threats/obstacles (e.g., what resources do we have? What media are we using? What are we doing wrong, and how can we improve? What threats surround us?); analysis of public opinion and their attitudes towards the organization and key issues; conducting quantitative research regarding the organization’s communication; public segmentation; designing campaigns for segmented audiences; planning the schedule of all planned activities and understanding how each activity is connected with other aspects of the strategy over time; defining the budget for improving communication with the public; developing tools for continuous monitoring of indicators related to the efficiency of the organization’s communication.
3.4. Achieved results
Through the project, the necessary analyses for the development of the communication strategy will be carried out, enabling the fulfillment of the aforementioned objectives. The project outcome will be a comprehensive and well-developed communication strategy that will facilitate the further development of external and internal communication with all relevant entities and disaster protection and rescue forces.
Sustainability of the project solutions related to organizational development and the initiation of new ideas
After the project’s completion, which pertains to the development of the organization’s communication strategy, the NSD-URVS will continue all activities throughout its future existence, considering that the goals set forth in its Statute align with the objectives of this project, which is to influence the improvement of disaster management in Serbia. This strategy will become a foundation for sustainable progress, enabling the organization to continually adapt and refine its communication practices in response to emerging challenges and opportunities in disaster risk management.
A Predictive Model of Community Disaster Resilience based on Social Identity Influences
The territory of Serbia is vulnerable to various types of natural and man-made disasters. The risk is not equal across the entire territory, depending on the type of hazard and the expected potential for damage. So far, the level of community disaster resilience has not been determined in Serbia. There are no scientific preconditions for its improvement to reduce the future material and intangible consequences of disasters. Regarding that, the project’s main objective is to develop and validate a predictive model of community disaster resilience based on social identity influences through an investigation impact of social identity indicators on the level of community disaster resilience in Serbia. The project is based on the upcoming research on whether the level of community disaster resilience can be predicted based on social identity indicators, how social identity indicators affect different dimensions of community disaster resilience, and how disasters shape social identity. The project is based on multimethod research in which quantitative (face-to-face interviews in 40 of the 191 municipalities), and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) research methodology will be applied. A developed predictive model with an index of community disaster resilience in Serbia will empower the creation of preconditions for designing public policies, strategies and procedures for improving resilience and reducing the consequences of disasters on people and their property and enhancing citizens’ security. The project will encourage the prediction of community disaster resilience based on social identity indicators, improving disaster foresight and preparing to limit disaster losses. Based on the development of analytical frameworks for understanding community disaster resilience and social identity in disasters, essential preconditions for designing innovative information systems will be created to enable local communities to increase their level of resilience.
Strengthening the System of Integrated Disaster Risk Management in Serbia
The territory of Serbia is highly vulnerable to various natural hazards, with risk levels differing depending on the type of hazard and its potential damage. Seismic hazards, landslides, floods, flash floods, excessive erosion, droughts, and wildfires are among the most significant threats. These natural processes directly and indirectly pose risks to the environment, population, and material assets. However, the current state of disaster protection in Serbia is characterized by incomplete and inaccessible information on disaster risks and their consequences, coupled with insufficient public participation in disaster risk reduction efforts. Local authorities, professional services, and consultants lack the capacity for a modern, comprehensive approach to disaster risk management. Additionally, there is no unified database detailing the spatial distribution of natural disasters or identifying critical zones for potential hazards such as floods and landslides. The overall disaster protection system in Serbia is underdeveloped, particularly regarding spatial risk management. Despite the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, Serbia has yet to conduct a comprehensive scientific study identifying the weaknesses and opportunities to enhance its disaster risk management system.
In response to these challenges, the DISARIMES Project (Strengthening the Integrated Disaster Risk Management System in Serbia) aims to bolster disaster risk management capabilities through research, development, and the application of innovative solutions. The project emphasizes preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery phases, ultimately enhancing the resilience of Serbian communities against natural and anthropogenic disasters. The primary goal of the project is to create an efficient, improved, and sustainable disaster risk management system based on innovative measures and activities across various domains, including education, social development, health, technology, and institutional policy-making.
The project’s objectives include assessing risks and mapping hazard zones by defining natural conditions contributing to geo-hazards, developing spatial databases with multi-hazard thematic maps, and monitoring changes over time. It also involves creating models for assessing vulnerability and identifying critical zones. A significant component of the project is developing an RDI Roadmap—a comprehensive database of innovative solutions and relevant information to enhance disaster risk management systems. This roadmap will be regularly updated through multi-method research and SWOT analyses to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within Serbia’s disaster risk management system. The project also aims to establish a professional network comprising scientists, practitioners, and citizens to foster knowledge transfer and collaboration. This dynamic network will provide continuous improvement and institutional support for disaster risk management in Serbia.
Policy innovation is another critical objective, emphasizing the need for Serbia to transition from a reactive to a proactive approach in disaster risk management. This approach will prioritize preventive measures and preparedness activities while implementing innovative practices to improve system efficiency. Additionally, public education and training are integral components of the project, focusing on equipping local communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to disasters. Workshops, seminars, and online courses will be conducted to raise awareness and build resilience among citizens.
Despite some progress, disaster risk management in Serbia faces numerous challenges, including a lack of reliable data on disaster risks and impacts, limited resources for implementing comprehensive risk management strategies, and insufficient public awareness. The DISARIMES Project addresses these issues by promoting innovative solutions, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and emphasizing the importance of proactive disaster risk management.
Through scientific research and practical applications, the project seeks to integrate innovative solutions into Serbia’s disaster risk management framework. Expected outcomes include a comprehensive knowledge base, enhanced institutional capacities, improved community resilience, and significant economic and social benefits. The publicly accessible database will offer insights into risks, vulnerabilities, and innovative mitigation strategies. Hazard and vulnerability maps will guide local and national planning efforts, while advanced training and resource allocation will improve the capabilities of disaster response and protection services. Tailored educational programs will prepare citizens to respond to disasters effectively, and innovative tools and materials will raise awareness about disaster risks. The project’s initiatives aim to reduce economic losses in critical sectors such as agriculture, industry, and infrastructure while strengthening public-private partnerships to support disaster risk reduction efforts.
To ensure the widespread dissemination of results, the project employs a multi-faceted communication strategy, including a dedicated website, a social media presence, and online knowledge-sharing tools. Open-access scientific publications, monographs, and reports will highlight research findings and innovative solutions. Educational campaigns will engage stakeholders through workshops, training sessions, and community outreach programs, while collaborative networks will establish a national consensus among scientists and practitioners to prioritize disaster risk management in Serbia.
The DISARIMES Project represents a significant step toward transforming disaster risk management in Serbia. By integrating research, innovation, and community engagement, the project aims to create a robust system capable of addressing the complex challenges posed by disasters. The findings will not only benefit policymakers and practitioners but also contribute to global efforts in disaster risk reduction, positioning Serbia as a model for resilience and preparedness.