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2012 UNU-EHS Ph.D. Block course in cooperation with the University of the Free State Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (UFS- DiMTEC).

The Block Course, entitled 'Vulnerability and Disaster Risk Reduction', is offered by the UNU-EHS and the University of the Free State (UFS) Disaster Management and Training Education Centre (DiMTEC), and takes place on annual basis.

Background

The Institute for Environment and Human Security of the United Nations University (UNU-EHS), in Bonn, Germany assesses the vulnerability and coping capacity of communities facing natural and human-induced hazards in a changing environment. It aims to improve the understanding of cause and effect relationships to offer options to help reduce risks and vulnerabilities and increase resilience. The Institute supports policy and decision-makers with authoritative research and information. UNU-EHS and its work programme reflect the overall mission of UNU Advancing Knowledge for Human Security and Development. The Institute leads UNU‟s research and capacity building activities in the broad interdisciplinary field of risk and vulnerability. It explores the threats that environmental degradation, unsustainable land use practices, and natural and man-made hazards pose to human security. UNU-EHS works to anticipate the impact of „creeping‟ environmental change - including climate variability, land degradation, population pressure and migration, and changing resource availability and quality - on risk and vulnerability.

Subtle shifting conditions imperil communities gradually, usually in a hidden way. This undetected increase of social vulnerability can manifest itself suddenly and dangerously in the presence of extreme events of natural or human-induced origin. UNU-EHS research work is devoted to developing capacity and giving advice to strategy and decision-makers. An integral part of UNU-EHS is the inclusion of young scientists within its research throughout one of the major educational activity - the UNU-EHS Block Course.

Goal and Objectives of the Block Course

The growing frequency and magnitude of extreme environmental events (such as floods, landslides and drought) have intensified research interest in these events, in particular regarding the level of risk they pose in different locations, the vulnerability of communities and their response capabilities. The concept of human security focuses on threats that endanger the lives and livelihoods of individuals and communities. Safeguarding it requires a new approach, and a better understanding of many interrelated variables – social, political, economic, technological and environmental - factors that determine the impact of extreme events when they occur. The overall goal of the Block Course is to highlight the complexity and importance of vulnerability and resilience in the field of disaster management, development and risk reduction.

The Block Course is based on the UNU-EHS key research questions, and covers the following major themes:

• Environmental, physical, social, and economical dimensions of vulnerability.
• Processes and conditions that have an impact on vulnerability and determine vulnerability patterns.
• Methods and models to assess vulnerability.
• Interlinkages between environmental migration and vulnerability.
• Measures and activities which enable shifting from vulnerability to resilience policy recommendations.

After completing the Block Course, students will:

• Be aware of the multi-dimensional nature of vulnerability and the necessity for an interdisciplinary approach.
• Be able to critically evaluate and understand different concepts and frameworks of vulnerability.
• Be able to analyse the role of vulnerability and resilience in disaster risk management and development planning.
• Be in the position to understand and implement models and methods for vulnerability assessment.
• Be in the position to implement measures and activities which enable shifting from vulnerability to resilience.