Improving Landslide Risk Responses (SafeLand)

Overview 

SafeLand is a project to develop a better understanding of landslide triggers, better methods for identifying high-risk areas, and improved early warning systems. The project is also creating risk-management and mitigation processes for communities that live under the threat of landslides.

During the last century more than 16,000 people were killed by landslides in Europe and property damage topped €1.2 billion. With climate change expected to bring more extreme weather and faster mountain snow melts, the number of landslides is predicted to increase.

SafeLand is designed to provide improved landslide risk assessment and management tools, as well as mitigation strategies, to local, regional and European policymakers. The research is intended to provide insight into future risk patterns by analyzing global changes due to both climate and human activity.

SafeLand researchers are creating an array of analytical tools that will allow responses to landslide threats to be based on specific, local needs.

IIASA Research

As a way of testing these tools, IIASA researchers are leading a participatory and communication process in the southern Italian town of Nocera Inferiore, which is at high risk of landslides. The town has €7 million available to implement a recommended €30 million worth of landslide prevention and protection measures. IIASA researchers are working to integrate the technical, economic, environmental and social aspects of the problem to develop better risk management strategies.

Last edited: 21 June 2012