Highlights from the we4DRR annual network event 2025

The annual we4DRR network meeting was supported by EUSALP Action Group 8 "Risk Governance", the Austrian Service for Torrent and Avalanche Control (WLV), BOKU University and the Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW).

Local organizer and we4DRR Steering Committee member Lydia Pedoth welcomed participants and guided them through the programme on day one. The event opened with a speech by Claudia Notarnicola, Director of the Institute for Earth Observation at Eurac Research and recipient of the 2020 “Women in Science Research Award” from the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. Claudia, who is highly engaged with we4DRR topics, drew from her personal experience as a woman and physicist in a male-dominated field. She emphasized the importance of women’s networks in challenging existing structures and in highlighting women’s achievements in science and engineering.

We4DRR Managing Director Michaela Teich then presented updates on the network, including developments in membership structure, highlights from the past years, and a preview of exciting upcoming activities.

Katharina Rieder, from the Austrian Federal Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management, introduced participants to the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP). Its main objective is to create a framework for cooperation and cohesion across the Alps to ensure sustainable development. In particular, Katharina outlined the role of EUSALP Action Group 8 – Risk Governance, including its objectives, tasks, and activities.

Expert talks

Four talks by we4DRR members enriched the first day’s program:

1. Analysing Multi-Hazard Risk through Forensic Analysis and Impact Chains
   Silvia Cocuccioni (Eurac Research) presented the PARATUS project’s innovative framework that combines forensic analysis with impact chains. This integrated approach enables a deeper understanding of multi-hazard risks by drawing from past events to identify system vulnerabilities and leverage opportunities for adaptation.
2. Geodata in Civil Protection
   Martina Inderst and Susanne Rizzolli from the Civil Protection Agency in Bolzano offered insights into how geospatial data is managed and applied in real-time through the Civil Protection Browser. Their talk demonstrated how tailored geodata supports both emergency response and local risk planning, highlighting the agency’s pivotal role in data-driven decision-making.
3. Integrating Vulnerable Groups into Local Disaster Planning
   Susanna Wernhart shared findings from the VULKANO project, which evaluated how disaster and emergency plans across Austria address the needs of vulnerable populations. She pointed out common gaps and highlighted successful strategies, emphasizing the importance of inclusive planning to enhance community resilience.
4. Developing a Climate Strategy for Trentino: Lessons Learned
   Lavinia Laiti (APPA Trento) reflected on the multi-year effort to co-develop Trentino’s climate adaptation and mitigation strategy. Her presentation highlighted the value of participatory approaches, including sectoral workshops and youth conferences, as key tools for shaping a future-focused, regionally relevant climate policy.

Throughout the day one, participants engaged in lively discussions, made new connections, and strengthened their professional relationships.

Workshops on Gender Dynamics

The second day of the annual we4DRR event was dedicated to capacity building, with two workshops addressing gender dynamics in the workplace:

Gender Equality at Work: From Data to Dialogue
Led by Alexandra Tomaselli (Eurac Research), this workshop began with key takeaways from the Gender Report South Tyrol 2024 developed by the "Gender Dynamics" research group. Participants examined how workplace stereotypes and structural inequalities influence gender dynamics. They engaged in an open dialogue and lively discussion on moving beyond zero-sum thinking, with special emphasis on the role of male engagement in fostering gender equity and harmony.

Diversity Management in Practice
Martina Kohlberger facilitated this interactive session on inclusive recruitment practices. Participants learned how language in job advertisements can unintentionally exclude certain groups, and how tools like the Job Ad Decoder (JADE) can support HR teams in creating more inclusive communications. The workshop highlighted the importance of language in attracting diverse applicants and building more equitable workplaces.

Both workshops were very well received and provided valuable new insights for participants, sparking discussions, which continued during lunch.

Field Trip

The final item of the event programme was an excursion on River Renaturation and Disaster Risk Reduction in Bolzano, led by Evi Holzner and Ilaria Folie from the Civil Protection Agency in Bolzano. Participants walked along the Talvera River, where they observed both past and ongoing river restoration efforts aimed at reducing disaster risk. A presentation of the local hazard zone plan as well as a visit of a hydrological monitoring station were also included in the excursion route.

This year’s event once again underscored we4DRR’s contribution in connecting female professionals working in natural hazard management and DRR. Participants gained valuable insights from colleagues in both research and practice. The event was a great opportunity for we4DRR members to meet, network, exchange and share experiences that they can bring back and apply to their work.

A huge thank-you to all participants, speakers, and organizers for contributing to such a dynamic and impactful gathering.