Introduction to the PPRD Med Pilots
The PPRD Med project places a strong emphasis on leveraging earth observation and accessing free data from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem to bolster Civil Defence and Civil Protection efforts across partner countries. This initiative, stemming from discussions at the inaugural Steering Committee in Barcelona, offers data with resolutions ranging from 4m to 10m, supporting activities in prevention, preparedness, and response.
Implemented on a per-country basis, the PPRD Med Pilots target key risks such as forest fires, flooding, earthquakes, and NaTechs (Natural disasters triggering technological risks), facilitating the acquisition of knowledge for digital map creation, simulations, and impact analysis. Through knowledge transfer sessions, national Civil Protection specialists are equipped to utilize spatial data effectively, with subsequent evaluation sessions ensuring readiness.
Despite challenges in integrating dynamic digital operational maps into existing plans, the endeavor promises enhanced response capabilities. Post-mastery, efforts focus on upgrading communication channels to enable swifter responses to emergencies.
Furthermore, the project acknowledges the occasional need for very high resolution (VHR) data, ranging from 0.3m to 1.5m in resolution. VHR data, necessitating specialized skills and resources, is primarily utilized in disaster response. The PPRD Med team oversees the handling of spatial data for early responders and strategic planning, with a specific focus on Doctrine development in the second semester of 2024.
Objectives of the PPRD Med Pilot 1 - Jordan workshop
The primary objective of the PPRD Med Pilot 1 - Jordan workshop was to engage in collaborative efforts with the Jordan Civil Defense and relevant stakeholders over several days, focusing on addressing key priorities. Initially, the workshop aimed to present the comprehensive PPRD Med National Roadmap for Jordan, covering both inception and implementation phases. Moreover, it was the opportunity to foster active participation from all attendees through discussions on methodology, encouraging the exchange of insights, experiences, and lessons learned in Jordan.
Structured from April 1st to 3rd, 2024, the workshop promoted collaboration and facilitated knowledge sharing:
The first day was dedicated to introducing the PPRD Med Roadmap in detail and promoting participant interactions.
Subsequent days featured presentations on specific disaster modules from the PPRD Med Pilot 1 - Jordan on flash flood, flooding, NaTech and cascade effects, followed by extensive discussions and preparatory work for future activities.
Presentation of Smartsheet & Fast Flood by Ms. Maria Cristiani
Smartsheet
Ms. Maria Cristiani, the PPRD Med Project Manager, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the extensive utilization of Smartsheet as a project management tool. In her address, Ms. Cristiani elaborated on the various functionalities and benefits of Smartsheet in streamlining project management processes within the PPRD Med project framework.
Throughout her presentation, Ms. Cristiani highlighted Smartsheet's versatility as a collaborative platform, enabling seamless communication and coordination among project stakeholders. She emphasized how Smartsheet's intuitive interface facilitates efficient task management, allowing team members to easily track progress, assign responsibilities, and monitor deadlines.
Fast Flood
Ms. Maria Cristiani also delivered a presentation introducing FastFlood, a revolutionary flood simulation tool. FastFlood is a high-speed model employing unique algorithms, achieving over 97% accuracy compared to traditional methods while being 1500 times faster.
Originally developed in 2021, it has been continuously expanded and refined over the years and is now accessible as a web-based application. Users can utilize the tool without the need for downloads or creating an account. FastFlood simplifies data acquisition by automatically retrieving relevant information from global datasets or allowing users to upload their own data. The simulation platform encompasses various features including mitigation design, coastal and fluvial boundary conditions, precipitation scenarios, and infiltration modeling.
Presentation of Smartsheet & Fast Flood by Ms. Maria CRISTIANI, PPRD Med Project Manager
PPRD Med VIP
Mr. Alexandre Custaud and Dr. Jean Muylaert made a presentation on the PPRD Med VIP.
The PPRD Med VIP (Visual Intelligence Platform) stands as an exceptionally robust and cybersecure protected system. It empowers each of the 10 partner countries of the PPRD Med project with access to very high resolution (VHR) satellite imagery, reaching a 30 cm resolution over areas of particular interest. This imagery is exclusively available for pilot regions within each country. Moreover, the platform provides users with the capability to overlay additional layers, including data on floods, flash floods, coastal inundation, and pinpointing points of interest such as critical infrastructures, cultural heritage sites, industrial zones, including high-risk chemical facilities, and more.
The PPRD Med VIP offers a comprehensive suite of tools and data, empowering civil protection agencies to make informed decisions in forecasting potential disaster scenarios. Its access to very high resolution satellite imagery and overlaying of important data layers enhance situational awareness. By pinpointing points of interest, including critical infrastructures and vulnerable areas, the platform facilitates proactive risk management.
Overall, the platform's integrated features enable civil protection agencies to anticipate and respond effectively to a wide range of potential risks and threats, thereby enhancing Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPR) to natural and man-made disasters.
The upcoming phase involves the digitalization of the National Risk Assessment (SNACR – Schéma National d’Analyse et de Couverture des Risques), enabling civil protection agencies to enhance resource optimization.
Volunteerism
Presentation of the Civil Protection Volunteerism in Tunisia by Colonel Major Mohamed ATAKNIT
Colonel Major Mohamed Ataknit, OSA Expert (On-Site Technical Assistance), delivered a comprehensive presentation on the significance of volunteerism in Civil Protection, particularly emphasizing its relevance for Jordan. In his address, he highlighted various legal aspects, including decrees and arrangements governing volunteering activities. Additionally, Colonel Major Ataknit elaborated on the organizational framework of volunteerism, shedding light on its structures and mechanisms.
By sharing insights into the legal framework and organizational setup, the presentation aimed to underscore the pivotal role of volunteerism in enhancing disaster resilience and response capabilities, especially within the Jordanian context.
Additionally, Colonel Major Mohamed Ataknit, having served as the former Head of Training at the Tunisian Civil Protection, brings extensive experience in volunteerism. He has practical knowledge in areas such as logistics, legal matters, and more. This background shows his deep understanding of volunteerism and its importance in building resilience.
PPRD Med 2nd Steering Committee
The conclusion of the PPRD Med Pilot 1 – Jordan workshop was the opportunity to present the draft agenda of the 2nd Steering Committee to be held in June 2024 in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, in cooperation with the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) / the European Space Agency (ESA).
Dr. Philippe Geffroy, PPRD Med Team Leader, and Dr. Jean Muyalert, PPRD Med Deputy Team Leader & Key Expert are associated partners of the Civil Security from Space program (CSS) of the ESA R3 Accelerator.
ESTEC, the European Space Research and Technology Centre, is where ESA's major projects are born and nurtured through development. With over 2000 specialists, it is the main hub where innovative space initiatives take shape and move forward.
PPRD Med team visit to the Delegation of the European Union to Jordan
PPRD Med team visit to the Delegation of the European Union to Jordan
The PPRD Med team convened for a significant meeting with Mr. Nicolas Govaert, Rapid Response Coordinator and DRR/DP TE.
This gathering aimed to present the PPRD Med Pilot 1 – Jordan to the EU Delegation in Amman and engage in fruitful discussions regarding the project's future trajectory. The Delegation of the European Union to Jordan warmly welcomed all attendees, setting the stage for constructive dialogue and mutual cooperation in advancing disaster resilience efforts.
Throughout the meeting, participants exchanged valuable insights and perspectives, laying the groundwork for collaborative endeavors aimed at addressing key priorities in disaster risk reduction and management.
Special gratitude to PPRD Med Pilot 1 – Jordan Workshop Participants
The PPRD Med team extends sincere gratitude to all workshop participants of the PPRD Med Pilot 1 – Jordan for their active involvement.
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