Introduction to the PPRD Med Pilots
Introduction to the PPRD Med Pilot 1 - Tunisia, at the National Center for research and training on Risks and Disasters
by Dr. Philippe GEFFROY, PPRD Med Team Leader
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 - Tunisia workshop
Objectives of the PPRD Med Pilot 1 - Tunisia at the National Office for Civil Protection in Tunisia
by Dr. Philippe GEFFROY, PPRD Med Team Leader
The primary objective of the PPRD Med Pilot 1 - Tunisia workshop was to engage in collaborative efforts with the Tunisian civil protection and relevant stakeholders over several days, focusing on addressing key priorities. Initially, the workshop aimed to present the comprehensive PPRD Med National Roadmap for Tunisia, 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 Tunisia.
Structured from March 28th to 29th, 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 - Tunisia on flash flood, flooding, NaTech and cascade effects, followed by extensive discussions and preparatory work for future activities.
Ms. Maria Cristiani, PPRD Med Project Manager
and Dr. Jean Muylaert, PPRD Med Deputy Team Leader & Key Expert
Presentation of the Derna case study and "Road condition" using AI (Artificial Intelligence)
by Mr. Alexandre CUSTAUD, PPRD Med Deputy Team Leader & Key Expert
Example of Dam movements (INSAR). Validation of algorithm BR Brumadinho Dam
by Dr. Jean Muylaert, Deputy Team Leader & Key Expert
NATECH - Natural risk triggering technological risks
Presentation by Mr. Johnnie Shannon on the PPRD Med VIP (Visual Intelligence Platform)
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.
Smartsheet
Presentation of Smartsheet by Ms. Maria CRISTIANI, PPRD Med Project Manager
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.
Moreover, Ms. Cristiani underscored Smartsheet's robust reporting capabilities, which provide real-time insights into project performance and enable informed decision-making. She presented how customizable dashboards and automated alerts within Smartsheet empower project managers to proactively address issues and optimize resource allocation. By leveraging Smartsheet's cloud-based infrastructure, she highlighted the enhanced flexibility and accessibility it offers, enabling remote collaboration and seamless integration with other project management tools.
In conclusion, Ms. Cristiani 's presentation elucidated how the extensive use of Smartsheet as a project management tool enhances the efficiency, transparency, and collaboration within the PPRD Med project. Her insights underscored the pivotal role that Smartsheet plays in driving the successful execution of complex projects, such as the PPRD Med initiative, and reaffirmed its status as an indispensable asset in the project management toolkit.
PPRD Med 2nd Steering Committee
The conclusion of the PPRD Med Pilot 1 – Tunisia 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.
Official audience with Colonel major Abdelsamad Ben Jeddou, Director General of the National Office for Civil Protection, Tunisia
Colonel major Abdelsamad Ben Jeddou, Directeur Général de l'Office national de la Protection Civile
Colonel major Abdelsamad Ben Jeddou, Director General National Office for Civil Protection, Tunisia, graciously extended his hospitality to the PPRD Med team, underscoring his unwavering endorsement for the project. He reaffirmed his commitment, which has remained steadfast since their previous missions in Tunisia. This continued support underscores the collaborative efforts between the Director General and the PPRD Med team in their shared endeavor to bolster disaster risk reduction initiatives in the region.
"As Director General, I express my sincere appreciation to the PPRD Med team for their commitment and collective contributions in furthering disaster risk reduction efforts in Tunisia. Your dedication and collaborative spirit play a pivotal role in our joint endeavor to cultivate a safer and more resilient future for our region."
- Colonel major Abdelsamad Ben Jeddou, Director General National Office for Civil Protection, Tunisia
Special gratitude to PPRD Med Pilot 1 – Tunisia Workshop Participants
The PPRD Med team extends sincere gratitude to all workshop participants of the PPRD Med Pilot 1 – Tunisia for their active involvement.
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