UMass Boston Takes On Disaster Recovery in 2-Day Conference May 8 - 9

BOSTON - April 25, 2014 - PRLog -- With the growing  need to address the challenges of disaster recovery, the University of Massachusetts Boston Center for Rebuilding Sustainable Communities After Disasters (CRSCAD) is taking the lead in this important area. The UMass Boston International Conference on Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Sustainable Reconstruction Taking place on May 8-9, 2014 will address these challenges and concerns.

With topics ranging from Animals in Disasters, Data and Disasters to Risk Reduction, Mitigation and Action Frameworks, CRSCAD has organized a two-day conference with more than 75 notable speakers.

Delivering Keynote Addresses are:

• Elina Palm, Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction in New York

• Susie Kitchens, Her Majesty’s Counsel General British Consulate General in New England

• Michael R. Davis, President, Boston Society of Architects

• Stephen White, Dean, School of Architecture, Art & Historic Preservation, Roger Williams University

• Clayton Kolb, Sr. Director of Resource Support and Coordination, American Red Cross, National Headquarters, Washington, DC

“This two-day event brings together the thought leaders in this important field,” says Adenrele Awotona, Director of CRSCAD.  “There is a compelling need to educate and train in disaster recovery and help every nation learn how to prepare and what do to when the cameras leave.   It is imperative to examine, specifically what happens to vulnerable populations and how to direct the rebuilding and recovery of what could be entire societal structures.”

In addition to panel discussions on Science and Technology Applications to Mitigate Natural Hazards and Response and Recovery Efforts after Disasters (including cultural resources recovery in the midst of chaos), the conference will look at how universities and colleges can make a significant contribution by including the topics in their curricula.  “Medical practitioners and architects and other professionals need to be trained and ready,” says Awotona.

“We are pleased to cooperate with Dr. Awotona on his important endeavors in this area and gratified that so many global citizens and activists will be attending this conference. This is truly an extraordinary opportunity to hear and interact with leaders in this field," says Philip DiSalvio, Dean of the College of Advancing and Professional Studies at UMass Boston, in which CRSCAD’s graduate and professional development Certificate programs in Global Post-Disaster Studies and Emergency Management are housed.

http://www.umb.edu/crscad/events/sustainable_reconstructi...