The recent INCREASE Project Meeting held in Würzburg on November 25-26, 2024, brought together project partners from various institutions to discuss advancements and challenges in integrated disaster risk management (IDRM). Hosted by the University of Würzburg, the meeting featured a series of insightful presentations, workshops, and discussions.
The first day started with a warm welcome from Prof. Birgit Terhorst, followed by an introduction from Verena Flörchinger of the Disaster Research Unit (DRU). The day was packed with presentations showcasing the results of various tools and models developed during the INCREASE project.
The day concluded with a Knowledge Transfer Workshop on heat and drought, organized by Ronja Winkhardt-Enz from DKKV. This session emphasized the impacts of recent heatwaves and droughts in Germany and Iran, and discussed strategies for improving disaster response and resilience. Local stakeholders from the Würzburg region were invited to exchange and discuss on the topic on heat and drought.
The second day focused on workshops and interactive sessions. Prof. Dr. Alexander Fekete from THK led a workshop on INCREASE tools, discussing the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge and the development of the IDRM scoping tool. This tool aims to help stakeholders identify gaps and areas for improvement in DRM practices.
The meeting also featured a presentation by Prof. Dr. Christian Webersik, who provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s progress and its impact on global challenges. He emphasized the importance of integrating scientific disciplines, practices, and stakeholders to enhance societal resilience.
The event concluded with preparations for the final project meeting and event, where the INCREASE team plans to present their findings and methodologies including interactive parts.