Arab Scientists Unite to Tackle Natural Disasters
In a significant gathering in Doha, the Arab Scientific Community Organization (ARSCO) convened experts and scientists from 15 Arab nations to discuss the pivotal role of science in addressing natural disasters. The event underscored the urgent need for the Arab world to leverage scientific research to mitigate the risks associated with natural crises, which threaten lives and property across the region.
The workshop highlighted various studies aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and risk reduction. Khaled Al-Salihi, a professor at Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Morocco, was awarded the Best Research Award for 2024 for his groundbreaking work in crisis and disaster management. His research focuses on identifying risk areas and predicting natural disasters, thereby improving readiness to safeguard lives and assets.
Promoting Scientific Culture and Collaboration
Moza Al Rabban, President of ARSCO, emphasized the organization's mission to foster a robust Arab scientific community. She noted the importance of localizing scientific knowledge and enhancing collaboration among scientists. Al Rabban stated that the Arab region is rich in untapped scientific talent, and ARSCO aims to connect these experts with decision-makers to maximize the benefits of their research.
Rafeh Al-Zoubi, Vice President of ARSCO, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the organization's efforts to promote scientific culture and sustainable development in the Arab world. He mentioned that ARSCO organizes annual competitions to encourage research on topics critical to the region's development, with the winning projects receiving documentation and financial support.
Addressing Climate Challenges and Future Risks
Salah Zaki Khaled, Regional Director of UNESCO for the Gulf and Yemen, noted that the challenges posed by climate change exacerbate the risks of natural disasters in the Arab region. He pointed out that recent events, such as the earthquake in Morocco and severe flooding in Libya, have exposed the vulnerabilities of the region in disaster management. Khaled stressed the importance of utilizing local scientific expertise to develop effective disaster response strategies.
Al-Salihi's award-winning research, which took over a decade to complete, utilized advanced technologies and extensive satellite data to create a comprehensive database of river basins in Arab countries. This innovative approach aims to identify areas at risk of flooding and enhance preventive measures to protect communities. The research revealed a troubling increase in the number of people exposed to imminent flood dangers, highlighting the urgent need for action.
As the Arab world faces increasing natural disaster threats, the collaboration among scientists and policymakers, as emphasized by ARSCO, will be crucial in developing effective strategies to safeguard lives and promote sustainable development.
