Funding of EUR 5.8 million allocated for disaster management studies at University of Hamburg
In a significant development, the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) is collaborating with local Red Cross national societies in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo to bolster resilience against climate disasters. This initiative is part of the REBUMAA project, led by Prof. Dr. Daniel Geiger of the University of Hamburg.
The REBUMAA project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the IFRC, is focusing on early warning systems for climate-induced disasters such as floods and droughts. This proactive approach allows for the implementation of aid measures before disasters occur, saving lives and reducing damage in affected regions.
The project also aims to address the issue of unequal distribution of funds in disaster situations. Women, who often play a crucial role in agriculture and food security, are frequently overlooked when it comes to receiving financial aid. The REBUMAA project seeks to rectify this by improving the flow of money in such situations.
REBUMAA scientists are working in collaboration with African scientists from the fields of climate research, hydrography, and meteorology. They are also partnering with scientists from the University of Hamburg, although it's important to note that the University is not directly involved in the renewal of the Climate Protection Act.
The German Senate has recently adopted a draft for the renewal of the Climate Protection Act, which focuses on addressing climate change. Meanwhile, the University of Hamburg has been conducting climate and sustainability research for 15 years, and the HAW Hamburg has been a part of this endeavour as well.
As part of the REBUMAA project, the team is also working towards introducing and implementing the "forecast-based finance" approach in the participating West African countries. This innovative approach aims to ensure that financial aid is provided in a timely and effective manner when early warnings of potential disasters are issued.
Best practice examples will be developed to showcase how programs for proactive action can be set up and implemented. These examples are expected to serve as valuable resources for other communities facing similar challenges.
For more information about the REBUMAA project and other climate and sustainability research initiatives at the University of Hamburg, please visit their website at uni-hamburg.de.
