The Planning Group should formulate a set of detailed objectives
for an ICSU Hazards Programme based on a review of ongoing and planned
relevant activities. In conducting such a review, ICSU Scientific Union
and National Members should be consulted. Interests of the ICSU Interdisciplinary
Bodies and Joint Initiatives should also be explored. The report should
clearly demonstrate the added value of an ICSU Programme in the area.
The Planning Group should take the report on hazards to the ICSU
28th General Assembly as a point of departure, i.e., desired outcomes
in terms of how scientific knowledge is used by policy-makers at international,
national and/or local level, and in terms of how scientists interact
with policy-makers and other stakeholders in the context of natural
hazards – and to ensure that these objectives complement and advance
existing initiatives within and beyond the ICSU community.
To make proposals for broad areas of research to be targeted in the
first three years of an ICSU Hazards Programme, to present possible
criteria for evaluation, and to define the milestones that should be
reached during the life span of the Programme.
To stimulate, encourage and organise debate among a wide range of
interested parties on the possible objectives and content of an ICSU
Hazards Programme, In particular, to consult the proposed target audiences
– development agencies; humanitarian assistance agencies (including
UN bodies and NGOs); and governmental policy-makers – about how
an ICSU Hazards Programme might best meet their needs.
To make proposals for how stakeholder groups other than scientists
and policy-makers (e. g., people living in areas vulnerable to natural
hazards) can contribute to setting the agenda for an ICSU Hazards Programme
and can be involved in its progress
To propose a mechanism for guidance and oversight of the Programme
