How to Use Scientific Information: Road Map for Tailoring Your Own Natural Hazard Risk Management Solution

Abstract

In this chapter, we explain how scientific information can effectively be used in the daily work of practitioners. We lead through the process of tailoring research results and scientific information to support an integrated and ecosystem-based natural hazard risk management in the form of a Road Map. This Road Map is based on the RIU (Research Integration Utilization) model for knowledge transfer and backed-up with our long-standing research experience. To illustrate the Road Map, which can be applied to any case of transferring scientific knowledge into practice, we summarize the main results of the GreenRisk4ALPs (GR4A) research project, and propose three steps for integrating them into applied projects or other activities: (1) “Diagnosis” - estimating the relevance of scientific information for applied risk or forest management, (2) “Consultation” - estimating the soundness of the scientific information through consultations with researchers, and (3) “Implementation” – checking the legal framework and the economic resources for the preferred solution. Furthermore, we provide a checklist for stakeholders for tailoring science-based solutions to their practical use, which contributes to facilitating the implementation of research results and can guide policy and practice. Finally, the theoretical and methodological background of the Road Map are presented and discussed.

Protective Forests for Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) in the Alpine Space

“…Ultimately, the shift toward an IRM that includes FbS into the portfolio of available risk mitigation measures requires translating research results into useful and harmonized information for practitioners (see also chapter [58] of this book).…”

“…The matrix of definitions and classifications proposed by Kleemayr et al [46] can support incorporating protective forests as Eco-DRR solution into IRM concepts, distinguishing direct and indirect object and site protective forests for prioritizing management activities that maintain and/or enhance their protective effects-actions that would promote the recognition of these forests as Eco-DRR measure and facilitate their utilization in IRM strategies. Nonetheless, the shift toward an IRM that includes FbS into the portfolio of available measures is still incomplete, also due to difficulties in translating research results into policy and further into useful and harmonized information for practitioners (see also chapter [58] of this book).…”

Risk-Based Decision Support for Protective Forest and Natural Hazard Management

“…While the development of hazard and risk models has increased in number and improved in precision and effectiveness in the last years, additional effort to channel these DSS and their results into real-life risk management is still needed [50]. Indeed, several authors draw attention to the various lacks in bringing model results from science to policy and practice [51,52], demanding the need for stronger stakeholder engagement and larger efforts to minimize uncertainties and to develop relevant indicators ( [53][54][55]; see also chapter [56] of this book).…”