6-7 May 2002

Flood prevention and response in Ukraine A workshop on flood preparedness in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine took place in Budapest, Hungary on 6-7 May. The aim of the workshop was to present the findings of Phase One of the Joint NATO-Ukraine Pilot Project on Flood Prevention and Response. This project was developed to improve the early flood warning systems and flood mitigation measures in those areas of Ukraine which have suffered from severe flooding in past years. During Phase one of the project, NATO set up an Expert Task Force composed of over forty experts from twelve different countries, to make an assessment of Ukraine's existing flood management system and to recommend specific ways to improve it. During Phase Two of the Project, set to begin soon, the recommendations from NATO's Expert Task Force will be implemented, leading to the establishment of a powerful flood management system in Ukraine. It is expected that the new and improved flood response system will save lives and property during future flood events. The workshop was attended by over 70 people, including experts in the area of flood prevention and representatives of international financial and development organisations. It was conducted by NATO's Senior Civil Emergency Planning Committee.