Symposium on Disasters and the Environment – The Discipline of ‘Environmental Emergency Research’ following the 2011 Tohoku Disaster –

The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), has been engaged in a wide scope of research activities towards the reconstruction and regeneration of Fukushima since the direct aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku Disaster. In order to further promote forthcoming research activity rooted at the local level, we are scheduled to open a NIES Fukushima Branch in Fiscal Year 2016, to be located in the Fukushima Prefectural Center for Environmental Creation currently being promoted and developed by Fukushima Prefecture in Miharu Town.

On this occasion, NIES will host a symposium centered on topics of disaster environment research, on March 17, during "The 3rd United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction" from March 14 to March 18, 2015 in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture.

At this symposium, we will invite outside experts to deliver lectures on disasters and the environment, as well as introducing various NIES initiatives in the areas affected by the 2011 Tohoku Disaster (“Environmental Emergency Research”). In addition, on the basis of lessons and perspectives gained on disasters and the environment through our various activities following the 2011 Tohoku Disaster, we will discuss a framework towards increased resilience in the face of future disasters, as well as the consolidation and practical implementation of Environmental Emergency Research.