In 2012, a simple mechanism composed of snorkel-like tubes and ping-pong balls won an award for disaster risk reduction.
The project was aimed at warning people of a possible flash flood in Beira, a city in Mozambique prone to drainage overflows and storm surges. It won the RISK Award, which is now again seeking for proposals for new, underdeveloped or existing projects that has the potential to reduce risks brought about by natural hazards such as earthquakes or cyclones.
Under this year’s theme – “Emergency – Resilience for the Most Vulnerable” –, the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, the Global Risk Forum Davos and the Munich Re Foundation are making available €100,000 ($128,804) for the second round of the prize, the partners announced on Thursday at the close of the fourth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva.
Individuals, research institutions, nongovernmental organizations and nonprofits are encouraged to apply.
The partners have not yet released a detailed criteria for the award, but last year’s winner was chosen for its simplicity, replicability and inclusivity. For instance, the National Institute for Disaster Management of Mozambique supports the project, giving it better chance for successful implementation and wider reach.
The call comes amid growing attention being given to disaster preparedness and prevention globally as disasters increase in magnitude and strength.
Proposals should be in English, and additional files such as photos or drawings can be submitted as attachment to the official proposal form, which will be soon available for download from the award site.
Deadline of submission is on December 31, and winners will be announced June 2014.
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