Heisei-shinzan Appeal

COV5 at Shimabara, Nov. 23, 2007

     Volcanoes, the product of hot magma gushing out from underground, have erupted numerous times since the birth of the earth. In recent years, as populations have grown and spread, humans have come to live in close contact with volcanoes and enjoy the blessings bestowed by them. As such, human beings and their communities’ coexistence with volcanoes have become important themes for us.
     Japan, the host country for the 5th Cities on Volcanoes Conference, has one hundred and eight active volcanoes, some of which are erupting every year. The disasters of Mt.Unzen, Mt.Usu, and Miyake-jima, still fresh in our memory, as well as Mt. Fuji, which has not erupted for three hundred years and the caldera-forming eruptions in Kyushu and Hokkaido, all give us grave concern for safety.  Researchers, administrative organizations, and local people have all been working in cooperation to create maps of hazardous areas, debris protection and so on.
    It is from within this environment, that this five-day COV5 Conference has been held based on the theme of “Communities’ coexistence with volcanoes”, co-hosted by academics and administrators. Scientists, administrators, disaster managers, the media and citizens from Japan and abroad have all gathered in Shimabara; revived and reborn as a safe and peaceful city. Through enthusiastic exchange of knowledge, experiences and discussion we have produced the following results;
  1. In our meeting, we discussed the latest results from a wide spectrum of volcanological research, and realized the necessity of sound interpretation of volcanic phenomena based on real-time, multi-sensor observations. A probabilistic approach to volcanic disaster assessment is indispensable. Therefore, we must create databases of eruptions and related phenomena, including WOVOdat.
  2. It is important that information from scientists and disaster agencies is integrated and reflected in risk management, and that long-term land use planning considers future risks. It was suggested that recovery processes are considered not only for infrastructure but also for communities.
  3. Disaster preparedness, well in advance of an emergency situation, was cited as a key point. This is an important addition to creating thrusting relationships among scientists, officials, residents and mass media. The development and implementation of outreach and education activities provide a means to improve community awareness about volcanoes.
  4. COV5 has attempted a new style of international conference, with participants not only from research, administrative and disaster management backgrounds, but also ordinary citizens themselves.
     After the fruitful discussions of the past five days, we here and now declare to make greater efforts to reduce the challenges faced by volcanic eruptions around the world and to form ‘communities living with volcanoes’, creating stronger links of communication with those involved.
     We hope from the bottom of our hearts that this COV5 Conference helps enhance people’s awareness of volcanic disasters, promote partnership within the community, and bring people together in facing the volcanoes and disasters head-on, blessed with safety.
@Copyright: Cities on volcanoes 5, November 2007
back