Environment and Conservation December 22, 2006 Funding Presented for
Natural Hazard Mapping and Assessment A team of researchers at Memorial University will conduct a comprehensive mapping assessment of natural hazards in selected communities throughout the province. The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, recently presented $40,000 to Dr. Norm Catto of the Geography Department (Faculty of Arts) and his team of students. �In our Climate Change Action Plan 2005, this government made a commitment to partner with post-secondary institutions on climate change initiatives and to continue to work with Memorial University to assess the vulnerabilities of local communities to climate change,� said Minister Jackman. �This investment will help Dr. Catto prepare a comprehensive assessment of natural hazards in selected communities including the north-eastern Burin Peninsula, focusing on Marystown, the Humber Valley from Corner Brook to Deer Lake, and Gander and vicinity.� The minister explained that communities in Newfoundland and Labrador are subject to a variety of natural hazards, such as the flooding that occurred in Stephenville in the fall of 2005 and the northeast coast in the spring of 2006. This research will build on the single-hazard approach to hazard mapping and assessments. Detailed mapping and investigation of natural hazards related to terrain, extreme weather events, and climate will be researched. �This cutting-edge research is of great benefit to our ongoing emergency preparedness and response efforts throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,� said the Honourable Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. �The project will focus on impacts, including impacts of previous events and potential future impacts, and suggestions for better adaptive and planning strategies.� The researchers will also speak with residents to gather information about previous events to determine their perceptions of risks and hazards, and to better assist in municipal planning and development and emergency response. �We have already begun research in the Marystown area and in the Humber Valley, and look forward to working in all the areas throughout 2007,� said Dr. Catto. �I hope that our work will help municipalities and residents to cope with existing natural hazards, and to reduce risks as communities continue to develop and grow.� �The results of this research will be invaluable to the people of our province. I thank Dr. Catto and his team and look forward to hearing about their findings.� said Minister Jackman. - 30 -
Norm Catto |
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