In today\u2019s world, there has been a shift away from a strategy that focuses heavily on disaster response in disaster management, and more emphasis is given to pre-disaster risk reduction efforts. In fact, both globally and in T\u00fcrkiye, the concept of \u2018risk management\u2019 has been adopted and implemented rather than the understanding of \u2018crisis management.\u2019 The concept of \u2018risk management\u2019 encompasses pre-disaster preparedness and risk reduction efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The coordination of disaster and emergency operations, the formulation education policies, and the necessary legislative regulations in T\u00fcrkiye are the responsibilities of the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) under the Ministry of Interior. AFAD carries out disaster management activities in an integrated, community-based, research and development-oriented, and pioneering manner, aiming to prevent loss of life, injuries, and economic losses, as well as to preserve socio-cultural structure, national environment, cultural and natural assets, ensure business continuity, and support sustainable development. Since its establishment, AFAD has conducted its work in a project-based manner and continues to do so with this culture. As a manifestation of this culture, a theme has been determined for each year, and activities in line with the objectives of this theme have been carried out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2020 was declared the \u2018Year of Disaster Preparedness,\u2019 2021 as the \u2018Year of Disaster Education,\u2019 and 2022 the \u2018Year of Disaster Drills.\u2019 In 2021, activities related to disaster education were carried out intensively in collaboration with stakeholder institutions and organizations. Within the scope of the education year activities, the idea of establishing stronger and more effective cooperation between AFAD and universities in the field of disaster management emerged, and collaboration with \u2018Disaster Management and Application Research Centers\u2019 of universities was proposed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The application and research centers of universities and academic units established with the recommendation of university rectors and the approval of the Higher Education Council (Y\u00d6K), where education, teaching, and R&D activities are conducted, bring together experts from various disciplines for working in a specific area or expertise or interdisciplinary studies. There are numerous research centers in T\u00fcrkiye that carry out successful activities related to disasters and have expert researchers within their structure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
AFAD took the first step in bringing together the application and research centers, which are important stakeholders in disaster management in T\u00fcrkiye, and forming an academic power in the field of disaster management in the last quarter of 2021. Under the leadership of AFAD, 42 different disaster management and related application and research centers from 39 universities gathered in Ankara on December 22, 2021. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Interior, S\u00fcleyman Soylu, and conducted by AFAD President, Governor Yunus Sezer. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Interior, \u0130smail \u00c7atakl\u0131, university rectors and vice-rectors, directors of research centers, and AFAD department heads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Minister of Interior and AFAD President delivered speeches at the opening of the meeting. The Minister of Interior stated, \u2018No one needs knowledge that just sits on shelves. It brings no benefit to anyone.\u2019 This signifies the fundamental purpose of the collaboration. In his statement, \u2018Our centers and AFAD, along with other stakeholders, possess a rich scientific knowledge about disasters. The research, application, and education centers of universities offer a scientific richness in the field of disasters,\u2019 AFAD President Yunus Sezer indicated the already close relationship AFAD has with universities and underlines how it aims to formalize this relationship under an institutional identity. This meeting marked the announcement of the establishment of the Universities Disaster Management Application and Research Centers Platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On May 17, 2022, a meeting led by Deputy Minister of Interior \u0130smail \u00c7atakl\u0131 and AFAD President at AFAD Headquarters, with the participation of 35 universities and 37 different disaster management, application, and research centers, the decision was made for this structure to function as a platform and continue its activities under the abbreviation \u2018AYMEP,\u2019 with its goals and objectives outlined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AYMEP\u2019s 3rd<\/sup> meeting was held on July 28, 2022, in Elaz\u0131\u011f, hosted by F\u0131rat University. In this meeting, AYMEP\u2019s mission was determined as \u2018Bringing together centers engaged in disaster research, application, management, and education at universities under AFAD coordination to facilitate communication and collaboration, monitor and assess the conducted work.\u2019 Its vision was defined as, \u2018To be a dynamic and academic platform recognized at an international level, leading the change and development with an integrated perspective on disaster management for a disaster-resilient T\u00fcrkiye.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 4th<\/sup> meeting of AYMEP took place on September 22, 2022, under the presidency of Minister of Interior S\u00fcleyman Soylu, and was hosted by Bo\u011fazi\u00e7i University\u2019s Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute. During this meeting, significant presentations from various research centers were held and important decisions related to disaster management were made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AYMEP continues its efforts under AFAD coordination with great diligence and enthusiasm. It is steadily progressing towards its goal of becoming T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s largest and most effective academic platform in the field of disaster management, aiming to extend its recognition globally. Through its established subcommittees, AYMEP maintains its work on building risk assessment, suitability of settlements for geological and climate disasters, settlement suitability for fires, disaster education, volunteerism, and similar topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2023, AYMEP will continue to contribute to T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s efforts in reducing disaster risks and will further increase the number of research centers within its structure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In today\u2019s world, there has been a shift away from a strategy that focuses heavily on disaster response in disaster management, and more emphasis is given to pre-disaster risk reduction efforts. In fact, both globally and in T\u00fcrkiye, the concept of \u2018risk management\u2019 has been adopted and implemented rather than the understanding of \u2018crisis management.\u2019…<\/p>\n