“Causes and Consequences of Natural Disasters in the Mediterranean”
20 June 2025 | 14:00–16:00 (Paris time)
Organised by the UIA Work Programme on Natural and Human Disasters
This international webinar will explore the complex and urgent topic of natural disasters in the Mediterranean region. Organised by the UIA Natural and Human Disasters Work Programme, this event will address the growing climate-related challenges affecting urban and coastal zones across Mediterranean countries.
The Mediterranean basin is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change: severe heatwaves, flash floods, droughts, wildfires, and sea-level rise are placing unprecedented pressure on urban infrastructure, water resources, and cultural heritage. This webinar brings together leading experts to analyse the causes, effects, and possible adaptation strategies that can safeguard Mediterranean societies and environments in the face of these escalating threats.
Speakers and Presentations
Piero Lionello
University of Salento, Italy
Presentation: The Climate Change in the Mediterranean in the Global Context
Prof. Lionello will explore how regional changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea level compare to global trends, and what this means for natural ecosystems, public health, and economic systems in Mediterranean countries.
Dr. Zeynep Gül Ünal
Yıldız Technical University, Turkey | President of ICORP (ICOMOS)
Presentation: Is the Paradoxical Coherence of Cultural Heritage in Danger?
Dr. Ünal will examine how disasters impact cultural heritage, both physically and symbolically, and how we can better protect these assets through integrated risk management and emergency response strategies.
Abbas el Zafarany
Cairo University, Egypt
Presentation: Sea-Level Rise Threat to the Nile Delta and Egyptian Mediterranean Cities
Prof. el Zafarany will discuss historical and contemporary climate threats facing the Nile Delta, as well as nature-based and historically informed urban planning solutions to enhance resilience along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.
Rui Leao
Macao SAR China | UIA Secretary General
Rui Leao will make the introduction and comments.
Moderator
Samer Helmy, architect, urban planner, and heritage conservation specialist with over 30 years of experience in the MENA region and Europe, will moderate the session.
Programme coordination: Debora Manarin
Work Programme Co-Directors: Yolanda Reyes & Nikolaos Patsavos
Registration is free and open to all, click here.