Editorial to the 40th anniversary of the international research society INTERPRAEVENT: hazard analysis and mitigation of mass movements in an alpine environment

Abstract

In history, excessive disasters often have changed human awareness of natural hazards and initiated fundamental changes in catastrophe management policies. In 1965 and 1966, the region of the Southern Alps was hit by a series of devastating floods, which motivated decision makers in Austria to establish a forum of leading experts (''Research Association for Preventive Action against Flooding'') in order to discuss the causes of these natural events, as well as appropriate strategies (measures) for protection and damage limitation in an integrated and interdisciplinary sense. The primary goal of this forum, whose first meeting was held in Klagenfurt (Carinthia) in 1967, was to enable experts from the scientific, technical, and administrative fields to extensively analyze the causes of flooding and develop protective plans. The Association also placed great importance on encouraging applied research at universities, experimental stations, and building authorities and regularly spoke out to raise the awareness of people and sensitize the public concerning the issues of natural hazards. In 1990, the Association was renamed ''The International Research Society INTERPRAEVENT''. The major purpose of the society is to facilitate interdisciplinary research in order to protect human living space against flooding, debris flows, landslides, avalanches and rock fall, as well as anthropogenic (man-made) influences and destruction, and another is to make the results of research accessible (applicable) for decision makers, administration, and engineering practice. The most important activities of INTERPRAEVENT in fulfillment of these goals are the organization of an international symposium for scientists and practitioners every 4 years, the publication of the results of these symposiums as well as