Switzerland’s experience in the prevention of natural disasters

Participants received first-hand advice from federal and cantonal experts on the methods used in Switzerland to combat natural hazards. The Canton Valais, with its dams, river valleys and major road networks, provided an excellent overview of the challenges facing risk management.
Reduction of disaster risks is a priority topic in SDC programmes. This visit provided opportunities to demonstrate the methods that the SDC promotes abroad, to underline the importance of global cooperation in this area and the need to take economic, political, social and environmental aspects into account.
The participants, from government ministries, research centres and NGOs, came from many different parts of the world but they are all concerned by the need to reduce the risk of natural disasters.