Research Projects

Establishment of Asia-based Research Center for Mitigation of Landslide and Flood Disasters by Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative

Constructing a center where the outcomes of disaster prevention research from each Asian country are gathered

In recent years, due to climate change caused by global warming, natural disasters have become more frequent and more severe, and are becoming a problem that endangers social infrastructure not just in Japan, but also across East and Southeast Asia. The aim of this project is the creation of a research center that will spread the results of joint research carried out over the past ten years by Ritsumeikan University and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology across Asia, in order to contribute to disaster prevention measures in the countries of Asia. The center is intended to function as the nucleus for research networks; researchers from Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia and Nepal and their affiliated universities and research institutes will be involved in the research networks already being steadily and continuously constructed, and a new research network for landslide disasters on the Pacific Rim will be formed.

The project will first examine and analyze the current conditions of landslide and flood disasters in each country of Asia, with the aims of establishing effective techniques for prediction and watershed management methods to mitigate flood disasters, and developing effective and economic methods of construction for disaster prevention that use local resources. Further, joint seminars where project members will gather are to be held annually in Vietnam, with the hope of developing human resources as well as sharing knowledge, and interpersonal exchange.

Methodologies for disaster prevention measures differ depending on the climate and geographical conditions of each country, as well as differences such as culture and customs. Thus, should the unchanged research outcomes from one country be applied in another country they may not function well. On the other hand, by applying research from another country in a form adapted to one's homeland, it is possible to connect effective disaster prevention measures. Climate conditions become more severe each year, and even in Japan, where it has become impossible to completely prevent damage with only strong dams and levees, it is thought that there is much that should be learned from disaster prevention research in the countries of Asia, which is based on the idea of keeping human suffering to a minimum. For this reason, a center where researchers from a range of countries can gather, and resolve issues, is necessary.

In order to make disaster prevention measures a reality, ties with private businesses will be indispensable. It is hoped that this project will move forward with ties to private businesses that have wide-ranging lines of work related to disaster prevention, such as research companies, manufacturers, and construction firms, based on practical interest and enthusiasm.

Research Projects