Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković – Disaster Risk Management Expert

LEGAL AND SECURITY ASPECTS OF RISK MANAGEMENT IN NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC DISASTERS

Editor-in-Chief: Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković

Dear readers,

In front of you is a thematic collection of papers titled Legal and Security Aspects of Risk Management in Natural and Anthropogenic Disasters. This collection is the result of independent research activities by professors and researchers, and it covers twenty-two relevant scientific papers that skillfully and engagingly elaborate on various legal and security aspects of managing natural and anthropogenic disasters. The papers have been reviewed by numerous reviewers, while the scientific and program committee included over ten professors from various universities and faculties.

The thematic units of the collection are diverse, considering the current trend in disaster studies:

a) Legal Aspects of Risk Management in Natural Disasters – Legal aspects of risk management in lithospheric disasters (earthquakes, landslides, and rockfalls, volcanic eruptions); legal aspects of risk management in hydrospheric disasters (floods and torrents, avalanches); legal aspects of risk management in atmospheric disasters (storm and hail events, droughts, extremely low and high temperatures); legal aspects of risk management in biospheric disasters (epidemics, epizootics, epiphytotics, forest fires);

b) Legal Aspects of Risk Management in Anthropogenic Disasters – Legal aspects of risk management in nuclear and radiological disasters; legal aspects of risk management in industrial disasters; legal aspects of risk management in transportation and infrastructural disasters; legal aspects of risk management in disasters caused by hazardous materials; legal aspects of risk management in disasters caused by warfare; legal aspects of risk management in disasters caused by fires; legal aspects of risk management in disasters caused by the use of weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological terrorism);

c) Security Aspects of Risk Management in Natural Disasters – Security aspects of risk management in lithospheric disasters (earthquakes, landslides, and rockfalls, volcanic eruptions); security aspects of risk management in hydrospheric disasters (floods and torrents, avalanches); security aspects of risk management in atmospheric disasters (storm and hail events, droughts, extremely low and high temperatures); security aspects of risk management in biospheric disasters (epidemics, epizootics, epiphytotics, forest fires);

d) Security Aspects of Risk Management in Anthropogenic Disasters – Security aspects of risk management in nuclear and radiological disasters; security aspects of risk management in industrial disasters; security aspects of risk management in transportation and infrastructural disasters; security aspects of risk management in disasters caused by hazardous materials; security aspects of risk management in disasters caused by warfare; security aspects of risk management in disasters caused by fires; security aspects of risk management in disasters caused by the use of weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological terrorism).

This collection of papers is intended for anyone interested in further developing their expertise in disaster studies to advance their academic endeavors. Given the lack of professional literature in the field of risk management in natural and anthropogenic disasters, the scientific and societal significance of this collection is undoubtedly substantial.

The first paper, “Normative Framework of Crisis Management and Competencies of Cities and Municipalities in Serbia (1948-2021)”, authored by Jasmina Tanasić, analyzes the development of local self-government and crisis management in Serbia from the late 1940s to the present. The development of crisis management followed a similar trajectory: from growing decentralization, which peaked in the mid-1970s and lasted until 1990, to rapid centralization in the 1990s, leading to the loss of municipal competencies in crisis management and other public policies. Since 2000, decentralization of local self-government competencies in crisis management has been reestablished. Newer legal solutions for crisis and emergency management at the local level in Serbia follow contemporary practices of developed countries, but the extent to which they are implemented and achievable at the local level remains questionable given the existing level of support for local self-governments.

The second paper, “Legal Regulation of Information Critical Infrastructure Security”, authored by Tatjana Bugarski and Milan Pisarić, concludes that network and information systems and services, as critical information infrastructure, play a significant role in modern society. Their reliability and security are crucial for key societal and economic activities. However, security risks in cyberspace, which are growing in scale, frequency, and impact, threaten their existence and proper functioning. These systems can become targets of cyber-attacks, which are unlawful actions aimed at causing damage and/or interrupting their operation. Such incidents can jeopardize societal and economic activities that depend on critical information infrastructure. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to cyber security. In doing so, risk management in cyberspace must not compromise legal certainty. In this regard, the way in which guidelines for risk assessment for cyber security are prescribed is of utmost importance. A good example of regulation is the European Union Directive on the Security of Network and Information Systems. The Directive mandates that certain organizations take appropriate and proportional security measures, identify, assess, and consider the risks they face in cyberspace to prevent and minimize disruptions to the provision of services. The Directive’s goal is to ensure that critical information infrastructure is protected from disruptions that could impact key economic and societal activities. The subject of the paper is the analysis of protection and information obligations prescribed by the Directive for providers of digital services.

The paper “Decisions of Local Emergency Management Teams Aimed at Combating the COVID-19 Epidemic: The Punitive Aspect”, authored by Ivan Milić, examines decisions that, in certain local self-governments, enforce special rules of conduct to combat the COVID-19 epidemic. These decisions introduce certain obligations for all or specific individuals and legal entities, as well as for entrepreneurs. For example, these decisions shorten the working hours of hospitality establishments, mandate the wearing of protective masks, restrict freedom of movement, and more. Some decisions also prescribe penalties if certain articles of the local emergency management team’s decision are violated. However, the important question addressed in the paper concerns the “punitive consequences” if someone acts contrary to the decision of the local emergency management team.

In the paper “Administrative Restrictions on Property Rights in the Case of Natural Disasters”, authored by Ratko Radošević, it is highlighted that natural disasters can lead to various forms of restrictions on citizens’ property rights over movable and immovable assets. The aim of the paper is to determine the legal regime for restricting property rights in these emergency circumstances and to identify those measures that have an administrative character, which are carried out using administrative powers. These measures could conditionally be classified as expropriation and requisition, as classic forms of administrative restrictions on property rights.

In the paper “Theoretical and Normative-Legal Definition of Civil Defense and Civil Protection”, authored by Vladimir Jakovljević, the primary goal and purpose is to introduce a broader readership, as well as the scientific and professional public, to the concept and essence of civil defense and civil protection, different theoretical and legal approaches and elaborations (narrower and broader) that contribute to the clear definition of these terms, and to point out the differences between them and other similar terms, such as civil security, civil emergency planning, and similar. In theoretical analyses and elaborations related to civil defense, the content and scope of this term have not yet been precisely and clearly delineated from other similar terms. Numerous terms are used, such as civil protection, civil security, economic defense, civilian defense, passive protection, national or alternative defense, civil emergency planning. This specific choice of words and terms is usually not accidental. It not only reflects what the authors think and want to say, but very often speaks to the state and understanding of the social groups that use these terms, and even the society in which these terms are in circulation.

The paper “Fraud in the Context of Emergency Management”, authored by Snežana Knežević, Stefan Milojević, Miljan Adamović, and Jovan Travica, confirms that fraudulent actions (fraud) are words with significant weight. To prevent fraud, it is necessary to identify the causes of fraud and create a plan to prevent them. Various causes can lead people to commit fraud. Regardless of cultural differences, traditions, or customs, all cultures treat fraud, bribery, and corruption as actions that are prohibited and unethical. Emergencies occur unpredictably and lead individuals and organizations to immediately shift their focus and attention to resolving the situation. During pandemics or large natural disasters, the ability to manage risks related to fraudulent actions, which can take various forms and cause significant economic and other consequences, is limited. This paper discusses the causes and problems associated with the occurrence of fraud specific to emergencies. It will also highlight various control activities that can be taken during an emergency to minimize the risk of fraudulent actions.

The paper “Fraud in the Event of Disasters: Financial Aspects”, authored by Snežana Knežević, Marko Špiler, Aleksandra Mitrović, and Marko Milašinović, points out that we have all experienced, especially in recent times, how disasters destroy lives and property worldwide. This article describes the specific problem that primarily arises in the case of disasters and recovery from them. Disaster recovery involves meeting financial needs, whether in the short or long term. The scale of fraud and criminal activity increases during disasters. The problem relates to addressing disaster-related issues that may “open doors” to supporting money laundering or initiating tax evasion. Furthermore, the role of financial forensics will be particularly highlighted.

The paper “The Role of Private Security in Disaster Risk Management”, authored by Nenad Radivojević, emphasizes that increasingly destructive occurrences such as mass and frequent natural disasters, terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure, accidents, technical-technological incidents, and similar events often lead to the declaration of emergency situations. This has prompted states to reorganize their national security systems, especially disaster risk reduction and emergency management systems, to respond in a timely and adequate manner to these threats. The core of this reorganization includes activities aimed at creating a legal framework that expands the circle of subjects involved in protection and rescue. One of these subjects in society is the private security sector. The subject of this paper is the analysis of the positive legal regulation governing private security, critical infrastructure protection, and disaster risk reduction and emergency management in the Republic of Serbia, with the goal of examining the current and potential role of private security in disaster risk management.

The paper “Fire Safety Risks in Correctional Institutions”, authored by Dejan Novaković, elaborates on the fire safety risks in correctional institutions, such as penal institutions, which are based on security assessments of these facilities. These assessments form the basis for determining protection goals, tasks, and responsibilities. To assess the fire safety of correctional institutions, the current state and methodology for assessing their vulnerability to fire risks will be presented. A survey was conducted to gather data for a planned empirical study and the development of a scientific monograph, with the aim of gaining an understanding of the current state of fire safety organization in correctional institutions in the Republic of Serbia. The survey was anonymous, and the data were used exclusively for research purposes. Special attention was given to the methodology for assessing fire risks and taking measures to eliminate the causes of fire or minimize the effects of a risky event, as well as measures to ensure minimal losses and mitigate the consequences if a risky event occurs. All of this represents the foundation for fire risk management.

The paper “Data Sharing in Emergency Situations”, authored by Miljan Adamović, Stefan Milojević, Marko Špiler, and Jovan Travica, emphasizes that data sharing in emergency situations is expected to occur on a routine basis, which implies that it can be planned in advance. However, this may not always be the case, as emergencies can arise that could not have been anticipated. For example, the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic illustrates the need for coordinated public responses where rapid data sharing has a significant impact on public health and safety. Large-scale natural disasters can devastate countries and harm thousands of people. In emergency situations, life-saving activities and efforts to limit the impact of dangers are crucial, and rapid decision-making is essential. In such cases, a particularly complex issue for various government agencies and organizations is whether to respond appropriately and make a decision about (not)sharing information. The subject of this paper is a consideration of the broader context of information sharing in emergency situations.

The paper “Phenomenological and Etiological Dimensions of Disasters Caused by Earthquakes”, authored by Jelena Planić and Vladimir Cvetković, concludes that natural disasters have become a part of everyday life for modern humans, with their frequency and intensity increasing due to climate change. Earthquakes, due to their unpredictability, represent one of the most terrifying and costly natural disasters. Using a review of the literature, the authors present the basic characteristics of earthquakes as natural disasters, as well as the importance of preparedness in responding to natural disasters. The basic elements of earthquakes, classifications, scales for measuring earthquake intensity, and the consequences caused by earthquakes are presented. Given that disaster preparedness at the individual, community, and societal levels represents an effective tool for reducing disaster risks and mitigating their consequences, the paper focuses on ways to improve preparedness. Drawing on numerous scientific papers, the experiences of many countries are presented as examples to follow in designing and implementing disaster mitigation strategies and public education programs.

The paper “Possibilities for Managing Forest Fire Risks Using Geographic Information Systems”, authored by Saša Ljubojević, is based on describing the possibilities of applying geographic information systems in managing forest fire risks, with a focus on data collection, data analysis, and the prediction of security risk areas. The paper will show how a more comprehensive overview of endangered areas, facilities, and populations can be achieved, enabling adequate and timely decision-making. In addition, the paper will describe the security aspect of such a database and how it should be managed, as well as who and when can use the data. The data in this database will clearly show various areas and how it is possible to intentionally cause damage of enormous proportions. Although the creation of such a comprehensive database, for security reasons, represents a security risk in itself, the need for fire protection outweighs such a risk, but it requires strictly controlled risk management.

The paper “Economic Consequences of Natural Disasters”, authored by Goran Milošević and Luka Čaušić, examines natural disasters (floods, droughts, extreme temperatures, fires, earthquakes) that directly and indirectly affect the level of risk and the security situation of people, animals, material and cultural goods, and the environment. In addition to the tragic loss of human lives, the negative effects of disasters manifest in the destruction of material goods and the environment in local, regional, and national communities. The consequences of natural disasters are factors that influence the perception of Serbian citizens. Depending on the intensity of the disaster, natural disasters can cause negative cyclical oscillations within the country’s economic system, affecting the labor market, financial markets, capital markets, and all aspects of a society’s life and work. This can mean economic imbalances not only within the microeconomic area where the undesirable event occurred but also on a macroeconomic scale.

The paper “Integrated Waste Management in the Disaster Risk Reduction System”, authored by Jovana Martinović, begins with the fact that in the Republic of Serbia and worldwide, unscientific waste management continues to represent a complex and serious environmental problem. The increase in urbanization, industrialization, and the exponential growth of the global population are responsible for generating large amounts of waste materials that are directly associated with soil, air, and water pollution, as well as risks to the health and safety of citizens. Poor waste management significantly undermines the success of achieving sustainable development goals, emphasizing the importance and urgency of transitioning from traditional linear to integrated waste management approaches. Starting from the fact that solid waste management is a global environmental issue that contains socio-economic, institutional, political, and environmental aspects, the goal of this study is to describe and analyze different strategies for integrated waste management in developed and developing countries, with a particular focus on the perception and participation of the public in waste management activities, the various challenges and shortcomings faced by solid waste management, and the identification of innovative solutions in this field. Although it is difficult to find a good management system that would be applicable in all countries, the findings have indicated the following characteristics of efficient and sustainable systems: adaptation to local needs, minimal use of toxic chemicals, resource conservation, waste reduction, the use of renewable sources, the inclusion of the informal sector in waste management activities (including collection, sorting, and recycling of waste), greater technological sophistication, and innovations in waste management, continuous research, and clear legal regulations. Given that no system is efficient enough in addressing waste problems due to excessive production, consumption, and disposal, as well as the fact that people’s attitudes and practices in waste management are determined by their level of education, age, and income, raising awareness and conducting continuous public education programs and campaigns on proper waste management at all levels of society is necessary. The findings of the review paper contribute to improving the existing body of knowledge on various aspects of integrated solid waste management.

The paper “The Role of Multimedia Content in Educating Youth about Disasters”, authored by Ivana Krnjić and Vladimir M. Cvetković, emphasizes that education about disasters is one of the most important prerequisites for improving the preparedness of society and citizens for timely and adequate responses in such situations. For these reasons, various traditional and innovative methods are used to educate youth about disasters with the aim of enhancing their resilience to different natural and anthropogenic disasters. Using a literature review, the authors systematically elaborate on the basic characteristics of disaster education, as well as the characteristics and ways of using multimedia content in such a process. Not neglecting the importance of traditional educational methods, the authors present the basic modalities of acquiring knowledge about disasters through school programs with a focus on school safety. The results of the review paper show that there is a serious social and scientific-pragmatic environment for designing and implementing multimedia content in educating youth about disasters. It is necessary to continue research in this area to improve the understanding of all the advantages and disadvantages of using multimedia for educational purposes.

The paper “Accuracy of Information and Its Precise and Unambiguous Transmission to the Public as Ways of Risk Management in Epidemic Circumstances (Republic of Serbia during the State of Emergency in 2020)”, authored by Dragana Ćorić, confirms that insufficient knowledge of the subject being reported to the public, and the competitiveness in quickly publishing information, have repeatedly disturbed the public. Numerous training sessions for journalists in certain areas they report on, as well as constant reference to the strict application of journalistic ethics, seem to be failing to achieve their goal. The need for someone to be the first to publish information has taken precedence over the need for truthful and factual representation of news. This substitution was particularly pronounced during the state of emergency in the Republic of Serbia in 2020, where imprecise and sensationalistic reporting of information repeatedly led to public alarm and even violations by citizens because the information was transmitted inaccurately or incorrectly. After citing several examples of both good and bad practices, the paper concludes with the formulation of a unified approach to creating good, truthful news articles, especially in situations of potential public distress.

The paper “Security Protection of the Republic of Serbia in Natural Disaster Conditions”, authored by Željko V. Lazić and Martin I. Matijašević, identifies natural disasters as a specific security phenomenon that encompasses a wide range of threats to the security of the Republic of Serbia. Depending on the intensity, spatial distribution, and duration of the natural disaster, in addition to threats to people, material goods, and the environment, it also poses threats to the socio-political order. When state authorities, under natural disaster conditions, seek to adequately organize and manage the protection and rescue system in the affected area, there is inevitably an increase in sociopathological phenomena, such as thefts, robberies, and violent behavior. The subject of this paper is the protection of the security of the Republic of Serbia in the context of natural disasters, protection from the direct consequences of natural disasters, and the indirect consequences for the existing socio-political order, economic security, and the interests of the Republic of Serbia in the region. The paper provides a typology of security threats in natural disaster conditions.

The paper “Risk of Lithospheric Disasters in the Braničevo District”, authored by Marija Đurić and Irena Blagajac, investigates the risk of lithospheric disasters in the Braničevo District. The study’s objective is to analyze the intensity of earthquakes, as well as the prevalence of landslides and rockfalls in the studied area. The goal is to determine the level of risk posed by lithospheric disasters that could endanger the population’s lives and activities in the district. The paper includes a map showing the geographical distribution of landslides and rockfalls in the Braničevo District. Additionally, maps of earthquake intensity for return periods of 95 and 975 years are presented for the observed area. The analysis also covers the population density by settlements in the district, as well as the distribution of agricultural, forested, residential, water, and industrial areas. The study includes maps showing population density and land use. Through a comparative analysis of these data, a synthesis map is created that includes the geospatial overlap of the investigated lithospheric hazards with population density and land use to identify high-risk zones for the population. Based on the synthesis map, a map of high, medium, and low-risk areas for lithospheric disasters and their impact on the population’s lives and activities in the Braničevo District is created. The study provides proposals for prevention, preparedness, incident response, and disaster recovery measures for the population, buildings, and economic activities in the Braničevo District.

The paper “Security Aspects of Risk Management in Disasters Caused by Forest Fires”, authored by Milica Stefanović, emphasizes that in the previous period, there has been a significant risk of the outbreak and spread of forest fires, both globally and locally. In addition to human factors, as the most common cause, there is an increasing risk of emergencies of this nature due to climate change. Under the influence of high temperatures, large-scale forest fires have occurred in recent months in Turkey, Greece, the United States, and Serbia. A particular problem arises when a fire is caused by human factors, and due to unfavorable climatic conditions, it becomes uncontrollable. If not addressed in a timely manner, forest fires can spread significantly and lead to environmental destruction, as well as endanger human lives and property. When such events occur, weather conditions that can contribute to the further spread of danger (wind, high temperatures, drought, etc.) are of great importance. Various studies predict an increase in global temperatures in the coming decades. Given that addressing climate change and increasing global temperatures is a process that requires time, efforts must be made to strengthen disaster preparedness and response capacities. It is also important to organize training and educational programs to raise public awareness of the consequences that irresponsible behavior, which can lead to forest fires, can have.

The paper “Risk Communication in Disasters”, authored by Marko Radovanović and Vladimir M. Cvetković, concludes that risk communication in disasters is one of the cornerstones of successful disaster management, reflected in reducing the devastating impacts of disaster hazards on human lives and property by providing timely critical information to affected communities. A poorly developed system for identifying, analyzing, and sharing information about disaster risks leads to poor management in all phases of disaster management (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery). In each of the mentioned phases, there are clear requirements for specific information that enables efficient decision-making and timely key actions. The exchange of information about disaster risks is influenced by a large number of factors, such as the degree of scientific and technological development, demographic, sociological, and psychological environments, and the characteristics of natural and anthropogenic hazards themselves. Recognizing the undeniable importance of information about disaster risks, the authors of the review paper identify, analyze, and systematize relevant aspects of the phenomenological dimensions of risk communication. Special attention is given to a comprehensive understanding of the sources, subjects, and means of communication, with a focus on innovative solutions and strategies for responding to natural and anthropogenic disaster risks.

The paper “Specific Ethical Aspects of Triage in Providing First Aid in Situations with a Large Number of Victims”, authored by Srđan Nikolovski, highlights that disasters affecting the human population increase the risk of overwhelming first aid services in terms of the number of victims and the severity of their injuries and other emergency health conditions. In such cases, even non-medically trained individuals may find themselves in a situation where they need to provide essential medical assistance before the arrival of emergency medical teams. Constant balancing between deontology and utilitarianism is a daily occurrence in medical practice, which intensifies in emergency medical situations and in events where saving lives takes precedence. Although there may be certain mitigating circumstances, most are very aggravating, and those tasked with providing basic life support are placed in a stressful situation where composure is of great importance. The subject of this paper is to highlight specific ethical aspects of the triage process in providing first aid to disaster victims. Ethics explains several situations related to the selection of patients to whom medical assistance should be provided, as well as the measures that should be applied. The primary goal of these illustrative situations is to determine which of the ethical approaches should be applied to save as many lives as possible, while ensuring that no victim is neglected. Due to the presence of time as a limiting factor, the application of triage principles and the elimination of any form of confusion is the most efficient way to provide emergency aid to all disaster victims, both by non-medical and medical personnel.

The paper “Citizen Perception of the Application of Intelligent Information Systems in Emergency Management”, authored by Vojkan Nikolić, Predrag Milošević, and Nikola Krunić, concludes that intelligent systems are an essential element in achieving goals in various areas of human work and behavior, including national security. By using computer systems and their applications in operational and managerial areas of work, competitive advantages are created, and information exchange based on knowledge is ensured. In emergency management, the speed of response and reaction to threats is particularly important. Thanks to information processing, the management system can almost always know where problems and risks are arising and what response is necessary to address all challenges and risks.

On behalf of the authors, I express my gratitude to those who contributed the most to the publication of this collection of papers, including the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management and the International Institute for Disaster Research as publishers, as well as the reviewers who very patiently and thoroughly reviewed and improved all the scientific papers. I also extend my gratitude to the associates of the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management and the International Institute for Disaster Research: Anja Đergović, Tamara Ivković, Tamara Mančić, Martin Matijašević, Steva Miletić, Nemanja Miljković, Jelena Planić, Zoran Planojević, Sofija Radojković, and Milica Stefanović.

Belgrade, March 2022

Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković