COMMENTS RELATED WITH FP7 Seventh Framework Programme Call identifier: FP7-ENV-2011 • Date of publication: 20 July 2010 • Deadline1: 16 November 2010 • Indicative budget2,3: EUR 155 000 000 Activity 6.1 Climate Change, pollution and risks Sub-activity 6.1.3. Natural Hazards (EUR 18 000 000) Area 6.1.3.2 Vulnerability assessment and societal impacts Topic: ENV.2011.1.3.2-2 Vulnerability and increased drought risk in Europe. Droughts are increasingly being observed in many regions of Europe, requiring innovative science-based approaches to evaluate the complexity of environmental and socio-economic impacts and people's vulnerability. In the European context, it is essential to improve the understanding of drought processes and occurrences, modelling, forecasting and monitoring, taking into considerations different European geo-climatic regions. Research should capitalise on e.g. studies of historical past events, improve the predictive skills for droughts and develop innovative drought indicators and methodologies for reducing and monitoring the vulnerability of drought-related risks and their impacts to society and the environment, in particular in water stressed areas. These developments should serve as a basis for improving early drought preparedness and risk reduction measures in support of EU policies, in particular the development of Drought Management Plans at EU level, and international policies (in particular the Hyogo Framework for Action).* Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (small or medium-scale focused research project) Expected Impact: Reduction of vulnerability to droughts and identification of the most sensitive areas and sectors in Europe. Better preparedness and risk reduction measures in support of EU policies and international efforts (Hyogo Framework for Action). * International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) http://www.unisdr.org/eng/hfa/hfa.htm