
The UNESCO Chair on Prevention and Sustainable Management of Geo-Hydrological Hazards, established in 2016 at the University of Florence, promotes research, education and international cooperation to reduce the risks posed by landslides, floods and ground subsidence.
The Chair develops monitoring technologies, forecasting models and risk assessment tools to support safer communities and protect cultural and natural heritage. Through international missions, collaborative projects and training programmes, it shares knowledge and strengthens local capacities, with particular attention to developing countries, especially in Africa.
On 4 November 1966 the city of Florence was severely hit by the flooding of the Arno river. The event caused casualties among the population and extensive damage to buildings and to the cultural and artistic heritage, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the city, its heritage and the lives of its citizens.
2026 marks the sixtieth anniversary of that tragedy, which remains to this day a living memory and a powerful reminder of the values of knowledge, solidarity and resilience.
Discover the program
The 7th World Landslide Forum (WLF7), organised by the International Consortium on Landslides (ICL) and hosted by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Faridabad, India, will be held on 22–27 November 2026. Under the theme “Landslide Science and Practice for Safe and Resilient Communities”, the Forum brings together scientists, practitioners and policy-makers from all over the world to advance landslide risk reduction within the framework of the Kyoto Landslide Commitment 2020.
Visit the Forum website