Accidents caused by human activities in Europe are responsible for more deaths and greater economic losses than natural disasters. In spite of generally higher levels of technology and safety, the number of industrial accidents continues to rise, and in 1997 alone there were 37 large-scale accidents in Europe.

Testifying to this are such recent tragedies as the AZF explosion in Toulouse, along with other disasters, such as the one in Puertollano, the collapse of the waste dump in Bens, the ecological catastrophe in the Doñana National Park... Much greater effort and will are required to tackle this trend.

Moreover, a lack of information, openness and dialogue gives rise to the syndrome referred to as NIMBY ("Not In My Back Yard") amongst people, paving the way for environmental conflicts between local residents, municipalities and companies. Nobody wants to run the risk of an environmental disaster where they live.

Prevention means, above all, knowledge: in-depth knowledge of the causes, solutions and handling of past catastrophes and conflicts and the application of suitable technologies.

Prevention also means reduction: minimising the risks of accidents or conflict by means of, amongst others, integrated management systems.

Furthermore, prevention means information: ensuring the openness of information provided to local people, as well as establishing a dialogue whereby the opinion of those affected is taken into account on a hands-on basis, and clarifying risks through audits, for example.

Thus, fostering prevention involves organising a structure that caters for different experiences in environmental conflicts and catastrophes worldwide, with a view to sharing conclusions and results and preventing risks. This is the aim of ATEGRUS and RBI-INESE in organising this 1st International Conference on the Prevention of Environmental Conflicts and Disasters (PRECEDES).