The Society of Information, on behalf of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, has moved forward with a tender for the integration and utilization of new technologies, prominently featuring Artificial Intelligence (AI). The tender supports the project “National Database: Integrated Risk Management and Prevention Information System,” part of the National Civil Protection Policy Program “AEGIS,” backed financially by the European Investment Bank with a budget of €21.66 million.
The initiative aims to harness modern technologies and AI to bolster the ministry’s capabilities across various sectors, focusing on prevention, preparedness, and timely warning. To achieve this, the Ministry will implement a comprehensive operational system that unlocks the full potential of both existing and new systems, split into two main pillars: the National Crisis Management and Prevention System and the National Early Warning System.
The project’s purpose and objectives involve designing and executing appropriate digital infrastructure for data collection and processing, leading to the creation of a central Intelligent Digital Control Tower for advanced analytics. This Control Tower will aid in crisis prevention by enabling the formulation of operational decisions. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and digitalization, the Control Tower, as an intelligent Crisis Prevention and Management System under the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, will enhance risk assessment capabilities and improve disaster response times.
Areas of Interest for the provision of new services by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection include predictive AI models, simulation of digital twins, and business intelligence analyses. These services will address emergency management related to:
– Forest firefighting through Fire Service systems
– Mapping and predicting prevailing weather conditions
– Monitoring epidemiological data, including Covid-19 tracking databases and e-health initiatives
– Surveillance of emergency communications using Emergency Communications System 112 and radar systems
– Predicting and providing early warnings for natural and anthropogenic hazards (flood phenomena, volcanic activity, gravity waves)
– Fleet monitoring and geolocation using telematics
The Intelligent Digital Control Tower will serve a critical role with core pillars designed to:
– Foster interoperability infrastructure and unified data collection from various information sources, telematics, and sensors
– Visualize incidents, available equipment, and fleet through business intelligence optics
– Provide constant real-time supervision of events and equipment availability, utilizing intelligent incident monitoring systems
– Expedite updates on future events and equipment/fleet availability with early detection systems aiming to prevent severe incidents and resolve equipment availability issues
– Strategically plan and coordinate action mechanisms for equipment readiness and emergency response forces using simulation models and digital twins systems.
Key Questions and Answers:
1. What is the AEGIS program?
AEGIS is a National Civil Protection Policy Program funded by the European Investment Bank aiming to integrate and utilize AI and other modern technologies to improve risk management and crisis prevention in Greece.
2. How does AI contribute to crisis prevention and management?
AI aids in crisis prevention by enhancing risk assessment capabilities, processing large sets of data for predictive modeling, and improving response times through real-time monitoring and early warning systems.
3. What challenges might Greece face in implementing AI for crisis management?
Key challenges could include ensuring data privacy and security, integrating disparate systems and data sources, training personnel to use new technologies, and facing the potential high costs associated with AI implementation and maintenance.
Controversies:
The use of AI in surveillance and predictive policing may raise ethical concerns related to privacy and the potential for misuse of data.
Advantages:
– Improved accuracy in predicting hazards and enabling timely responses
– Intelligent data analysis and decision-making support
– Enhanced coordination and allocation of emergency resources
– Potential to save lives and reduce economic losses through better preparedness
Disadvantages:
– High setup and maintenance costs
– Risk of data breaches and cybersecurity threats
– Possible resistance to change from traditional practices
– Ethical and privacy concerns surrounding AI surveillance
Related links:
For more information on the role of AI in various sectors, visit:
– European Union
– European Investment Bank
Please note that this response has not included direct links to specific articles or subpages, but rather to the main domains of relevant organizations that could provide further context and information on the topic of AI in crisis management and prevention.