Along with the worldwide rise of vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters, the Mediterranean region is particularly exposed to the risk of several natural and technological (or man-made) disasters. Such disasters can have a ruinous impact on the environment, the populations, the resources and the infrastructures of a country – especially when prevention, preparedness and response are not promoted – and can seriously undermine the efforts for sustainable development in the region.

The most significant risks in the Mediterranean region include seismic activity, hydro-geological events (floods and flash floods), forest fires, urban and industrial disasters (explosions, chemical accidents or toxic gas leakage), maritime pollution (oil spills), health risks (epidemics and pandemics), tsunami-related risks and disasters caused by extreme meteorological conditions (also related to climate change).