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Heisei-shinzan Appeal (Statement of COV5)
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At Shimabara, Nov. 23, 2007

      Volcanoes, the product of hot magma gushing out from 
underground, have erupted numerous times since the birth of the 
earth. In recent years, as populations have grown and spread, humans 
have come to live in close contact with volcanoes and enjoy the 
blessings bestowed by them. As such, human beings and their 
communities’ coexistence with volcanoes have become important themes 
for us.
      Japan, the host country for the 5th Cities on Volcanoes 
Conference, has one hundred and eight active volcanoes, some of which 
are erupting every year. The disasters of Mt.Unzen, Mt.Usu, and 
Miyake-jima, still fresh in our memory, as well as Mt. Fuji, which 
has not erupted for three hundred years and the caldera-forming 
eruptions in Kyushu and Hokkaido, all give us grave concern for 
safety.  Researchers, administrative organizations, and local people 
have all been working in cooperation to create maps of hazardous 
areas, debris protection and so on.
     It is from within this environment, that this five-day COV5 
Conference has been held based on the theme of “Communities’ 
coexistence with volcanoes”, co-hosted by academics and 
administrators. Scientists, administrators, disaster managers, the 
media and citizens from Japan and abroad have all gathered in 
Shimabara; revived and reborn as a safe and peaceful city. Through 
enthusiastic exchange of knowledge, experiences and discussion we 
have produced the following results;

1. In our meeting, we discussed the latest results from a wide 
spectrum of volcanological research, and realized the necessity of 
sound interpretation of volcanic phenomena based on real-time, multi-
sensor observations. A probabilistic approach to volcanic disaster 
assessment is indispensable. Therefore, we must create databases of 
eruptions and related phenomena, including WOVOdat.

2. It is important that information from scientists and disaster 
agencies is integrated and reflected in risk management, and that 
long-term land use planning considers future risks. It was suggested 
that recovery processes are considered not only for infrastructure 
but also for communities.

3. Disaster preparedness, well in advance of an emergency situation, 
was cited as a key point. This is an important addition to creating 
thrusting relationships among scientists, officials, residents and 
mass media. The development and implementation of outreach and 
education activities provide a means to improve community awareness 
about volcanoes.

4. COV5 has attempted a new style of international conference, with 
participants not only from research, administrative and disaster 
management backgrounds, but also ordinary citizens themselves.

After the fruitful discussions of the past five days, we here and now 
declare to make greater efforts to reduce the challenges faced by 
volcanic eruptions around the world and to form ‘communities living 
with volcanoes’, creating stronger links of communication with those 
involved.
We hope from the bottom of our hearts that this COV5 Conference helps 
enhance people’s awareness of volcanic disasters, promote partnership 
within the community, and bring people together in facing the 
volcanoes and disasters head-on, blessed with safety.