Abstract:

This paper presents the main natural disasters risks in Romania, the financial solutions to fight against natural disasters and analyses using a direct research method the way in which the role played by different entities in the protection and recovery following natural catastrophes is perceived in Romania. The main objectives of the direct research were studying the perception of natural risks and of protection instruments, as well as the the perception regarding the quality of the relationship between the main stakeholders: public authority, population, and insurance companies. The survey results indicate that in Romania the risks perceived as the most dangerous are earthquake and floods. The main role in fighting natural catastrophes is played by local authorities, but the perception is that the central authority as well, the insurance companies, the population and the EU institutions are important in the prevention and recovery following natural catastrophes.