This European research project PERSISTAH (Projetos de Escolas Resilientes aos SISmos no Território do Algarve e de Huelva, in Portuguese), has been developed jointly by the University of Seville (Spain) and the University of Algarve (Portugal). This research project focuses on the study and assessment of the seismic risk of primary school buildings in the Algarve (Portugal) and Huelva (Spain) regions. To this end, the objectives established by the National Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction (PNRRC) of the National Civil Protection Commissions of Portugal and Spain have been considered.      

The PERSISTAH project was conceived based on a number of key points regarding the seismic resilience of the Algarve and Huelva regions:

• A significant part of the known seismic sources around the Algarve and Huelva areas would have a transboundary impact.
• Knowledge of existing hazards and the seismic vulnerability of buildings is essential for effective emergency response.
• It is important to study the application of mitigation measures in schools in the face of a possible seismic event.
• The development of educational material and the communication of seismic risk to students and teachers would reduce the vulnerability of the community.
• Making recommendations for rehabilitation aimed at technicians in- volved in construction will have a positive effect on the risk reduction.
• The creation of cooperative links in risk mitigation efforts between these two neighbouring regions will enhance the regions seismic resilience.

Based on these points, the main objective of the European project PER- SISTAH is the assessment of the seismic vulnerability of primary schools in the Algarve (Portugal) and Huelva (Spain) regions cooperatively. To this end, the objectives established by the National Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction (PNRRC) of the National Civil Protection Commissions of Portugal and Spain have been considered.

This objective can be subdivided into the following goals:

• the classification of the school buildings of the area,
• the assessment of their vulnerability,
• the definition of a vulnerability index that allows to compare them,
• the definition of rehabilitation measures for those buildings which may need them,
• the application of those measures to one Portuguese and one Spanish school pilot building,
• the creation of educational guides to create awareness of the seismic
• risks in the school community, and      
• the dissemination of the project results, where the present document is to be found.