The DEBRIS project aims at the creation, development and testing of new training methods and resources in the field of "natural risks" targeted at highly specialised professionals and using the latest 3D graphics and interactive virtual reality techniques. The project has three principal objectives: to develop a training model based upon web and computer based training systems; to identify new curricula in the field of natural risks - based upon the use of a combination of ODL and co-operative learning and to pilot the developed training tools. The end results of the project will comprise a series of training resources (training methods & instruments) aimed at teachers/trainers, professionals and decision makers planning to develop distance learning activities in addition to an outline training programme for students, graduates and under-graduates. The primary beneficiaries of the project will be authorities and organisations responsible for land safety and protection; professionals directly involved in managing environment and territory protection; teachers and students of geology, environmental engineering and earth sciences. Dissemination of project results is planned through the hosting of a series of workshops, the publication of printed project documentation (content and achievements) and the introduction of a dedicated project website.