Adaptive patterns to risk are linked to cultural practices and location

In places where people are regularly exposed to hazards, they find ways to adapt, and it has been argued that such adaptive patterns become embedded in cultures over time (Bankoff et al., 2015; see also Moore, 1964, p. 195). These adaptive behaviours are based on different ideas and perceptions, social institutions, and agency, but also on cultural practices. The locality of risks, therefore, means that risk is not just the feature of a particular culture or society, but it also depends on its specific location (Bankoff et al., 2015). However, locality of risk cultures does not refer exclusively to the spatial or geographical differences, but also to the different 'cultural discourses' on disaster and risk management. These discourses signify the problem of locality of knowledge that shapes people's risk perception and practices in the context of disasters (Bankoff et al., 2015). Here, we will focus on the discourses of tropicality, development, and vulnerability, since they explain specificity and locality of risk cultures (Bankoff, 2004a; Bankoff, 2004b).

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Cultural Factors: Local knowledge

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Prevention

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Use local knowledge, collective memory and shared cultural values to improve disaster preparedness, response and recovery
• Foster the adoption of a culture of disaster prevention and resilience by informing and motivating citizens to take action