Disaster risk reduction analysed in conjunction with the priorities of people, the needs of people at risk and cultural perspectives

In the debates and discussions on disaster risk reduction, after the Erlangen Conference in 2013 on 'Cultures and Disasters' (see source document for full reference), five conclusions emerged: first, researchers should pay more attention to the priorities of people, as well as to their perceptions and belief systems; second, disaster risk reduction priorities have to be set to meet the needs of people at risk; third, researchers should be aware of their cultural perspective; fourth, definitions of disaster and culture are cultural conventions themselves, and, hence, should be used with caution; fifth, culture can be seen as situated in a process, by which people shape their beliefs, narratives, and practices concerning disasters (Bankoff et al., 2015, pp. 11-12).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Norms/values

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

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness

Types of Actors Concerned: National research bodies, Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Develop risk assessments methodologies, which consider cultural factors, the manner in which people cognitively process information and which employ a gender perspective