Empowerment through traditions in farming, building and other land use

Some of the most valuable aspects of a disaster culture are the well-established farming, building and other land use techniques that have been modified, perfected and passed down through generations. Again, it is an example of the kind of skills and knowledge that can be harnessed to empower local citizens into becoming critical stakeholders in the disaster management process.

Cultural Factors: Individual/collective memory, Local knowledge

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

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery, All disaster phases

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Develop a personal “culture of preparedness”