Citizen participation relating to cultural factors

The majority of studies reviewed for this report (see source document) have recommended the participation of citizens and communities for a variety of reasons relating to cultural factors. This CBDM (community-based disaster management) approach represents one such way in which citizens can become actor citizens and take ownership of the entire disaster management process. It does this primarily by ensuring that each stage is “participatory” - involving or led by the local community. In fact, the direct involvement of the community is the most important principle of the approach. Abarquez and Murshed assert that “the community is the key actor as well as the primary beneficiary of the disaster risk management process”. This involvement is based on the premise that community empowerment leads to greater resilience and sustainability. To quote Deliverable report 7.1 of Work Package 7: “a critical element of sustainable disaster management has been communities’ participation” (p. 37). The sustainability of the approach is achieved by several mechanisms, including devolving power to the local level, developing or boosting the capacities of actor citizens and building lasting relationships and trust across agencies.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Norms/values, Local knowledge, Communication, Power relations, Density of active citizenship

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: Local authorities, Non-active citizens, Active citizens, Government

Recommendations:

• Empower vulnerable groups (i.e. children, elderly, and people with disabilities) by including them in disaster management decision-making and actions