The value of sharing inter-generational knowledge

The passing down of disaster stories to the next generation, or indeed passing across of stories to decision-makers today, is losing value, as the following excerpt outlines: In a context of rapid change and complex interactions between ‘local’ and ‘global’ scales, some local knowledge and practices which used to contribute to disaster risk reduction are eroding. They include local environmental knowledge and community memories carried in stories of dangers and past events. Some is becoming less relevant, but much that would be helpful is being lost when it is most needed.

Cultural Factors: Customs/traditions/rituals, Individual/collective memory, Local knowledge, Communication

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

Disaster Phases: Prevention

Types of Actors Concerned: Local authorities, Non-active citizens, Government, European Civil Protection Mechanism, UN and other international organisations

Recommendations:

• Use local knowledge, collective memory and shared cultural values to improve disaster preparedness, response and recovery