This is a parallel session at IRDR International Conference 2024. In the session, several young scientist gave relevant presentations.
It has been recognized that development that is not risk informed cannot be sustainable. Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction (DRR) into strategies and policy for territorial planning, land use planning, and disaster preparedness can support the anticipatory actions, reduce systemic and cascading impacts generated by disasters, and enhance the resilience.
This session aims to 1) collect the cases from national level from different countries on the application of disaster risk information in land use planning, territorial planning and development strategies and policies; 2) support the implementation of “Priority 3: Enable transformative governance and action to reduce risk” and “Priority 6: Support regional and national science and knowledge for policy and action” identified in the global risk science agenda; 3) discuss on how to promote the role of young scientists in the DRR policy making.
Below are summaries of the respective presentations:
1. Building resilience in Greece: the role of risk assessments in territorial planning and development policies
Authors: Chrysoula Chitou, Stella Tsani
Summary:
The presentation "Building resilience in Greece: the role of risk assessments in territorial planning and development policies" examines Greece's vulnerability to natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, and floods. The national framework for disaster risk management is in place, with organizations like the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization and the National Observatory of Athens playing key roles. In wildfire and flood risk management, there are collaborative efforts and integration with land use planning. Spatial planning has seen development over time. Results indicate that seismic building codes have had some effect on reducing earthquake damage, while wildfire and flood risk assessments have influenced response planning and land use practices respectively. However, several challenges remain. Data quality and availability are inconsistent across hazards, the institutional environment suffers from coordination issues among multiple entities, land use and urban planning laws are not uniformly applied, political priorities often favor short-term economics over resilience, public awareness is insufficient, and technological limitations exist due to financial constraints. Conclusions suggest improvements in data collection, clearer institutional roles, stronger political commitment, enhanced educational programs, and addressing resource shortages to enhance the effectiveness of risk assessment integration into development policies.
2. Seismic Risk assessment at the flanks of Mount Cameroon
Authors: Nchini Livinus Wayih
Summary:
The presentation "Seismic Risk assessment at the flanks of Mount Cameroon" focuses on the seismic risks in the Mount Cameroon area. Volcanoes near this region offer benefits like fertile soil and construction materials, attracting settlements, but also pose challenges due to cultural significance and unreliable eruption forecasts. The study reveals that previous seismic risk assessments overlooked key assets. In the Mount Cameroon area, especially Fako, infrastructure developed rapidly without sufficient geological knowledge. Through integrated risk assessment methodologies involving field surveys and sample collections in areas like Buea, Tiko, and Muyuka, building vulnerability indices (BVI) and soil susceptibility maps were created. Results show varying risk levels across different localities. For territorial planning, it suggests avoiding high-risk zones for major developments, creating green spaces and buffer zones in such areas, and integrating findings into development plans. In terms of impacts, authorities communicate risks to communities, promote community-based risk reduction, and publish research. Challenges include funding limitations for equipment and research, laboratory infrastructure deficiencies, and logistical difficulties in fieldwork. Lessons learned emphasize the importance of localized knowledge, community engagement, and early warning systems. Conclusions point out the need for enhanced structural resilience, tailored infrastructure development, and public awareness. Recommendations involve geotechnical interventions in high-risk areas and integrating research into policy-making through collaboration among stakeholders.
3. Applying Risk Assessments results in Territorial Planning and Development Policies, A Case Study of Zhouqu Debris Flow 2010
Authors: Shengnan WU, Dr. A.Prof.
Summary:
The presentation "Applying Risk Assessments results in Territorial Planning and Development Policies - A Case Study of Zhouqu Debris Flow 2010" analyzes the 2010 Zhouqu debris flow disaster in China. Zhouqu, a disaster-prone area with rugged terrain, was severely affected by the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 and extreme rainfall on August 7, 2010. The disaster led to 1501 deaths, 264 missing, and affected 26,470 people, with 1.8 million m³ of deposits covering 57,000 m². Lessons learned include: (1) Disaster risk assessment informed reconstruction decision-making, such as determining rebuilding, new settlement, and relocation areas in the reconstruction plan. (2) Early warning systems are crucial as many disasters occur at night. Systems should operate 24/7 and be automatic to provide evacuation time. (3) Engineering interventions and updated design standards are necessary to mitigate debris flow risks. In China's DRM transformation, the national level has shifted to a multi-disaster risk management system, with geological disasters managed through a "hidden danger point + risk zone" dual control approach and national risk surveys. At the community level, the public participation monitoring and warning (PPMW) system has reduced casualties. Recommendations involve integrating risk assessments into decision-making, advancing assessment technologies, and enhancing community stakeholder collaboration to raise risk awareness and response capabilities.
4. Methodologies, Tools, and Technical Guidelines to Apply Risk Assessment Results in Land Use Planning or Development Policies in Benin
Authors: Gouvidé Jean Gbaguidi, Dr(MC) Nikita TOPANOU, Prof. Walter Leal, Prof. Guillaume K. KETOH
Summary:
The presentation "Methodologies, Tools, and Technical Guidelines to Apply Risk Assessment Results in Land Use Planning or Development Policies in Benin" focuses on Benin's disaster risk situation. Since 1970, the world's population has increased significantly, and flood-prone areas in Benin have also seen growth. The country faces various climate-related risks like floods, droughts, and epidemics, which threaten local communities and ecosystems. The objectives are to identify climate disaster risks, describe urban planning for risk reduction, and assess institutional readiness. Benin has different risk profiles across regions: southern areas are prone to coastal erosion and flooding; central areas face bushfires and drought; and the northern hotspot has drought and seasonal flooding. These disasters have led to economic losses, agricultural land destruction, and infrastructure damage. Risk level assessment shows different sectors' vulnerabilities. Institutional readiness is also evaluated. In urban planning, rapid urbanization brings challenges such as water shortages and slum proliferation. The National Land Use Planning Scheme and related guidelines are in place. Results of the 2019 - 2030 NDRRS include a people-centered and integrated approach. Recommendations involve enhancing governance, increasing investment in DRR, strengthening education and awareness, promoting cooperation, and focusing on adaptive management.
5. Urban Drought: Are the impacts equal within municipalities?
Authors: Lidiane Costa, Ana Paula Cunha, Regina Alvalá, José Marengo
Summary:
The presentation "Urban Drought: Are the impacts equal within municipalities?" focuses on urban drought, a critical issue due to increasing urban populations and more frequent, intense, and severe drought events. The study investigates whether the impacts of urban drought are uniform across municipalities. Based on previous research indicating that vulnerability influences the impact of drought, with lower vulnerability resulting in less impact, the authors conduct a study in several Brazilian cities, including Juazeiro do Norte (where water is sourced from wells), Campina Grande (supplied by a reservoir 46 km away via pipelines), Garanhuns (from springs), and Caruaru (from another municipality). The methodology involves a literature review of water consumption, access, and supply indicators and fieldwork to build a vulnerability index. From 2019 to 2023, 489 documents were retrieved, and after excluding irrelevant ones, 17 remained. These identified 192 variables grouped into 13 categories like socioeconomic, water management, and infrastructure. Key variables in water management include consumption and availability; infrastructure factors such as sanitation and distribution networks are prominent; land use highlights urban vegetation and soil impermeability; and precipitation is a crucial climate variable. The vulnerability index was constructed using variables like residents in different homes, water supply access, presence of bathroom and toilet facilities, per capita income, sewage and pavement conditions, public lighting, and altitude. Results show varying vulnerability levels among the studied municipalities, indicating that the impacts of urban drought are not equal within them. This research provides valuable insights for understanding urban drought impacts and guiding future planning to mitigate disparities.
