In the era of increasing natural disasters and the impacts of climate change, the role of communities in disaster management has never been more crucial, as they form the first line of defense. From wildfires to floods, community participation is essential for effective prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
The importance of active community participation becomes even more evident in small mountainous communities facing demographic challenges such as population aging and decline. The reduction of traditional livestock farming and the abandonment of agricultural land have led to increased vegetation, which is highly flammable, thereby heightening vulnerability to natural disasters. Additionally, administrative reforms (the “Kallikratis” law) have led not only to a reduction in available resources but also in the political influence of small, remote communities, weakening their voice in decision-making processes compared to urban centers and tourist coastal areas.
These factors make it necessary for everyone to take immediate action and work together towards empowering small communities and their residents while recognizing and highlighting the role they can play in natural disasters. The project “Dialogue and Action Against Wildfires”, implemented in four villages of Messinia, aims to serve as a strong example of how local knowledge and active community participation can significantly enhance disaster resilience. By utilizing local knowledge and experience, participatory planning, and collective action, communities can better prevent disasters, prepare more efficiently, respond effectively, and recover more quickly from disasters.
Why community participation is important
Communities possess a wealth of information invaluable to disaster management. They understand the unique characteristics of their environment, the historical patterns of natural disasters, and effective traditional practices for mitigation and response. This experience can complement scientific data, leading to more comprehensive and effective disaster management strategies. For instance, residents of a village know where flammable vegetation has accumulated, whether a road has been damaged, or if someone has built a private water reservoir that could be used in an emergency. They are also aware of their strengths and vulnerabilities, as well as what has worked or failed in previous emergency situations. As a result, residents of the community have experiential knowledge that cannot be replaced by outside experts and this makes their participation essential to the success of any disaster management plan.
When communities actively participate in all stages of disaster management, they develop a sense of collective belonging and responsibility for the plans and actions implemented. This sense of responsibility fosters a strong bond among community members and strengthens their trust in management processes. Trust, in turn, is a cornerstone for better cooperation and coordination when an emergency arises. Community members are more likely to participate in prevention and preparedness activities, follow evacuation plans, and support recovery efforts if they have been involved in the planning process. Moreover, their active participation helps them develop skills and understand the necessary steps for disaster response, making them more prepared to react effectively.
The residents of a village know where flammable vegetation has accumulated, whether a road has been damaged, or if someone has built a private water reservoir that could be used in an emergency
Active community involvement is also essential for changing behaviors and attitudes while promoting a more inclusive approach. It is usual for small communities with more traditional and established relationships to be insufficiently inclusive –as the position of women and other vulnerable groups may be entrenched in a way that is not conducive to equality–, however, the existing social relationships can facilitate access to these individuals and build confidence encouraging them to participate actively. When all social groups participate in the process, important issues and needs that might otherwise be ignored come to light. Without this active participation and this shift in behaviors and attitudes, achieving true inclusion seems impossible.
Furthermore, communities often serve as the first line of defense during a disaster, especially in remote areas, before official authorities such as the Fire Service arrive. The community's response, based on survival instinct, can sometimes lead to chaos and escalation of the situation. On the contrary, recognizing the role of communities, incorporating their knowledge, actively engaging and educating them can make the difference between controlling a situation and exacerbating it. In this way, communities can limit the extent of damage and help the state respond with greater precision and speed. Community preparedness and active participation not only benefit the residents themselves but also contribute to the broader disaster management effort. Let’s face it: it is the recognition of the role and involvement of communities that will ensure immediate response and disaster management capabilities in every village.
Approaches to disaster management that recognize the role of the community
Natural disaster management can be addressed through a risk management perspective by considering strategies that a community can implement for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Within this framework, Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) and Community-Managed Disaster Risk Reduction (CMDRR) are two approaches that prioritize local capacities and resources, fostering resilience from the grassroots of the community.
Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) focuses on the involvement of the community in all stages of disaster management, from risk assessment and planning to implementation and monitoring. It emphasizes understanding local risks and vulnerabilities, developing community-specific strategies, and empowering residents through training programs and capacity building activities. The goal is to create a culture of prevention, preparedness, and resilience within the community. By involving all social groups and utilizing local knowledge, CBDRR helps to formulate more effective and sustainable disaster management strategies.
On the other hand, Community-Managed Disaster Risk Reduction (CMDRR) goes a step further by ensuring that communities take an active role in managing disaster risk reduction efforts in their area. Communities are aware of the risks, organized into groups, trained, certified, and collaborate with relevant authorities to take action. By promoting self-organization and collective action, CMDRR creates a strong foundation for sustainable and effective disaster management. CMDRR enhances the capacity of communities to respond to disasters in a way that is adapted to local conditions and needs, while also strengthening the sense of collective belonging and responsibility for managing risks, always with the guidance and support of the relevant authorities.
The project “Dialogue and Action Against Wildfires”: a practical example
The project in Messinia highlights the transformative impact of community involvement in disaster management. Key elements of the project underline how empowering local communities can increase their resilience and lead to more effective and sustainable outcomes. The pilot project involves four communities in Messinia, which encompass the southern part of the “Kalligas” Wildlife Refuge (Ancient Messene, Magganiako, Trikorfo, and Koromilia), and aims to reduce the risk of natural disasters and improve their preparedness through participatory processes, dialogue, and collective actions. Through these four case studies, the project aims to highlight a model of natural disaster risk management that can be adopted by each of the respective small communities.
The pilot project ‘Dialogue and Action Against Wildfires’ involves four communities in Messinia and aims to reduce the risk of natural disasters and improve their preparedness through participatory processes, dialogue, and collective actions
One of the key elements of the project was the participatory development of scenarios. The project involved community members in a collective analysis of the current situation and in the participatory creation of preliminary disaster scenarios, incorporating their knowledge and experiences. The preliminary plans that emerged are currently in the consultation process to be improved, ensuring they are realistic and locally relevant, thereby securing better preparedness and response strategies.
Through organized discussions and dialogue, the project addressed the ethical issues related to wildfire management and highlighted topics such as resource management, vulnerabilities, and equality. For example, the communities emphasized the need for solidarity and community responsibility, transparent and just resource management, as well as the protection of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and individuals with mobility impairments. This inclusive approach not only enriches the project’s outcomes but also strengthens social cohesion and collective responsibility.
Through the four case studies in the communities of Ancient Messene, Magganiako, Trikorfo, and Koromilia, the project aims to showcase a model of natural disaster risk management that can be adopted by each of the respective small communities
Systematic documentation was another important element of the project. By systematically recording the knowledge and experiences of the community, the project provides a strong foundation for policy proposals. The municipality, the forestry service, the fire service, as well as local stakeholders are kept informed about the progress of the project, which contributes to the creation of a shared understanding of the needs and challenges faced by the communities. This process helps to incorporate community-based approaches to disaster management, promoting collaboration and coordinated action between various stakeholders and the community.
Future directions
The project “Dialogue and Action Against Fires” underlines the importance of community participation in disaster management. As communities worldwide face increasing risks from natural disasters, the adoption of similar models can enhance resilience and preparedness on a broader scale.
In the future, it is essential to:
- Encourage community-centered initiatives. This means supporting and funding projects that prioritize local knowledge and active community participation. These initiatives should be adopted to the specific needs and conditions of each community, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
- Promote inclusive policies. This means supporting policies that incorporate community knowledge and address the needs of vulnerable groups. Policymakers should recognize the value of local knowledge and integrate it into official disaster management frameworks.
- Strengthen continuous participation. In other words, maintain continuous dialogue and collaboration between communities, authorities, and disaster management experts to ensure adaptive and resilient strategies. Regular feedback and iterative improvements to disaster plans can help communities stay prepared for evolving threats.
- Invest in capacity building. Specifically, allocate resources and provide training to develop local disaster management skills. Empowering communities with the necessary tools and knowledge will enable them to take proactive measures to reduce disaster risks.
Conclusions
The active participation of communities in disaster management is of vital importance for effective prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Local communities possess valuable knowledge about the specific characteristics of their area and are the first to respond in the case of wildfire. To strengthen the role of communities and support community-based approaches, projects centered on community engagement, such as the “Dialogue and Action Against Wildfires” initiative, must be promoted and supported. At the same time, policies that integrate community knowledge and address the needs of vulnerable groups should be advanced, continuous participation should be reinforced through ongoing dialogue and collaboration between communities, authorities, and disaster management experts, and resources should be invested in capacity building by providing education and essential tools to communities. By following these directions, we can ensure a future where communities are better prepared and more resilient to natural disasters, ultimately contributing to the protection of both people and the environment.
For more information about the project “Dialogue and Action Against Wildfires”, visit the website https://dock-sse.org/project/empowering-local-communities/
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