Engaging communities in managing multiple hazards: Reflections from small islands in North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Participatory methods are a common approach for giving voice to local communities in hazard and disaster research. Drawing on a study that trialled and modified a range of participatory methods in North Sulawesi, eastern Indonesia, this paper reflects on how such methods help document the capacities of small island communities. We assessed capacity from a sustainable livelihoods perspective, identifying the assets that enable villagers to cope with hazards. This overall approach promoted a discourse of strengths and resourcefulness, contrasting with vulnerability and needs‐assessment approaches common to government and non‐governmental organizations, which tend to focus on weaknesses and can sometimes fuel undeliverable expectations of funding. We provide a critical reflection on participatory methods and their significance for researchers, policy makers and funding agencies working with communities in hazard‐prone regions.

Agroforestry on an Active Volcanic Small Island in Indonesia: Prospering with Adversity

“…The physical characteristics of the island, notably its small size, have contributed to a spirit of solidarity and a sense of community (Anckar and Anckar, 1995;Rampengan et al, 2014). This observation is consistent with several studies of sustainable development and environmental management on small islands in various regions (see Beller, 1990;Giavelli and Rossi, 1990;Hanson and Lamson, 1990).…”

“…This approach helped understand local community perceptions of agroforestry as it links to local livelihoods (Dove, ). The level of engagement with local participants and the more general approach of the research were at least as important, if not more so, than the specific participatory technique applied (Kumar, ; Rampengan, ).…”

“…Villagers learnt to adapt their livelihood strategies to deal with the threats from the volcano. They exploit hazards and disasters and have developed improved livelihoods (Rampengan et al, 2014). Figure 7 shows how the different livelihood resources interacted to enable the villagers to cope with the volcanic hazards and succeed in their stewardship of a very well adapted agroforest.…”

Competitividad turística, análisis de validez y factorial de un instrumento, caso San Felipe, Baja California

“…Las capacidades del territorio se entienden como las fortalezas o los recursos de los que dispone una comunidad y que le permiten sentar las bases para su desarrollo, así como hacer frente a un desastre cuando éste acontece; estos recursos son fundamentales para el desarrollo de una región turística que busca ser competitiva, representan su inventario y al mismo tiempo constituyen el atractivo (Anderson y Woodrow 1989). En este sentido, de acuerdo con Rampengan et al (2016), tales capacidades pueden ser físico-materiales (recursos materiales, conocimientos técnicos, estrategias), sociales (redes sociales, capital social), o sicológicas (coraje, iniciativa), es decir, el recurso físico, el recurso humano y las potencialidades de dicho recurso.…”

Improving Service Coverage and Response Times for Three-Wheeled Mobile Fire Units on Pari Island, Indonesia

“…Their size, scale, and isolation expose them to internal and external hazards in unique ways. Small islands also face economic and political marginalization in peripheral geographical locations that lack connectivity ( 1 ). In most islands and archipelagos, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, people, agriculture, infrastructure, and recreational activities are concentrated in coastal zones, creating location-specific vulnerabilities.…”