14803_natural_hazards_disasters.pdf

8/9/2019 14803_natural_hazards_disasters.pdf

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Natural hazards, disasters andLocal Development

CRAterre Editions


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CRAterre Editions

Natural hazards, disasters

and Local Development

Integrated strategies for risk management

through the strenghtening of local dynamics:from reconstruction towards prevention.


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authorsPhilippe Garnier (dir.)Olivier Moles (dir.)Annalisa CaimiDavid GandreauMilo Hofmann

graphic designAnnalisa CaimiMilo Hofmann

image credits

authors, contributors orCRAterre - ENSAG

(unless otherwise indicated)

partnershipsEscola Superior Gallaecia

(Portugal)

Organisation Iranienne pour lePatrimoine Culturel, l’Artisanat

et le Tourisme (Iran)Centre Universitaire Européen pour les

Biens Culturels de Ravello (Italie)

Secours Catholique - Caritas France

Fédération Internationale des SociétésCroix-Rouge et Croissant Rouge,

Genève (Suisse)

Ecole Nationale des TravauxPublics d'Etat (France)

Pôle Risques MajeursGrands Ateliers de l’Isle d’Abeau

(France)

Fondation Abbé Pierre (France)

Misereor (Allemagne)

The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of its authors and may not reflect the views of theinstitutions or organizations mentioned.

This publication would not have been possible without the support of the French Ministry of Ecology,

Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing and in particular Ms. Francine Gibaud and Ms.Danielle Senigout from the DAEI, the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, in particular Mr.Bruno Favel and Ms. Véronique Dez, from the DGPAT, the Foundation Abbé Pierre represented by Ms.Dominique-Cécile Varnat and Misereor, represented by Mr. Herbert Mathissen.

contributions

Anne Monique BardagotChristian Belinga Nko'oRazika Benbeghila Wilfredo Carazas-AedoLaure CornetMarianna CorreiaAlexandre DoulineFerrucio Ferrigni

Hubert GuillaudMajid HajmirbabaRandolph LangenbachThierry Joffroy Arnaud Misse John NortonGeorgia PoursoulisEko PrawatoTom Schacher Nicola TarqueDominique-Cécile Varnat

special contributions :F. Ferrigni (pages16-17), G. Poursoulis (pages 18-19)

Translation :Leticia Delboy


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FOREWORDpage 4

PREFACE

page 5

INTRODUCTION

page 6

ISSUES

page 7

table of contents

MAJOR STAKES AND FINDINGS

page 8

RESPONSE TO DISASTERSpage 11

RISK MANAGEMENT

page 12

RECONSTRUCTION

page 13

BUILDING CULTURES

page 14

CASE STUDIES

page 22

LESSONS TO LEARN FROM

page 46

RECOMMENDATIONS

page 48

GENERAL PRINCIPLESpage 50

ABBREVIATIONS

page 56

WEBSITES

page 57

BIBLIOGRAPHYpage 58

VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE?

page 52

CONCLUSION

page 54


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foreword

The international community demonstrates

solidarity when a territory and its people arevictims of a disaster. Earthquakes, hurricanes,floods, tsunamis, are all natural hazards thatthreaten an increasing portion of the world'spopulation, especially the poorest and mostvulnerable. Aware of the difficulties encounteredby affected populations in the reconstruction oftheir built environment (housing, infrastructures),some organizations in charge of disasterreduction programs raised the issue of theimpact of reconstruction aid. While a numberof successful operations were noticed, mostevaluations highlighted deficiencies at variouslevels, particularly with regard to the sustainabilityof operations. On the one hand, accessibilityissues were noted: high costs, technologiesimpossible to master locally, problems linkedto the availability of materials. On the otherhand, the architectural typologies presented as

solutions were questioned: often too technical,they did not take sufficient account of the realitiesof local living. Aware of these shortcomings,these organizations seek to make things change.This, among others, is the case of CRAterre, aresearch laboratory at the National School ofArchitecture of Grenoble, which manages, at thesame time, research and field activities, in orderto develop and offer alternative concepts andimplementation strategies. It is high time that theresearch conducted over several years be morewidely known and shared.

NATURAL HAZARDS, DISASTERS AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT4


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preface

This publication is aimed at individuals and

institutions aware of the need to integratereconstruction programs as part of a strategy toachieve the sustainable improvement of the livingconditions of populations. The objective of thisdocument is to show the interest, relevance andpotential of local materials in at-risk situations butalso and particularly to demonstrate that ignoringor banning the use of local materials and theirassociated know-how, as part of reconstruction,risk prevention and management or developmentprojects, inevitably leads to even more vulnerableand dependent affected (or likely to be affected)populations. Beyond housing reconstruction, theidea is to implement sustainable conditions forbetter prevention and risk preparedness, for andby local populations, by taking into account andvalorizing their knowledge and know-how: theirown building culture. Through the organizationof seminars and international meetings, and with

the proliferation of operational partnerships inthe field, our team was able to begin structuringthe knowledge in the field. This document istherefore intended to present the conclusions ofa shared reflection process. The theoretical andmethodological elements proposed are illustratedby case studies of several recent initiatives,reflecting the different approaches developed andtheir results. This document does not provideinstructions to be followed, but is intended asa basis for reflection. It opens new doors intomore effective programs of reconstruction andprevention in high-risk areas.

NATURAL HAZARDS, DISASTERS AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT 5


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introduction

“When the water lapping the shores of Yan Chiakin Myanmar suddenly drew back on December 26,the Moken recognized the signs. La Boon was about

to strike. Dropping everything, the entire villageheaded for higher ground and safety. The Mokenowe their survival to tales passed down by theelders, of the seven waves which came to kill the Moken in their parents' day. As the stor y goes, the Moken who had anchored their boats close to theshore were crushed by the waves, whereas thosewho had reached for higher ground were spared. LaBoon is the Moken word for tsunami.” (UNESCO, 2005)

“There was also the tale of ten-year old Tilly Smithfrom the UK, who had been sitting on Mai Khaobeach in Phuket on December 26, when the tide

suddenly rushed out and boats began bobbingup and down on the horizon. Recalling a recent geography lesson at school on giant waves, Tilly hadurged her mother to leave the beach, telling her, ‘Ithink there is going to be a tsunami.’ Tilly’s parentshad hastily alerted others and within seconds thebeach was deserted. Mai Khao turned out to beone of the few beaches along the Thai coast whereno one was reported killed or seriously injured.” (UNESCO, 2005)

Consciously or not, humans have always been able to

produce, adapt and develop their habitat, according totheir needs, interests and abilities, making the best use

of available materials. The strategies developed to take

advantage of natural resources and, at the same time,

protect populations from the destructive forces of

nature, have generated rich and varied knowledge at local

levels, but such knowledge is rarely documented and

scientifically explained. Hence, this knowledge, although

conveying viable solutions, is not taught, nor subjectto sufficient research and not taken into account by

today's construction sector, which intends to persuade

everyone that all the risks to which populations are

exposed to can only be avoided through the use of new

technological inventions. But should we not consider that

the constant adaptation of human societies and building

cultures to the changes taking place in their naturaland technical environments, in accordance with their

own values, is precisely the foundation of the concept

known today as "sustainable development"? To discover

the intelligence of traditional architectures, to carefully

analyze them, to understand them systemically, to enrich

them through the reasoned use of new materials, new

knowledge and new techniques available today, can

lead to the creation of disaster resistant architecturesin tune with contemporary lifestyles, which can be

properly maintained, meet aesthetic requirements, are

respectful of the local environment and culture, and are

adapted to the technical and economic capacities of local

populations.

culture andeducation

save



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The valorization of local disaster resistant solutions allows

for communities to move forward in the path toward

sustainable development, through the application of viable

technical, economic and social solutions. The valorization of

local resources developed through the efforts of concerned

populations is fundamental if we are aiming at reducing physical

and social vulnerabilities in the face of major r isks at large scales.Materials such as earth, stone, bamboo and wood are (eco)

logically adapted to such approaches, and have the potential

to offer possibilities for the creation of adapted located

architectures, controlled urbanization systems and strong

cultural landscapes.

300 million people live at risk of natural hazards and

this phenomenon continues to grow. How to considerbetter disaster management options concerning built

environments? In the face of difficulties, risk prevention

has become the leitmotif of specialized organizations.

With such an approach, it is no longer sufficient to

implement reconstruction programs, but it is necessary

to limit future risks and to ensure that, in addition

to the relocation of affected families, they benefit

from an adequate framework adapted to their owndevelopment. This implies a mobilization to encourage

responses that increasingly involve the participation

of local populations, through the implementation

of programs based on local knowledge and modes

of organization. Although time-tested, knowledge

traditionally applied locally lacks recognition. Therefore,

it is difficult for national and international leaders andtechnicians within the humanitarian aid sector to use

such knowledge in risk prevention and reconstruction

projects. Too often, only quantitative parameters are

taken into account at the expense of other criteria

relating to social aspects, which are less easily evaluable.

The organization of urban structures, for example, and

even the notion of urban planning, both directly related

to the way of life of local populations and their culture,are not sufficiently taken into account.

Thus, once the rebuilding phase is “completed”, local

populations find themselves in a difficult position, often

impoverished and lacking solutions for the continuation

of projects designed without their involvement.

issues

vernacular design

concepts

models

theories

generalizations

principles

mechanisms

Bas-relief, Borobudur, Indonesia, VIII and IX centuries: disaster resistant housing



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"We fear, once again, that a developmentalist, technocratic and

functionalist vision, under a pretext of urgency and efficiency, can

prevail over a culturally relevant vision of development in projects of

habitat and infrastructure rehabilitation.”

(M. Gossé, architect and urban planner, Institut d’Architecture de la Cambre, Le Monde

Diplomatique, February 2005, concerning the earthquake in Morocco, 2004)

“A home encloses a family, it provides safety, security, a sense of place

and of history. In working with survivors to restore these elements,

Oxfam also hopes to help restore dignity.”

(Oxfam International Briefing Note, December 2005, concerning emergency programs after the tsunami in the Indian Ocean, 2004)

“Most disaster mortality and asset destruction are

intensively concentrated in a very small portion of theearth's surface exposed to rare but extremely violent

hazards. However, the low-intensity damage observed

on housing, local infrastructures, crops and livestock,

which disrupt and erode livelihoods, is extensively spread

within many countries and occurs very frequently. Such

damage represents a significant and largely unaccounted

for facet of disaster impacts.”(Risk and poverty in a changing climate, United Nations, 2009)

The lack of urban governance, the precarious livelihoods

of populations in rural areas, and the degradation

of ecosystems leads to the increased exposure of

disadvantaged groups around the world. The effects of

natural disasters are thus both a cause and a consequenceof poverty.

Emergency responses depend too often on international

expertise, as insufficient efforts and investments are

made for the strengthening of local capacities and skills,

and thus to reduce the vulnerability of populationsexposed to disasters.

major stakes ...



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“Vernacular constructions can teach us how people responded once

to the need to build structures to live and work under the threat of

adversity.”

(R. Langenbach, architect and member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency,United States, Sources, December 2000, concerning Turkey Earthquake, 1999)

“Culture is essential to the survival of populations. Some consider it

also as the fourth pillar of sustainability, together with the three pillars

that are environment, economy and society.”

(J. Duyne Barenstein anthropologist, World Habitat Research Unit, Switzerland, Un seul monde,

June 2007, concerning post-tsunami in the Indian Ocean, 2004)

... and findings

An approach based solely on industrial engineering and

building cultures contributes to the current scarcity of

access to housing for the poorest populations around

the world, and blocks potentialities for buildingcreativity that could generate contemporary vernacular

architecture solutions as a way to meet the needs of

many.

The idea is not only to reconstruct built environments,

but to reconstruct the social and cultural fabric of

communities, strengthening links between populations

and their environment. The goal is to restore humandignity, beyond the repair of built structures.

The weak connection between basic research (mainly

developed in the academic sector) and the reality on the

ground hinders the scientific recognition of the potential

of natural materials and the construction techniquesassociated to them.

The lack of culturally sensitive local actors does not

yet allow to meet the requirements and needs ofcontemporary communities, while reinterpreting local

knowledge.



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“Hurricane Mitch was not a natural disaster. The disasters have been happening

over the years while we have been devastating the forests, burning the soils,

and leaving the watersheds unprotected. Mitch was just a response to all those

disasters.”

R. Zelaya, World Neighbours Area Representative, Central America, 2000

Disaster A serious disruption of the functioning of a

community or a society involving widespread

human, material, economic or environmental

losses and impacts, which exceed the ability of

the affected community or society to cope,using its own resources.

ExposurePeople, property, systems, or other elements

present in hazard zones that are thereby subject

to potential losses.

Natural hazardNatural process or phenomenon that may cause

loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property

damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and

economic disruption, or environmental damage.

Origins:- Geophysics: earthquakes, volcanoes ...

- Geomorphological: landslides ...

- Hydrometeorological: cyclones, floods ...

Disaster risk The potential disaster losses, in lives, health

status, livelihoods, assets and services, which

could occur to a particular community or a

society over a specified future time period.

(definitions: UNISDR terminology on disaster risk reduction, 2009)

VulnerabilityThe characteristics and circumstances of

a community, system or asset that make it

susceptible to the damaging effects of a hazard.

ResilienceThe ability of a system, community or

society exposed to hazards to resist, absorb,

accommodate to and recover from the effects of

a hazard in a timely and efficient manner, namely

through the preservation and restoration of its

essential basic structures and functions.

Disaster risk reductionThe concept and practice of reducing disaster

risks through systematic efforts to analyze and

manage the causal factors of disasters, namely

through reduced exposure to hazards, allowing a

lessened vulnerability of people and property, the

wise management of land and the environment,

and an improved preparedness for adverse

events.



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“International Decade

for Natural Disaster

Reduction, 1990-1999”

(1989)

“Hyogo Framework for

Action 2005-2015”

(2005)

“MillenniumDevelopment

Goals” (2000)

to provide adequate housing

to reduce casualties

to increase the resilience of populations

to allow the reduction of vulnerability

“Global Strategy for

Shelter to the Year

2000” (1988)“International

Strategy for

Disaster

Reduction”

(1999)

aid

risk reduction

disaster response

emergency

development

disaster

preparedness

emergency

development

After a "natural" disaster, humanitarian aid workers distribute

tents and/or implement temporary shelters in affectedareas. From that moment onwards, it is important to use

materials and construction techniques that will, in adaptation

to each context, be viable in terms of implementation and

maintenance, while making sure not to break away from local

building cultures. It is clear that the imported technologies

most commonly used do not meet such requirements.

Standards have been developed to improve the quality of

assistance to affected populations by advocating a thoroughanalysis of program requirements and a pragmatic assessment

of results through quantitative indicators (The Sphere

Project, 2004). The danger is to end up with a levelness of

responses by applying these standards in the strict sense, and

thus reduce the potentials inherent to local dynamics. In the

intention to further promote relevant local development,

studies on the possibilities of using variable qualitative

criteria are available (Groupe URD). Simultaneously, the

scope of humanitarian aid widens towards approaches thatemphasize prevention (Disaster-Preparedness Programme,

DIPECHO), seeking to bridge the gap between emergency

relief and development. The emphasis is not only placed on

the “quality of the finished product”, but also the relevance of

responses to relocate populations, and this, in light of multiple

criteria (resistance to risk, ownership by beneficiaries, cultural

continuum, reinforcement of local economy...). Since the

International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction 1990-1999, disaster risk reduction has even been recognized by

the cooperation sector as a pre-condition for development.

However, the sectorization of funding agencies for aid

projects (development, risk reduction, emergency) results

in a sectorization of professional aid organizations bringing

assistance to affected populations, which sometimes makes it

difficult to implement programs based on a global approach

to risk management.



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risk management

Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM)Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)Community risk management program for the development of technical and professional skills,

and the integration of CBDRM as part of government and donor policies, through trainingactivities and the creation of local and (sub)national networks for the sharing of informationbetween countries and organizations.

Risk management is a multidisciplinary process that, through local

political choices supported by international bodies, allows and

encourages the active involvement of a given community in reducing

its vulnerability and strengthen its self-sufficiency in crisis situations.It focuses on a participatory approach based on knowledge available

locally and the adoption of a risk management strategy adapted to

local contexts, that fits in regional and national systems, in conjunction

with international platforms.

health

transport/communication

management ofenvironmental resources

housing/infrastructures

education

decentralization

bottom-up

localparticipation

Disaster risk management

The systematic process of using administrative directives,

organizations, and operational skills and capacities to

implement strategies, policies and improved coping capacities

in order to lessen the adverse impacts of natural hazards and

the environmental and technological hazards that may ariseas a result of the impacts of a natural hazard. (UNISDR, 2009)

For a decade, risk reduction has been acknowledged as an essential

component, to be integrated as part of all emergency aid anddevelopment programs, through the development and implementation

of strategies to reduce vulnerability and increase the resilience of

populations (ISDR, 2005).

Phases of disaster response should be considered as interactive

processes, based on an integrated risk management which, in synergy

with development dynamics and through a multi-sectoral approach,

aim at strengthening local capacities (EU, 2001). This implies an

awareness and a systematic analysis of hazards and vulnerabilities, atlocal and national scales.

p r e p a r e d n e

s s

e a r l y w a r n i n g

r e s p

o n s

e

p

r e v e n t i o n

m

i t i g a t i o n r

e c o v

e r y



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The reconstruction phase after a disaster is a valuable

opportunity to implement measures to reduce thevulnerability of local populations and their habitat.

The approach adopted by the bodies responsible for

organizing relocations has an impact in the long run,

not only on the quality of constructions, but also

on the lives of communities, restoring their social

balance, especially by strengthening their capacities.

To recognize that affected populations are not passive

recipients of humanitarian aid, but protagonists,

responsible for their own survival and future, endowed

with skills and aspirations, may allow the adoption ofsolutions, materials and techniques that are appropriate

to local contexts, and thus, to achieve pertinent and

effective results. To consider the reconstruction phase

as a process generated “by” the people, rather than

“for” the people, can promote the self-determination

and autonomy of communities, applying strategies to

reduce their vulnerability, and thus strengthen their

resilience.

reconstruction

Classification commonly used by international agencies in reconstruction programs.

quality of constructionssatisfaction of local populationsdegree of participation of local populations

beneficiary = completemanagement of the constructionprocess

financial assistance without technicalsupport

risk of reproducing existingvulnerabilities

risk of exclusion of marginalizedcommunities

large contractor = design andimplementation of on behalf oforganization

no involvement or very littleinvolvement of household

imported technologies

typological standardization

difficult future repairs/extensions

implementation of structures not takinginto account the social and spatialorganization of the community

social disintegration

abandonment and/or vacancy on thepart of household

agency = technical, financial,material aid

varying degrees of involvement/control of household

typologies and techniques proposedby an agency or in accordance withpopulation

training in new construction techniques (pilot building)

agency = technical, financial, material

aid, construction supervision

active involvement of household

use of locally available materials and

techniques

training in new techniques

improving local techniques

occupation of dwellings before theircompletion

possibility of maintenance and repair

valorization of vernaculararchitectures

reconstruction by

LARGE CONTRACTORS

reconstruction by

AID AGENCIESreconstruction by

the PEOPLE with assistance

reconstruction by

the PEOPLE



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building cultures

The enthusiasm and appreciation for a reconstruction

project depends on its degree of adaptation to thespecific aspirations and needs of populations. The

adaptation of Man to his environment is connected

to his perception of the manifestations of nature,

both ordinary and extreme, which led him to play

with matter and form shapes, in a quest to find the

balanced dynamics adapted to particular situations.

Building cultures are thus permeated by an evolved

intelligence, transmitted from generation to

generation, according to contextual characteristics,

resulting in a multitude of vernacular typologies.

In areas affected by natural hazards, local cultures can

be characterized by social strategies aimed at reducing

the vulnerability of individuals and/or by constructionstrategies aimed at reducing the vulnerability of built

structures. Populations have increased their resilience

by controlling the use of locally available resources

and materials. Empirical, but based on centuries of

experience and observation, their understanding can

adapt to the evolution of contemporary contexts and

help to consider viable (re)construction approaches.

Such approaches, relevant to each specific context, can

then become part of a local sustainable development,

respectful of the environment.

hut (Cameroon)Infrequent but heavy rains

Ringlet, house (Malaysia)Heavy rains, floods

Guantanan Toraja house (Indonesia)Heavy rains, strong winds

Drawings: ACM-EPFL



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"In any social context, architecture plays a relative role,

historically variable. It can not possibly be isolated as atechnology, disconnected from the generality of problems

related to it. In this respect, we could at the most write

a history of materials, construction types and their local

variants. But it is a recognized fact that the architecture

of a given historical and cultural ensemble includes a

series of varied solutions, resulting from specific historical

relationships with a human group, but whose signification

within the group depends on the totality of the system.”

(E. Guidoni,1980)

Karo Batak house (Indonesia)heavy rains, strong winds, earthquakes

hut (Malawi)heavy rains, constant winds

Ashanti house (Ghana)heavy rains, tropical storms

Drawings: ACM-EPFL



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Many countries located in seismic zones feature a rich architectural

heritage, whose uniqueness justifies exceptional measuresof protection. This is the case of Italy, where, in the 1990s, acampaign for the paraseismic reinforcement of several majormonuments was introduced. Heritage professionals in charge at the time opted for the application of technical approaches basedon modern engineering techniques, considered more efficient than traditional solutions for the reinforcement of structures,which were still misidentified or misunderstood. In fact, moderncalculation methods, used for monuments that were fairly easy to model, whose history and construction techniques wereknown and mastered, were of little or no use in historic buildingsconsisting of structures nested into each other and impossible to digitize, with an unknown or difficult to recognize histor y ofconstruction.

Knowing that in seismic regions the traditional builtenvironment is made up primarily of buildings that havesurvived several earthquakes, a group of universityresearchers from various disciplines (engineers, architects,historians, economists) reunited by the Centro UniversitarioEuropeo per i Beni Culturali (CUEBC) of Ravello (Italy),addressed the topic from a different perspective. To answer the question of the protection of ancient buildings, they tried to understand how ancient communities reactedfacing seismic shocks time and time again, and discovered that in all seismic regions of the world, a true “seismicculture” characterized the local techniques of constructionand reconstruction, exists.In 1987, the term “Local Seismic Cultures” (LSC) wasdefined as "the technical knowledge and behavior consistentwith such knowledge, constituting an effective way to reduce the impact of earthquakes, locally."

(Ferrigni, 1987)In 1996 and 1997, an earthquake shook Umbria and the

© F.Ferrigni

Recurrence of earthquakes and Local Seismic Culture (F. Ferrigni)

1 génération

Année20

TdT

40 60 80 100

N i v e a u C S L

1 génération

Année20

TdT

40 60 80 100

N i v e a u C S L

© F.Ferrigni

International scientific recognition of local seismic cultures:



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This innovative program contributes to theinternational recognition of local seismiccultures through an awareness of therelevance of constructive cultures, improvedfrom generation to generation, and underlines the inadequacy of their replacement bymodern scientific approaches not based onpast experiences. This has led to the creationof an active informal network of skills and to the application of proposed approaches onseveral sites around the world.

Marches, two areas where a number of buildings had been reinforced

following a previous earthquake, which had caused, against all odds, theruin of many of them. Post-disaster analysis showed that that the vernacularparaseismic systems had actually been disrupted by the implementation ofmodern seismic reinforcements, and that the latter could not secure thestability of structures.This experience reinforced the researchers' will to understand theintelligence of local seismic cultures and to disseminate this knowledge,allowing the international community to benefit from it, both for thepreservation of monuments and for improvement of private housing.Research studies, coordinated by the CUEBC, are structured around threeaxes:- Understanding the genesis of a local seismic cultures;- Developing methodologies for the identification andsystematization of local seismic cultures around the world;- Developing standard protocols to validate these methodologies,scientifically rigorous and easy to apply in the field.This knowledge, disseminated in many articles, a reference book (Ferrigni

et al. 2005) and several university courses, promotes the definition of clearstrategies, applicable to current problems in seismic zones.

Recurren2010 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140

VIII

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

IX

X

I n t e n s i t é

sites grecs / sites centre-américanssites grecs / sites centre-américans

sites italienssites italiens

sites françaissites français

CSL de laPREVENTION

(technique)CSL de la REPARATION

(anomalies)

AUCUNE CSL

Recurrence / intensity and and local seismic culture (F. Ferrigni)

© F.Ferrigni

A program of the European University Centre for Cultural Heritage in Ravello (Italy)

© F.Ferrigni



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The Minoan culture (Crete, 3000 -1050 BC) provides a nearly perfect example of what men

were capable of designing and implementing, in a context where seisms were sufficientrecurring and non-destructive, in terms of resistant construction techniques to cope withdisaster.

The particularities of the Minoan society in this respect can be summarized as follows:- A high awareness of risks associated with the local seismicity, relatively moderate andrecurrent, typical of the island;

- The evolution of construction techniques over time, with the addition of successiveimprovements, and the identification of constructive solutions applicable to all critical aspects: the choice of implantation sites, the types of foundations, the depth of the natural rock, thesuperstructure;

- The application of innovative techniques developed in both the rehabilitation of existingbuildings, as evidenced by the considerable modifications made to palatial buildings around1750 BC., and in new constructions and their articulation to the urban space.

Regarding the evolution of techniques, if wood is used inconstruction for the linking and framing of openings since theNeolithic, when sedentarization first occurred, and when the

first permanent structures were built in Crete, stone for theconstruction of foundations is introduced around 1900 BC.with the implementation of palaces: the administrative centers of territorial management.Then, around 1750 BC., the development of a symmetrical plandivided into dynamic blocks, which reduce damage by disconnecting the built blocks forming these large office complexes, wasimplemented. It is this impor tant innovation that will be applied at

the same time in the construction of new buildings across the city.

© G. Pouroulis

Symmetrical plan divided into dynamic portions, palace of Mallia (G. Poursoulis) © L. Pernier

Evolution of a local seismic culture: from the home to the city (Bronze Age Crete)



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In terms of urban planning, we notice an evolution in the

implementation patterns of buildings, along with the improvementof construction techniques. During the Neolithic, two types ofplans both for buildings and for urban spaces coexist:• the agglutinated plan

This last type of plan will continue to beused primarily throughout the Minoancivilization with the application of divisions

into dynamic blocks, leading to theindividualization of built spaces with theimplementation of circulation lanes at theurban scale since 1750 BC.This demonstrates a capacity for reflectionand strong design, as well as a politicalrisk management will, within a societyrepeatedly confronted to seisms.

buildings are imbricated together as they develop and it is notpossible to distinguish one structure from another withoutnoticing functional differentiations in interior spaces.

• the rectangular defined planeach house is individual and interiors aredifferentiated from the functional point ofview.

rectangular defined plan Vassiliki (A. Zois)

Kato Zakros (G. Poursoulis)

agglutinated plan Myrtos Fournou Korifi (P. Warren)© D. Levis © A. Evans



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Algeria

wooden rods on columnparaseismic system

Uzbekistan

reeds in adobe masonry paraseismic system

Bangladesh

changeable pole-pile fixingflood-resistant system

Indonesia

post-frame connectionparaseismic system

Turkmenistanfrustoconical shape

weak horizontal joints - strongvertical joints

paraseismic system

The existence of disaster management strategies at all scales,from the house to the city, from the social organization tomythological stories, reveals the importance of the ideaof reducing vulnerability in the process of evolution of abuilding culture. It also demonstrates the importanceof developing approaches increasing the resilience ofpopulations endogenously, so that, for each particularsituation, responses can be studied, generated, evaluatedand, if necessary, improved accordingly.

Bangladeshwindbreak trees

roof with four slopeshurricane-resistant system

© F.Ferrigni



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"At a time when all the possibilities offered by steel and glass, plasticsand other new materials have not yet been tested or applied, theappropriate use of traditional materials in a way that makes fulluse of their properties, is a principle and a standard applicableto new materials. Vernacular architecture provides another moralrule: the proper adaptation of a material to its use, by extendingits reach and exploiting its capacity, but without forcing it to actcontrary to its nature." (P. Oliver, 1969)

El Salvador bamboo and earth wall

paraseismic system

El Salvador horizontal reinforcement

paraseismic system

Peruvertical reinforcement

paraseismic system

Indonesiawooden structureparaseismic system

© E. Prawato



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The interaction between local building cultures and global knowledgeis an essential part of all processes leading to the implementation ofprojects by CRAterre and its partners, going back and forth betweenpractice in the field and research activities within the laboratory and,

more broadly, within the network “Earthen Architecture, BuildingCultures and Sustainable Development” of the UNESCO Chair.

Reducing risksAlgeriapage 34

case studies

Accrediting local materialsHonduraspage 26

Improving resilienceIvory Coastpage 40

Reducing vulnerabilitiesDemocratic Republic of the Congo

page 38

Strenghtening local capacitiesEl Salvadorpage 24



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The case studies that follow illustrate several recent initiatives thatreflect specific approaches from CRAterre and / or its partners, topromote local development, reducing vulnerability and improvingthe living conditions of many. This is not an exhaustive list, many

other projects deserved to be included in this selection.

case studies

Rebuilding homes and populationsPakistan

page 30

Rethinking aid relief responsesBangladesh

page 36

Accompanying local dynamicsIndonesia

page 32

Preventing catastrophesVietnam

page 42

Learning lessons from disasterIranpage 28 23NATURAL HAZARDS, DISASTERS AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

Strenghtening local capacities


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El Salvador is located on the Caribbean plate, in a highly seismic CentralAmerican region. Since pre-Columbian times, builders have developedsimple, intelligent construction techniques, taking into account andadapting to the hazards associated with earthquakes. However, confrontedto modern principles of construction, these local cultures involving risk-resistance strategies and the know-how associated with them are rapidlydisappearing. They are no longer recognized by universities and today'sregulations applicable to the construction industry do not encourage theiruse, which comes in contradiction with local population's expectations tobe housed in buildings both affordable and earthquake resistant.

The program for the construction ofparaseismic housing structures forinadequately housed populations in ruraland peri-urban areas of El Salvador beganin 1994. It aims to reduce the vulnerability

of populations to seismic risks through anapproach ensuring the sustainability ofresults and an optimum involvement of alllocal stakeholders.

For over 15 years, local partners have been aware of the need for long-term thinking to deal with a permanent seismic threat, based on a localcoordination network (Caritas, la Plataforma). Existing skills are enhanced

through the support of training and research centers to which informationand appropriate tools are provided (units of production/construction,didactic and sensitization materials). The know-how linked to local buildingcultures is valorized. A strategy for sensitization and the dissemination ofresults is developed to promote local access to safe and healthy homes.

Strenghtening local capacitiesdevelopment of local networks for a wider dissemination of knowledge


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Demonstration buildings were constructed: anearthquake resistant module at the UCA campus (1995),three “La Semilla” prototypes located in each region of ElSalvador and two “Bahareque Cerén Mejorado” modules(2001) in the central region (Zacatecoluca) and theeastern region (San Miguel). This has fostered the fullownership of proposed technical approaches, based onthe study of the seismic characteristics of pre-Columbianhabitat (Joya de Cerén archaeological site). (Research on

Bahareque Cerén Mejorado, W. Carazas-Aedo, CRAterre-ENSAG).

An evaluation of the program showed the relevanceof the proposed approaches, whose key ideas takeinto account local building cultures and enable the

optimal use of local knowledge, skills and materials,offering disaster preparedness skills to institutionsand populations, for a better anticipation of seismicrisks, and the strengthening of competences democratizing knowledge, by making it available to alland bringing it closer to beneficiaries.

Training activities involved more than 100artisans, 50 engineers and architects and 20technicians. More broadly, it is estimated thatmore than 100 communities have benefitedfrom the program and have built thousandsof homes across the country, according tothe technical prescriptions developed.

El Salvador


Accrediting local materials


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gexperimentation, training and dissemination to spread awareness

In October 1998, Hurricane Mitch hit Honduraswith an extreme violence. In a state of urgency,reconstruction activities through internationalcooperation with the participation of many localNGOs favored the use of industrial materials at theexpense of traditional building practices. Gradually,this type of response became the only one acceptedas valid, which contributed to discredit constructionpractices involving the use of local materials in the

eyes of populations and institutions.

Through communication and the dissemination ofinformation via exhibitions, debates and initiationworkshops, civil society and institutions are becominginvolved in a process of sensitization to the use oflocal materials and to the importance of maintainingconstructive practices and popular knowledge.

In 2002, the Foundation San Alonso Rodriguez(FSAR) launched a project aiming to provideaccess to safe and adequate housing throughthe valorization of traditional knowledgeand techniques, and their recognition, at theinstitutional level, as viable options adaptedto the climate and the economy of the region.

Actions implemented aimed at projecting withthe people, supporting local dynamics and thedevelopment of sustainable processes, taking intoaccount the experience, knowledge, and lifestylesof communities. This approach aimed to generatea range of appropriate independent responsesand, in the long term, reduce social phenomenalinked to the lack of local economic perspectives.

26


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Honduras

As a national forum to share the results of experimentsthat contributed to the sensitization of institutions and morespecifically of governmental institutions, was taking place,a discussion regarding the implementation of constructiveresponses as part of housing programs started, and this

discussion generated the idea to create a course on earthconstruction. Such a course is being developed as part of themasonry certification at the National Institute for VocationalTraining. In addition, the Government is seeking projectsinvolving the use of earth materials, under its Housing andSolidarity Credit program, established in 2006, with thesupport of the Honduran Council of Solidarity Housing andthe Network for Solidarity Housing, to which the FSAR belongs.

Based on a local scale, the project has gradually integrated collaborationswith other neighboring countries such as El Salvador and Mexico, witha view to put in place the foundations of a Mesoamerican platform focused on an active exchange of experiences among partners,thereby focusing the debate on the acceptability, dissemination andreproducibility of the proposed principles, in the political and geo-cultural Mesoamerican contexts.

Prototypes are used to study the feasibility and the behavior of proposed principles, underthe test of time and hazards. The realization of public buildings contributes, through thetraining of craftsmen, to generate capacity building opportunities and the promotion ofthe potential of local materials adapted to contemporary designs and aesthetics. Morespecifically, the validation of the technical and hygienic qualities of buildings linked topublic health, by relevant government authorities, has had a significant impact on the socialrecognition of applied techniques.In addition, social housing programs based on the direct involvement of beneficiaries areestablished through a process of support to self-builders. Participatory workshops fordesigning and validating architectural proposals, as well as understanding building systemsand the potentials of materials, allow the ownership of solutions and their adaptation to theneeds of future residents.

27ALÉAS NATURE LS, CATASTROPHES ET DÉ VELOPPEMENT LOCAL

From Bam to Ardekan: learning lessons from disaster


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reducing the vulnerability of the cultural landscape through local development

Analysis of an announced catastropheThe earthquake in Bam, on December 26 2003, took thelives of 26,000 people and injured 40,000. 70% of buildingswere destroyed, including the earthen citadel of Arg-e Bam.In a few seconds, the city became a ruin, an open catalog ofconstruction defects showing the human causes of the disaster.Local geophysical characteristics (faults, alluvions) and those ofthe earthquake proved disastrous for the vulnerable city.

Taking the time to understand before interveningAfter a diagnosis of the situation through national and internationalexpertise, recommendations for support were made to define abackup strategy for the cultural landscape. The declaration of Bam,made at the International Workshop of April 2004, laid the principlesthat would define all interventions: “keep the full meaning of Arg-eBam and its environment”, “safeguarding the character and heritageof the city and its landscape” and “integrating heritage into thereconstruction process.” © M.Zendehrooh Kermani

© M.Zendehrooh Kermani

Taking a step back in order to learn and avoid repeatingmistakesNo building material is earthquake resistant. It is knowledge that savesbuilt structures and lives. While industrial materials have been testedscientifically and their characteristics are known universally, “localmaterials” have stood the test of time and their characteristics are knownempirically. But in Bam, where earthquakes are a rare occurrence, timehas not allowed the development of knowledge.

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An integrated approach but with slow resultsCRAterre and its partners have proposed to revitalize theearth construction sector around three complementaryareas: matter, heritage and habitat. This approachencourages and supports the development of socio-economic activities that valorize the resources andstrengths of the territory. Over a few months, variousactivities were deployed: diagnostic tests, developmentand testing of materials and construction elements,installation of a laboratory and a production line, housing

prototype design and construction, reconstruction of theSecond gate of the citadel, implementation of workshopsfor professionals and the staff of ICHHTO, NDRII and IHFThese activities have contributed to achieve significantprogress and to make earthen materials acceptable.Despite this, dozens of families who had chosen theearthen seismic resistant prototype, validated by Iranianauthorities, could not obtain it.

Iran

Anticipate and prepare before a disaster Due to resistances resulting from ignorance, it is almost impossible to quicklyimplement solutions using local materials if such materials have not beenvalidated before the disaster. Once the emergency phase is over, the poorestpopulations lack access to industrial materials, which are both unaffordable andtoo sophisticated. The exclusion of local materials increases the vulnerability ofthese populations, the majority, who have no other choice but to turn to local

solutions, that are by the way better adapted environmentally, economicallyand culturally. To instill local development upstream is the surest way to reducerisk. This objective is also pursued in the town of Ardekan, with local authorities,Hamyaran and the ICHHTO, thanks to the support of the European Union, in anurban regeneration and risk management project. The idea is to set up, withstakeholders, a development strategy that integrates prevention and the use oflocal materials in a historic center built entirely of earth.


Rebuilding homes and populationsd l d l f l l i i l


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development and renewal of local seismic cultures

In October 8 2005, an earthquake ravaged Kashmir in Pakistan, killing more than73,000, wounding 69,000 and destroying nearly 500,000 homes. Given the scale of thedisaster, and the lack of resources available, aid for reconstruction was considered froma new angle. ATLAS Logistique, with the technical support from CRAterre, proposedan approach based on the study and improvement of local seismic resistant buildingcultures, taking into account the technical, social and economic context of affectedpopulations. Major institutions such as UN-Habitat, the French Red Cross, the SwissAgency for Development and Cooperation, addressed the issue of reconstructionfollowing the same approach. Thanks to their strong involvement in Pakistan, they havebeen able to put these strategies to the test, and obtain encouraging results.

Endorsing local knowledge and making it accessible

Seismic constructive cultures developed locally for hundreds of years in thisregion regularly hit by earthquakes have been documented. A scientificprogram was developed to model these endogenous seismic resistantstructural systems. The compilation of collected data became a "Trainer's Guide"

and was made available to target populations and organizations involvedin reconstruction after the crisis. This guide includes recommendations onpossible improvements to be made to the existing local know-how. Threedemonstration buildings were also designed and implemented, with thecollaboration of 40 local managers and craftsmen who were thus trained soas to further develop and disseminate the techniques learned.

30

P ki


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Educate organizations in charge of reconstructionInitially, local populations took many initiatives to rebuild their habitat to the best of theirabilities, by adopting seismic resistant solutions observable in the less damaged buildings.Later, the state and international aid organizations were confronted to a lack of knowledgeon local building cultures which, naturally, are quite diverse and varied. Unable to guaranteethe “scientific” relevance of these techniques, they finally turned to so-called conventionaltechniques, mainly based on the use of reinforced concrete. An important advocacy work hasbeen conducted with these organizations through the project, but much remains to be doneto better take into account local building cultures as part of building reconstruction efforts inPakistan.

Being in line with the overall dynamics of aid

while anticipating crisesThe project showed that significant improvementsin terms of time and efficiency would be obtainedif local contexts were better prepared to accept,

from the aftermath of a crisis situation, a varietyof technical solutions, and to recognize thevalue of local know-how. This would require theestablishment, in all regions at risk, of high-levelskills, with universities and technical schoolsdelivering training on local building cultures.

Pakistan

drawings: trainers' guide, CRAterre, 2006


Accompanying local dynamicst ( ) t ti ith t i l l d f d b i


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auto(re)construction with materials recycled from debris

© E.Prawato© E.Prawato

In the village of Ngibikan, NGOs offered temporary small shelters (15-18

m2) for an average cost of 200 Euros. Residents, dissatisfied with thisproposal, initiated a project to rebuild using recovered materials withthe families affected, supported by the artisans of the village and thearchitect Eko Prawoto, as well as the financial help from the newspaperKompas. In less than 90 days, 65 houses were built by 50 volunteers.New homes conform to Indonesian paraseismic norms. Families wererelocated in a sustainable manner into homes they can be proud of,because they contributed to their implementation, in keeping with their

own traditions and culture. Although the construction system is thesame for all units, each home is different, reflecting the "identity" of itsoccupants. This experience has demonstrated the importance of localdynamics and the ability of people to quickly restructure their livingenvironment in an almost autonomous way. Affected communitiesremain the main actors in post-disaster reconstruction situations. This,too, is often overlooked.

A major earthquake occurs on average once every 75 to 100 years in Indonesia.On May 27, 2006 at 5:55, the region of Yogyakarta at the center of the island of Java wasstruck by a M5.9 earthquake, damaging 140,000 homes and killing 6000 people. Theanalysis of the disaster showed that the behavior of traditional wooden buildings,using light and elastic structures, proved better than that of buildings using reinforcedconcrete, a material more recently introduced and poorly controlled.

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YogyakartaIndonesia


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In an area that we could consider homogeneous, wemay indeed face different situations. The evaluation ofthe 57 housing unit construction project shows that thevalorization of the socio-economic potential of cultural

territories allows to obtain more interesting results thanthe mechanical application of solutions that, even throughtechnically accurate, pose problems of ownership andduplication. Thus, projects such as that of Ngibikan deservebetter recognition, as they show what can be accomplishedthrough the use of heritage resources and the mobilizationof local actors.

Although located in very similar sociocultural contexts, themethodology and construction systems could not be fully transferred.The construction of houses in Bantul was inspired from the experiencein Ngibikan with some adjustments, while at Wedi local actors choseto build based on national plans instead (T36 Rumah Prototype).Conditions failed to organize awareness campaigns to explainthe process and its relevance to the population. The decision wasmade to build, in the framework of one project, using two different

approaches: in Bantul drawing from the project in Ngibikan and inWedi in a more “classic” fashion. Innovative approaches often requireextra time for training and sensitization.

Indonesia

© E.Prawato

© E.Prawato

© E.Prawato

© E.Prawato

© E.Prawato

It became clear for Karina KAS and Caritas France that theexemplary project of Ngibikan could serve as reference fortheir own work. During the mission of experts, contactswere made with architect Eko Prawoto to understand theproject and assess the possibility to be inspired from it, fora project of construction of 57 houses in the districts ofBantul and Wedi-Klaten.© E.Prawato


Reducing risksmethods and techniques for an autonomous range of responses developed by local populations


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In February 2006, severe floods affected the region of Tindouf, in Algeria.Several Sahrawi camps were destroyed. This disaster left 12,000 familieshomeless. OXFAM-Solidarité initiated a mitigation program, bringing supportfor reconstruction and the reduction of collapse risks. The idea was to preparethe population to flooding risks, by improving housing structures anddisseminating information and technical solutions while valorizing local skills.

Throughout the period of implementation of the project (2007-2010), appropriate and accessible construction techniques, reducingthe impact of natural disasters on existing and new buildings, wereadopted and reproduced by the people.Trainers received adequate tools to teach the different technicalsolutions and assess and repair the damage caused to structures byincorporating new technical measures.

The diagnosis of situations and possible solutions were determined bystakeholders under a participatory approach:

- Study and analysis of the construction sector and its environment;- Definition and development of architectural solutions based on

economic capacities, knowledge and local potentials;- Creation of educational materials to train local actors;- Building of housing prototypes;

- Training of trainers and craftsmen, sensitization and informationcampaigns for beneficiaries,. Activities relying on local structures tosustain the project;

- Actions to promote local initiatives and ownership of the project, toassess relevant approaches and to achieve objectives;

- Regular evaluation of the project and revision of strategies dependingon the evolution of results.

methods and techniques for an autonomous range of responses developed by local populations

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Sahrawi Refugee Camps

Tindouf Algeria


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After 18 months and less than €100,000 investment, constructiontechniques developed have been adopted for several public buildingsof quality. Populations have reproduced some details to improve habitator for new construction. 110 artisans were trained by local trainers orsensitized by the project activities.In 2008, over 2,500 people were directly aware. 900 heads of familieshave benefited from the project activities. The number of people directlysensitized should be increased to over 2000.

The main lessons learned from this project demonstrate the following:- Achieving balance between technical solutions, potentials and

capabilities based on existing local knowledge and know-how isimportant, in order to guarantee their application;

- Informing beneciaries about the nature and effects of hazards on thesustainability of built structures and understanding their weak pointsis also important. Indeed, when populations have not experienced aprevious disaster, or if they do not have access to appropriate solutions,

they may tend to be satisfied by their current living conditions and justhope never having to face hazards;- Developing local human resources to implement the proposed

technical approaches and methodologies is essential;- Transferring the project management to local structures to

sustain actions locally after the departure of non-permanent partnersis key.

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

enabling

providing

Number of beneficiaries according to invested budgets

N u m b e r o f b e n e fi c i a r i e s

Tens of thousands of Euro

Tindouf - Algeria


Rethinking aid relief responsesmultidisciplinary knowledge sharing between local communities and organizations


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On November 15 2007, Bangladesh was hit by a powerful cyclone namedSidr, with a 500 km radius, with winds of up to 240 Km/h. Most of theterritory, only a few inches above the sea level, was engulfed. 80% ofthe families living in areas affected by the cyclone were affected, andhousing accounted for 50% of the damage.

Secours Catholique - Caritas France and its partner Caritas Bangladeshquickly initiated a project aimed at empowering not only local

populations, recurrent victims of natural disasters, but also theorganizations and agencies that support them.

The project revealed some difficulties from the outset, as noted by theorganizations responsible for disaster relief:

The limitations of delivering "nished products"

Many agencies working in different action zones in Bangladesh proposedtheir own building models, some being up to two times more expensivethan others. This created tensions between beneficiaries who had tocompare different models within the same village. It was also difficult forthese families to fully adopt “ready-made” solutions, which do not take intoaccount all their relocation needs.

p y g g g

36

Bangladesh


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After three years of activity (2007-2009), the first modelsoffered to 1600 beneficiary families were improved bybetter taking into account the local human and

cultural contexts. A fruitful exchange was developedbetween actors "on the ground" and the universities ofBangladesh, which allowed to introduce some of thelatest scientific results conducted on low-cost housing.Target groups have adopted new methodologicalapproaches and techniques that make them lessvulnerable in facing natural disasters.

Non-recognition of local building culturesThe first models of low-priced housing that werepresented were the result of studies conductedby engineers and technicians who carry withthem an aura of knowledge. The fact that theseprofessionals did not, in the beginning, take intoconsideration the building cultures developed bylocal populations, sometimes mislead the latterinto consider their own knowledge as obsolete, or

worse, irrelevant. The fact that these techniciansdid not integrate such knowledge into theirprojects was mainly due to the type of formaleducation they received (or the lack thereof) anddoes not imply a judgment on their part over thequality of such knowledge.Local building cultures are indeed the result ofhundreds of years of experience, on which new

technical proposals should be based, for themto have a chance to be reproduced by localpopulations.

g


Reducing vulnerabilitiesRediscovery of local know-how to reduce the vulnerability of housing structures


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The riverside region of Kabalo suffers from major floods each year,which cause damages and sometimes ruin homes. Every ten years,several zones are flooded and once every thirty years the whole cityis submerged under water. Kabalo is also located in an area affected byearthquakes (recurring every thirty years), of medium to high intensity.

The region of Kabalo had just overcome a situation of armed conflictand had no crisis management plan. Appropriate architecturalsolutions present in traditional buildings were no longer understood

by local populations, who eventually replaced them in favor ofmodern techniques and materials, which have a heavy impact on theenvironment (deforestation) and that are costly, so their implementationdoes not often comply with best practices of construction, resulting inbuildings unable to withstand the natural hazards affecting the region.

Working for many years in the area of Kabalo,the local NGO FDH initiated a program to

promote architectural styles adapted towetlands and seismic areas, to improvehousing and public infrastructures and allowa better socio-economic impact of localinvestments in the construction of publicbuildings.

Through a process involving an awarenesscampaign, the implementation of a

demonstration building for training, bringingtogether all local stakeholders, the projectallowed local populations to gain access tobuilding principles and economic solutionsmaking the best use constructive culturesand locally available resources.

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Region of KabaloDemocratic Republic of Congo


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Several documents and educational materials were developed toallow local decision makers, artisans and citizens to understandseismic and ooding related phenomena and their effect onthe built environment, the intelligence of the know-how developedby local communities, as well as the potentials and limitations ofavailable materials for the production of modern housing. Theseoutreach and training activities were carried out through a processleading students to discover for themselves the most viablebuilding logics.

A technical file supports populations and artisans in their choicesfor new constructions; this document is aimed at primary schools,and contains recommendations on how to behave in case ofan earthquake. A proposed working methodology advises localdecision-makers on how to set up a plan for crisis management.

Over the course of the project (2008-2009), a local NGO, AMICOR, trained

technicians and local leaders to identifythe existing know-how and buildingsystems available.

Four demonstration buildings werecompleted. They offer a range of technicalsolutions that can be applied in housingand public infrastructures. They can be

used as a reception center for first aidduring future crises. Many demobilizedyoung soldiers were trained, gaining theopportunity to access technical skills thatfacilitate their integration into the local

job market.



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West and Central Africa(Pilot phase: Ivory Coast)


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During the pilot phase (April-October 2009),two major aspects were noted:- The existence of building cultures effectiveagainst the risk of flooding, but insufficientlyexploited by populations who expect to receive"technological miracles" from aid agencies;- The ability of stakeholders both at nationaland local levels, to adopt and adapt proposedtools and methods and use them to assist

beneficiaries.

The first activities to be implemented, definedin consultation with Red Cross partners, aim atsensitizing local populations, through the workof local volunteers of the Red Cross, on the

application of best practices associated withlocal building cultures, and to create trainingactivities for building professionals, to improvetechniques, making them more resistant toflooding.


Preventing catastrophespreventive consolidation strategy for strengthening local resilience


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Since 1999, Development Workshop France works in the province of ThuaThien Hué with communities, policy makers and the civil society, in the

development of community capacities to reduce their vulnerability to naturaldisasters. With an approach that channels resources towards a strategyof prevention rather than reconstruction, local capacity building and thedevelopment of social and institutional processes help increase resilience ina sustainable manner through the preventive reinforcement of structures.Based on the education and active involvement of the community, the projecttakes shape in the form of sensitization and practical demonstration activities,and induces policy changes in each community.

Every year, the central coast of Vietnam is hit by cyclones and floods causingthe destruction of houses and infrastructures, reducing the quality of life ofresidents. Instead of developing and improving their living conditions, manyvillagers live in an almost constant state of recovery. In recent decades, about70% of rural houses were rebuilt by families, but such investments have notresulted in an improvement of the quality and resistance of new constructions.

development of the social and institutionalenvironmentCollaboration with local authorities, trade unions andassociations, aims at strengthening local institutionalcapacities through the definition of an action plan forprevention. Damage Prevention Communal Committeessupport families in activities to reduce vulnerability.

local capacity building

Technical training for builders, managers andfacilitators, and institutional support to communitiescan improve the overall quality of the built environmentand the development of disaster resistant constructionskills, at an affordable cost and without the need foroutside help.

10 points for damage prevention

NO PRINCIPLE

OF SECURITY

© DWF

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case studiesReinforcing local capacities


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Reinforcing local capacitiesLocation El SalvadorPartners and sponsors

La Plataforma (Caritas El Salvador)The Salvadoran Foundation for Development and BasicHousingConsciousness for the Spiritual and Economic Recovery ofHumankind association(CREDHO)Simeon Cañas University of San Salvador Misereor

Hazard earthquakesProject duration 2001 - 2009

(project "Semilla")Results 1 institutions sensitized

(1 donor, two universities, eight NGOs)170 construction professionals trained

1,000 families rehoused

Location Ngibikan village / districts of Bantul and WediYogyakarta - Indonesia

Partners and sponsors Architect Eko PrawotoKarina Kas - Caritas Indonesia

Caritas France - Secours CatholiqueKOMPAS newspaper (Indonesia)

Accompanying local dynamicsHazard earthquake 2006Project duration 90 days (2006)

+ 12 months (2006)Results 65 + 57 rehoused families

Rebuilding homes and populationsLocation PakistanPartners and sponsors

ATLAS LogisticsFondation Abbé Pierre

Fondation de FranceIndus EarthHelpers FoundationENTPE Lyon (France)European University Centre for Cultural Heritage (Italy)

Hazard earthquake 2005Project duration March-July 2006Results 6 institutions sensitized

(2 donors; 1 university, 3 NGOs)1institution formed (1 NGO)40 masons trained

1,000 families sensitized3 families rehouseds

Learning lessons from disaster Location ville de Bam - IranPartners and sponsors

Organization for Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicraftsand Tourism (ICHHTO)City of BamResearch Center for Conservation of Cultural Relics(RCCCR)

Islamic Housing Foundation (IHF)Iranian Institute for Research on Natural Disasters (NDRII)University of Yazd (Iran)Ministry of Culture and CommunicationMinistry of Foreign AffairsUnited Nations Program for Development

Fondation de France

Misereor General Council of Isère (GC38) UNESCO

Hazard earthquake - 2003Project duration 2004 - 2008Results post-disaster assessment,

one production unit + one analysis laboratory

set up, two paraseismic prototypes, training andawareness, writing of Bam declaration

Accrediting local materialsLocation HondurasPartners and sponsors

Foundation San Alonso Rodriguez (Honduras)National Institute for Vocational Training (Honduras)Honduras Solidarity council (Honduras)The Honduras Solidarity network(Honduras)Housing Program and Citizen Solidarity Credit

(Honduras)Misereor (Germany)Trocaire (Ireland)

Hazard floods - hurricanes - landslides -earthquakes

Project duration 2002 - 2010Results 13 institutions sensitized

(1 Ministery, 9 NGOs, 3 donors)1 National Forum

72 self-builders trained

23 construction professionals trained3 coordinators trained7 micro-enterprises established

78 school sites (72 houses, six public buildings)


case studiesReducing risks


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Reducing risksLocation Sahrawi Refugee Camps

Tindouf - AlgeriaPartners and sponsors

OXFAM - SolidaritySahraoui Ministry of ConstructionECHO

Hazard floods - 2006Project duration 2007 - 2010Results 8 institutions sensitized

(2 donors, NGOs 6)5 institutions formed

100 masons trained10,000 families sensitized about80 families have duplicated the

techniques learned

Improving resilienceLocation West and Central Africa (pilot phase: Ivory Coast)Partners and sponsors

International Federation of Red Cross and RedCrescent Societies, Geneva (Switzerland)Regional coordination, Dakar (Senegal)National Red Cross and Red Crescent societies of Westand Central Africa(pilot phase: National Society Ivory Coast)

Hazard floodsProject duration 2009 – 2013Results 10,000 people helped

(pilot phase)

Rethinking aid relief responsesLocation BangladeshPartners and sponsors

Caritas BangladeshProject Implementation CommitteeBangladesh University of Engineering &Technology, DhakaCaritas France - Secours Catholique

Hazard cyclone Sidr - 2007Project duration 2007 - 2009Results 3 institutions sensitized

(1 donor, 1 NGO, 1 university) One institution formed (1 NGO)

7300 families rehoused

Preventing catastrophesLocation Thua Thien Hué province - VietnamPartners and sponsors

Vietnam Development WorkshopProvincial Committee for the Controlof Floods and StormsConsulting and Engineering Society, Thua Thien Hue

ECHOFord Foundation Canadian International DevelopmentAgency Viet Nam-Canada Foundation

ECHOFondation Ford Aide Canadiennede Développement InternationalFondation Aide Viet Nam-Canada

Hazard cyclones et inondationsProject duration 1999 - 2013

© DWF

Reducing vulnerabilitiesLocation

Region of KabaloDemocratic Republic of Congo

Partners and sponsors Federation of Human Rights (DRC)Amicor (DRC)Swiss Cooperation Office in BurundiÉcole de la Paix (France)Fondation Abbé Pierre (France)Secours Catholique / Caritas France

Hazard earthquakes and floodsProject duration 2008 - 2009Results 7 institutions sensitized

(5 donors, 2 NGOs)3 trainers trained

5 technicians sensitized38 artisans trained

1 training center7 neighborhood leaders sensitized

500 families sensitized3 building models (4 buildings made)


some lessons to learn from


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some lessons to learn from

relying on local

knowledge

valorization of local resources

The use of local resources, materials and skills is a durable process that ensures theopportunity for local populations and stakeholders to build, maintain, repair and

extend all types of constructions, allowing the implementation of projects answering

to needs and expectations, contributing to the enrichment of local knowledge.

Recognition of easily accessible local

knowledge enables the valorization

of the individuals and organizations

that hold this knowledge and lead to

the adoption of relevant approaches,

sustained by strategies of support

and enrichment of knowledge.

Greater involvement of population

ensures a better understanding of the

local culture and allows a continuity

of action in time. These skills are often

more important than we imagine.

relying on local skills

Collaboration with institutional

structures (such as universities

and laboratories), as well as other

involved organizations, promotes a

wider dissemination of knowledge,

while contributing to sensitization at

local and global scales.

relying on

institutions



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recommendations


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recommendations

knowledge

mobilization

accountability

The recommendations that emerged from field

experiences conducted by CRAterre and many other

organizations, integrate the will to promote an approach

based on common sense and science, by revisiting

lessons from the past. In order to achieve the technical

and scientific legitimacy of this dynamic process, the

accumulation and dissemination of existing knowledgeand the development of new knowledge are essential.


Know and study ordinary and extreme

l


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Adopt a transversal approach and implement

projects to take into account all issues

pertaining to specific contexts.

Qualify experts to make them capable

to consider the potential of vernacular

knowledge in responding to crises.

Enhance the skills of professionals through

customized training.

Legitimize the persons involved.

climate events.

Deepen scientific knowledge of technical and

social cultures related to natural hazards.

Information on the prevention of naturaldisasters in areas at risk.

Disseminate knowledge concerning natural

hazards.

Encourage the multidisciplinary analysis of

vernacular knowledge.

Promote the research and study of local

materials and their potential.

Supply networks and disseminate technical,

vocational and academic knowledge.

Codify and document the local know-how for

the formulation of best practices, guidelines

and standards.

local

populations

vulnerabilitiesaspirations

governments

professionals donors

capacitiesneeds


general principles


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IV.

V.

Reconstruction as an opportunity to start the

process of restoring the dignity of a community and

strengthening its resilience

Adoption of a multidisciplinary approach:

coordination and creation of links with other

activities and areas concerned

Dialogue between beneficiaries, professionals, aid

agencies and donors

Valorization of processes and methods of action

(qualitative) rather than of products (quantitative)

Establishment of an experimental iterative research

approach, based on local materials, knowledge and

know-how

evaluate measure

observeunderstand

implementachieve

designprogram

g p p

I.

III.

II.

“Each individual has a number of habits in his gestures,his thoughts and reactions, which we call individuality,when we differentiate it from others'. When we consider asociety, we see a set of individuals and more importantly,that individuality is the basis for the creation of everything- each feature in action, thought and reaction is developed

under the pressure of many other features that surroundit and according to the requirements of climate, work andtrade. Individuality is not mysterious and abstract, but thesum of many tangible details: the time when a man r ises,shaves, the clothes he likes, his habits of language, thepeople under his command and those to whom he obeys,but more than anything else, his home.” (H. Fathy, architecte, 1969)



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Implementing an endogenous development strategy

with local stakeholders, systematically integrating

management and risk prevention

Local capacity building based on knowledge, practice

and research-experimentation

Taking into account vernacular heritage, knowledge

and local expertise in defining best disaster resistance

practices

Extending the analysis, from the scale of habitations

to that of human settlements

Development of various educational materials suited

to different target groups, contexts and situations

IX.

X.

VI.

VII.

VIII.


vulnerability... A few questions for a preliminary identification ofthe potentials of a context at risk


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y

3.

Are local populations aware of the real risks to which they

are exposed? 4.

Are there any components of local cultures that contribute

to an appropriate response to risks?

5.

Have local populations implemented strategies to reduce

the exposure of buildings?

6.

Have local populations developed building solutions that

increase the resistance of structures to the impact of natural

hazards?

1.

Are we dealing with the kind of natural hazard which

allows populations to prepare before an impact?

2.

Are the intensity and timing of impacts predictable?

social organization

built environment

natural hazard

the potentials of a context at risk ...


... and resilience?... for the valorization of local knowledge beforeand after the impact of natural hazards


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9.

Traditionally used natural materials, are they available,

usable and accessible? 10.

The necessary preparatory steps to make natural materials

usable in (re) construction projects, are they affordable?

11.

Are there any skills concerning the use of traditional

materials and techniques, locally?

12.

Are local artisans and beneficiaries directly involved in (re)

construction works?

7.

Have any vernacular buildings completely or partially

withstood the impact of the most recent natural hazard?

8.

The disaster-resistant characteristics of vernacular buildings,

are they implemented in(re)constructed buildings?

natural materials

local skills

disaster-resistant techniques

and after the impact of natural hazards.


conclusion


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To rebuild housing structures and to recreate physical

environments less vulnerable to natural hazards and more

equitable, requires the implementation of strategies andpractices that live up to challenges. The strategic choices

made by institutions and agencies inevitably influence

the vulnerability of individuals, thus playing an important

role in the effects that natural phenomena may cause.

On the one hand, the benefits granted by reconstruction

projects increase on a par with the level of involvement

of local populations. On the other hand, truly effective

risk management applications directly emerge from localbuilding cultures. It is therefore esse

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