Exploring transdisciplinary approaches to facilitate disaster risk reduction
Disaster Prevention and Management
ISSN: 0965-3562
Article publication date: 9 October 2019
Issue publication date: 11 November 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to look into how collaborations among science and technology groups and other stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region can facilitate implementation of national and local disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies through education, training and field practice. Case studies on transdisciplinary approach (TDA) that integrates cross-cutting DRR issues and various stakeholders through science and technology are introduced from several countries in the region as attempts to holistically support societies build and strengthen their disaster resilience.
Design/methodology/approach
First, through literature review, the transition from single discipline to TDA is illustrated in which various stakeholders of different disciplines work together to achieve a common societal goal. This is followed by introduction of several case studies of actual TDA implementation for DRR in which information had been gathered through surveys and interviews with international science and technology stakeholders. Finally, through analysis and discussion, the study identifies the key roles of science and technology stakeholders for facilitating TDA for DRR.
Findings
The study concludes with key findings on the specific roles of science and technology including provision of education and training to build capacities of DRR practitioners to effectively plan and implement DRR measures, support to evidence-based decision making through locally specific scientific assessments and analysis and validation scientific information on the actual field for DRR practitioners and agencies. In materializing these roles into action, institutionalization of supporting policies and budget provision that promotes TDA are suggested.
Originality/value
Even though TDA is not a new concept and many stakeholders understand its importance, TDA has not been widely exercised mainly due to conventional practices of experts and organizations working only within their groups and disciplines. With this understanding, this study has newly identified eight key elements that can be used as a guide and checklist for DRR stakeholders to effectively implement TDA for strengthening disaster resilience of their societies.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the following partners who were kind enough to take their busy time to provide information about their institutes and programs: Professor Dr Teuku Faisal Fathani, Professor of Geotechnical Engineering and Director of Center for Disaster Mitigation and Technological Innovation (GAMA-InaTEK), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. Assistant Professor Dr Indrajit Pal, Chair of Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Management (DPMM), Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. Falak Nawaz, Chief Executive Officer, Network of Disaster Management Practitioners (NDMP), Pakistan. Dr Helene Jacot des Combes, Lecturer in Climate Change, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (PaCE-SD), University of the South Pacific’s (USP), Fiji. Che Siti Noor Koh Poh Lee, National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) Prime Minister’s Department, Putrajaya, Malaysia. Datuk Shahar Effendi Abdullah Azizi, Director General, Department of Mineral and Geoscience, Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources, Malaysia.
Citation
Matsuura, S. and Razak, K.A. (2019), "Exploring transdisciplinary approaches to facilitate disaster risk reduction", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 28 No. 6, pp. 817-830. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPM-09-2019-0289
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited