SEI advocates for community focus in new disaster response guidelines

SEI emphasised that disaster adaptation must go beyond reactive responses and focus on proactive, long-term strategies that are inclusive and equitable.

“The adaptation pathways incorporated into the DAP Guidelines allow for measures to be tailored to localised conditions, histories and dynamics,” Professor David Schlosberg said. “This will be crucial for communities who understand the difference between current preparation and long-term needs for transformative changes.”

SEI welcomes the DAP Guidelines’ emphasis on a “place- and community-centred approach” to disaster adaptation. SEI highlights that community-driven solutions, informed by local knowledge and tailored to specific regional needs, are essential for effective disaster preparedness and response.  

However, SEI are calling for greater attention on the following:

• Local knowledge can vary in meaning depending on who you ask. SEI proposes defining local knowledge as the understanding that arises from a deep connection to a place and its community. This includes personal and historical experiences with disasters, along with the skills, training, networks, and resources that are embedded within those communities.
• A one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient for effective disaster adaptation. While the inclusion of long-term, differentiated pathways in the Guidelines is a positive development, there is concern that regional implementation might overlook the unique needs of specific local contexts.
• The role of social infrastructure — such as community spaces, networks, and services — is crucial in building disaster resilience. A broader definition and more diverse examples of social infrastructure are necessary to emphasise its importance in fostering social cohesion and local knowledge-sharing, both of which are vital for disaster preparedness.
• Ensuring that nature-based solutions are recognised not only for their role in reducing vulnerability, but also for their dual benefits in climate mitigation and adaptation. Ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of these solutions requires multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Strategies for reducing vulnerability, particularly for the most at-risk communities, should be explicitly incorporated into the Guidelines. Coordinated efforts across various policy areas, such as housing and energy, are essential to address the root causes of vulnerability.
• Extreme heat, a significant yet often overlooked hazard, requires greater attention. Clearer definitions and more consistent inclusion of heat-related risks throughout the Guidelines are necessary, given the severe impacts extreme heat can have, especially on vulnerable populations.

By advocating for a collaborative approach, SEI hopes to ensure that diverse perspectives are incorporated into disaster adaptation planning, leading to more comprehensive and effective strategies. SEI’s submission highlights the importance of continued dialogue and engagement with the NSW Reconstruction Authority to create a resilient future for all.

Read the submission here (pdf, 250.78kb)

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