Characteristics of a Disaster Resilient Community

This is a guidance note for government and civil society organisations working on DRR initiatives at community level. It shows what a disaster-resilient community might consist of, by setting out the many different elements of resilience. It also provides some ideas about how to progress towards resilience. It can be used at different stages of project cycle management, particularly in planning and assessment, and monitoring and evaluation. It can also be linked to other tools used in DRR projects and research (e.g. vulnerability and capacity analysis). The guidance note is designed to support processes of community mobilisation and partnership for DRR but the findings of reviews and assessments carried out using the note may also have some value in advocacy work at local and higher levels.

The first edition of the guidance note, published in October 2007, is a pilot version, which is now being tested in the field. It will be revised in the light of those experiences. Everyone is welcome to use the note, and feedback is similarly welcome.

Click here to download document. (version 1)