Addressing land issues in disaster risk management in the Pacific island countries

Mitchell, Davio and Jacot des Combes, Helene and Myers, Matt and McEvoy, Darryn (2014) Addressing land issues in disaster risk management in the Pacific island countries. Land Tenure Journal, 1 . pp. 101-135. ISSN 2079-7168

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (502kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The Pacific region is one of the most disaster-prone in the world. Rapid urbanization, conflict over land, and the establishment of informal settlements on hazardous sites further exacerbate the problems. These issues present a significant challenge for government agencies, which require capacity building to respond adequately.

Customary land predominates in many Pacific island countries and is central to decisions about land. In this paper we review previous disasters in the Pacific island countries to identify land issues that have emerged, and consider how land tenure and disaster management are administered.

We conclude that land and national disaster management office agencies must work together to address land issues in the context of natural disasters and that customary groups should be involved in disaster risk reduction activities and efforts to improve tenure security for all legitimate landholders. Capacity strengthening would benefit all groups involved.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
Divisions:	Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (PACE-SD)
Depositing User:	Fulori Nainoca - Waqairagata
Date Deposited:	26 Jul 2016 03:09
Last Modified:	26 Jul 2016 03:09
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/9086

Actions (login required)

View Item