Framework for integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge for disaster risk reduction

TLDR

Indigenous knowledge is increasingly recognized as valuable for disaster risk reduction, yet no clear framework exists to integrate it with scientific knowledge to reduce community vulnerability to environmental hazards. The study proposes a participatory framework to integrate indigenous and scientific knowledge for reducing community vulnerability to environmental hazards. The framework is developed for small island developing states, outlining the need, challenges of incorporating indigenous knowledge, and detailing processes based on research in Papua New Guinea. The framework represents a first step toward integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge to reduce community vulnerability to environmental hazards.

Abstract

A growing awareness of the value of indigenous knowledge has prompted calls for its use within disaster risk reduction. The use of indigenous knowledge alongside scientific knowledge is increasingly advocated but there is as yet no clearly developed framework demonstrating how the two may be integrated to reduce community vulnerability to environmental hazards. This paper presents such a framework, using a participatory approach in which relevant indigenous and scientific knowledge may be integrated to reduce a community's vulnerability to environmental hazards. Focusing on small island developing states it presents an analysis of the need for such a framework alongside the difficulties of incorporating indigenous knowledge. This is followed by an explanation of the various processes within the framework, drawing on research completed in Papua New Guinea. This framework is an important first step in identifying how indigenous and scientific knowledge may be integrated to reduce community vulnerability to environmental hazards.