1. Flood, 2012, Umbria, Italy Tsunami, 2004, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Typhoon, 2006 2009, Central Vietnam Forest fires, 2007, Ilia, Greece
Xynthia storm surge, 2010, La Faute sur Mer, France
Hurricane Stan, 2005, Mexico
Kalamata earthquake, 1986, Greece Lorca earthquake, 2011, Spain
Sea level rise, Greece Climate change adaptation, Alpine Area
Flood, 2002, Salzach catchment, Austria Flood 2002, Elbe catchment, Germany
Civil society backs
but may also
challenge DDR and
CCA efforts
Professionals (engineers, architects,
geologists etc.) voluntarily contribute with
their expertise after a disaster
People’s agenda depends on the
conditions they live in and their pragmatic
or perceived needs, interests and gains.
These may not give priority to DRR & CCA.
Trust in, and
accountability of civil
society entities are
essential
Local knowledge can
supplement experts’
knowledge
INGOs should connect with people and work
with the government so as to provide some
allocation in a disaster - Their projects need
funding to be sustainable
M.Dandoulaki1, Th.Karymbalis2, Y. Melissourgos2, S.Skordili2, N.Valkanou2
The Civil Society
1 National School of Public Administration and Local Government, Greece (mdand@tee.gr)
2Department of Geography, Harokopio University of Athens, Greece (karymbalis@hua.gr, yormel@gmail.com, skordili@hua.gr, elnel@otenet.gr)
Sector’s entities
Findings from the case studies
Harokopio University of Athens
Civil society
Third sector
Public
sector
Private
sector
International NGOs
National NGOs
Academic Institutions
Churches
Community Based Organisations Professional Associations
Citizens Groups Citizens Associations
Social networks Volunteers Social media
The public (affected, observing, involved)
Social business
Corporate Institutions
Advocacy groups
Barriers in knowledge production and sharing
Roles and activities Issues to consider
Civil society is a highly debated term and there are various
approaches on the what entities civil society comprises.
Current roles vary widely across and within contexts of countries,
cultures and disaster situations.
Focus still on crises and emergencies - Yet, there is a shift towards
disaster risk reduction.
Mass media play a central role in guiding public interest thus fund
raising and strategy of civil society entities.
Social media Web2.0 emerge as novel means of civil involvement
and participation.
As the third sector negotiates its position within a new public –
private balance, its role is expected to change.
Structural
Institutional means for ensuring accountability,
transparency and legitimacy of civil society entities
linger. Information on their activities and works may be
insufficient or false.
Functional
Civil society entities can be short-lived or stay for a short
time. Their knowledge and experience is often lost.
Media is key for fund raising and visibility. This may
guide their focus and the communication approach.
Social
People, civil society entities and governments do not
necessarily share the same values, concerns and
interests as regards DRR and CCA. Information can be
maneuvered so as to serve the interests of each player.
Intrinsic
Data and information disseminated through social media
cannot /should not be controlled. Hence they can be
misleading or wrong and at the same time they are
persistent and pervasive.
Offer a balance in
relation to
government
shortcomings
Identify, access and
respond to, the
needs of
communities
Raise funding
Inform and raise
awareness – Train
and educate
Generate and
diffuse knowledge -
Hold and utilize
traditional and local
knowledge
Monitor and
advocate
Provide input to
DRR and CCA
agenda setting and
policy development
process