Differential Ethnic Approach in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management: The Case of Colombia

Abstract

Introduction.Colombia is a multicultural country, with 13% of the population from ethnic minorities. As the country experiences extreme events, these ethnic groups have high vulnerability,  due to their geographic location, and also because they experience inequities. The knowledge and tools they have developed to face these disasters are responsive to their specific needs and should be incorporated into disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) policies and strategies. This article aims to evaluate the current incorporation of the differential ethnic approach in the DRRM system of Colombia.Methods. A literature review of journal articles and grey literature was conducted on December 2022 and January 2023. The search included full-text primary or secondary research articles and technical reports.Results 20 records were deemed eligible after screening 1,067 records, 15 (75.0%) of which were grey literature and 5 (15.0%) were journal articles. Majority of the records (19, 95.5%) were on disaster prevention/mitigation. Official national DRRM policies and plans recognize the cultural diversity of Colombia. Examples of DRRM activities where ethnic minorities were involved were also found. However, some of these programs have faced challenges in adopting the guidelines at the local level. The low number of scoped records on the topic also highlights the severe lack of documentation, monitoring, evaluation, or research.Conclusion. It is necessary to integrate the differential ethnic approach in all the phases of the disaster risk cycle; and take advantage of the community’s knowledge about the natural dynamics of their territory, community resources, vulnerability, resilience factors, and cultural practices

Keywords: Disasters, Risk management, Colombia, Cultural Diversity, Ethnicity