| 1. |
- De Majo, Veronica, 1974-
(author)
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Global Governance : A promising scenario for disaster risk reduction
- 2014
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In: Proceedings of the 5th International Disaster and Risk Conference. - : Global Risk Forum (GRF). ; , s. 196-199
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Global governance implies cooperative measures designated for solving problems on global scale, in which diverse actors interact through different channels and networks establishing steering mechanisms and rule systems. While each state has the primary responsibility for systematically implementing measures to reduce vulnerability and increase resilience, there are other actors that have an influence (to different degrees) on the decision-making process, not least at the global level. Consequently, we are in the presence of an emergent global governance system in disaster risk reduction (DRR)-quite young in comparison to other policy fields-characterized by non-hierarchical and networked relations among different actors in different arenas, and even across and within their boundaries. Global networks have led to significant achievements in DRR but they have also presented obstacles and challenges, often endogenous to the system's complexity. It is necessary therefore to understand this complexity in order to enhance the benefits that global governance provides to DRR, seeking at the same time to diminish its constraints. Thus, the aim of this paper is to gain a better understanding of global networks in DRR within a nascent global governance system. The study of the International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) and related documents showed that there are instruments and shared practices, a common language, and global networks (as well as regional and national) of actors and institutions engaged in DRR. Even though HFA is normative and non-binding, it contains the core principles for integrative disaster risk management and can be seen as the manifestation of commitment to systematically incorporating DRR into policies and programs that lead to sustainable development and poverty reduction. Hence, the post- 2015 framework for DRR offers the opportunity to strengthen and improve this system, especially with regard to coordination and implementation.
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| 2. |
- De Majo, Veronica, 1974-
(author)
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Global networks : Building a culture of disaster preparedness worldwide
- 2014
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In: Proceedings of the Second ANDROID Doctoral School in Disaster Resilience 2014. - : Android Disaster Resilience Network. - 9781907842627 ; , s. 45-54
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the era of globalization, i.e. the growing influence of global processes in local, national and regional arenas, natural disasters are considered a ‘global’ problem. In this context, global networks have led to significant achievements in disaster risk reduction (DRR) but they have also presented obstacles and challenges, often endogenous to the system’s complexity. It is necessary therefore to understand this complexity in order to enhance its benefits and reduce its constraints. The purpose of the paper is to introduce a PhD project that aims to gain a better understanding of the role of global networks in building resilience worldwide, focusing particularly on norms, rules and steering mechanism that shape behaviors, attitudes and beliefs. Resilience is defined as the capacity of a community potentially exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, and adapt in order to cope with natural disasters. The preliminary content analysis on the Hyogo Framework for Action and related documents showed that there are instruments and shared practices, a common language, and institutions engaged in DRR. Consequently, there are patterns of a nascent system of global governance that encompasses cooperative measures to solve problems on global scale, in which diverse actors interact through different channels establishing steering mechanisms.
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| 3. |
- De Majo, Veronica, 1974-
(author)
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Institutional conditions for building proactive flood management : Lessons from santa Fe in Argentina
- 2022
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In: International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. - : Elsevier. - 2212-4209. ; 81
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although national disaster risk reduction policies in Argentina are still incipient and fragmented, the city of Santa Fe managed to adopt flood-risk management strategies after a major flooding in 2007. This involved a shift from reactive measures to a proactive policy approach to manage one of the city's main problems. Employing insights from institutional theory, this paper explores and elaborates on the institutional conditions that enabled policy change in Santa Fe. A qualitative case-study design is used, and the analysis builds on previous empirical studies of Santa Fe, policy documents and in-depth interviews. Three institutional conditions were identified as fundamental contributors to policy change: place identity, policy publics, and practical authority. These conditions were used and developed by the new administration elected after the flooding. This paper argues that the new administration took advantage of the 'legitimacy vacuum' of the old administration, following from its passivity and reactive handling of the flooding. The new administration mobilized and strengthened pre-existing institutional conditions, and reconfigured power relations through its practical authority. Instead of a partisan strategy, the new adminis-tration expanded agency in terms of a community-based approach (collective action), expert knowledge, and problem-solving skills, which underscores the importance of informal institutions to complement and reinforce formal ones. This article provides lessons for local communities with similar conditions as the city of Santa Fe, showing that local actors can develop proactive disaster risk reduction also in unfavourable national contexts.
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| 4. |
- De Majo, Veronica, 1974-, et al.
(author)
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Institutional foundations of disaster risk reduction policy : Exploring and elaborating on two different cases: Argentina and Sweden
- 2019
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In: Disaster Prevention and Management. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 0965-3562 .- 1758-6100. ; 28:2, s. 245-257
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore and elaborate on how institutional conditions work to the advantage and disadvantage of disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies on different levels in two countries.Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative case study design is used to study empirically two countries with very different traditions when it comes to political-administrative institutions: Argentina and Sweden.Findings: As expected, the institutional foundations of DRR policy in Sweden are shown to be more consistent and stable than in Argentina. However, this difference is of less importance when considering the crucial role of local practices. National institutional foundations can function as support–but is not a necessary condition–for building disaster preparedness on the ground. The authors argue that national governments cannot do without institutionalized praxis-based preparedness, which is vital for both effective emergency management and learning.Originality/value: This paper contributes to the disaster research debate by elaborating on institutional arrangements that can facilitate or hinder DRR strategies in a multi-level context. The main argument is that institutional practices on the ground are important to compensate for insufficient national institutions, either because they are weak or too distant from practical DRR. The authors also elaborate on how institutional practices can function as a source for learning and for building legitimate practical authority from the bottom up.
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