LÓPEZ-MARRERO, T. (2010), An integrative approach to study and promote natural hazards adaptive capacity: a case study of two flood-prone communities in Puerto Rico. The Geographical Journal, 176: 150–163. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-4959.2010.00353.x
Abstract:
capacity to natural hazards of exposed populations. This paper analyses the strategies of
adjustment implemented by members of two flood-prone communities in Puerto Rico, and
discusses how the adoption of these strategies and other factors could influence future
adaptive capacity and vulnerability to floods. Semi-structured interviews with community
members from different resource endowment groups were used to elicit the resources behind
the process of adjustment along with additional factors that could influence future adaptive
capacity, including their perceptions of risks related to floods. The analysis revealed how
access to resources – including material, economic and human resources – has facilitated
living with floods in these communities; although not everyone has been able to adapt in the
same way. Past actions, along with public responses being undertaken in the area (i.e. flood
control project and upstream structural modifications) appear to be reducing flood-risk
perceptions and promoting a false sense of security among community members, irrespective
of resource endowment group. For that reason, developing ways to increase awareness
about future flood potential and making clear the need for complementary non-structural
strategies is imperative. In short, the research findings emphasise that access to resources and
cognitive factors are important determinants of adaptive capacity. Hence, both should be
taken into account while developing practical strategies towards increasing adaptive capacity
and reducing vulnerability to floods specifically, and to other natural hazards in general.