Paper short abstract:

This paper focuses on the integrated approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation or DRR-CCA in SIDS. The absence of an overarching framework and shallow engagement of community, scientific, and social sectors were found to reduce potential development gains from DRR-CCA.

Paper long abstract:

Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation is arguably the most rational approach for addressing hazards of common interest from future and current climate extremes. Whilst the approach has had some traction in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), it has made limited marked reductions in risk due to operational deficiency at the national level. Reasons for this include limited resources and challenges with governance; however the effect of deficiencies in processes that govern how risk is managed for DRR-CCA has not been reviewed in the context of SIDS. Using the case of Barbados, this paper focuses on the integrated approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) or DRR-CCA in SIDS. The paper is based on a thematic analysis of 40 interviews, surveys, and observations with representatives of 27 CCA and DRR organisations operating at different levels. The absence of an overarching framework and shallow engagement of community, scientific, private and social sectors were found to reduce potential development gains from DRR-CCA. At all levels it was found that misconceptions concerning roles, mandates, and required inputs were inhibiting progress in deriving sustainability. A prevailing response culture and an embryonic risk reduction discourse that had not sufficiently transitioned beyond development planning control were found to hinder DRR-CCA. Notwithstanding this it was found that providing response connections was a necessary bridge for effective DRR-CCA.