Human-ecological dimensions of disaster resiliency in Thailand: social capital and aid delivery |
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| Authors: | Philip R Berke Ratana Chuenpagdee Kungwan Juntarashote Stephanie Chang |
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| Institution: | 1. Institute for the Environment, Department of City &2. Regional Planning, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, NC, USA;3. Department of Geography , Memorial University of Newfoundland , St. John's, NL, Canada;4. Coastal Development Centre, Faculty of Fisheries , Kasetsart University , Bangkok, Thailand;5. School of Community and Regional Planning , University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC, Canada |
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| Abstract: | This study focuses on the human-ecological dimension of disaster resilience after the 2004 tsunami. The paper examines how concepts of social capital and external aid delivery influence community performance in conservation of mangrove ecosystems. Experiences are reported through the words of local informants in six villages in Thailand. Findings indicate that social capital represents a potential for collective action, but design of aid programmes may prevent such action. Programmes that emphasised bottom-up aid delivery mobilised local social capital and directed it toward obtaining resources that fit local needs and capabilities. Alternatively, top-down aid programmes provided significant resources, but oppressed mobilisation of social capital. Implications are that disaster stricken communities should be treated as active participants, rather than the more common perspective that views them as vulnerable and in a state of helplessness. |
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