Community Linkages and Disaster Risk Reduction Education

Abstract

The Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake is the turning point of community-based approach in Japan. The Kobe City Office started the system of community-based disaster management organization in 1995, which is a new sustainable approach of community involvement. This chapter highlights three examples: Kobe City, Saijo City, and Kesennuma City to aim (1) to understand initiatives on community-based approaches, (2) to understand the strengths and weaknesses on community-based approaches, and (3) to suggest the key factors for improvement and sustainability of community linkage. The Kobe City Office has prepared technical and fund support system to promote the concept, but some of sustainability problems have been seen although 20 years has passed since the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Saijo City’s concept is community involvement led by schools under the innovative education system. Kesennuma example shows inclusion of multi-stakeholder. These three examples are different types of community-based education approaches. One of key factors is suggested to include school as a main actor for community activities under the sustainable system supported by local government.