Long-Term Landslide Hazard Mitigation Programs: Structure and Experience from Other Countries

Abstract

Industrial countries with major and continuing landslide losses have incorporated a strong central government role in the direction of mitigation activities to assure consistent standards of practice and application, and to prevent unequal and inadequate performance at provincial, municipal, and private levels. In countries with more regional or local landslide hazards, the federal government plays a less active role and functions primarily as a source of expertise, research support, and funding of provincial and municipal control works. Common elements of many of the most successful foreign programs are being applied in limited areas of the United States, but there is no uniform national effort in effect, and large areas with significant landslide hazard have received little or no benefit from this substantial body of research, engineering, and management experience.