The use of geospatial information as support for Disaster Risk Reduction; contextualization to Baalbek-Hermel Governorate/Lebanon

Abstract

Given that natural hazards, vulnerabilities, and the resulting disasters are spatial phenomena; the application of geographical information systems (GIS) has proven to be a convenient and reliable tool for the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) process. Nevertheless, effective use of these technologies is context-specific and requires research and development, especially in developing countries like Lebanon, where numerous barriers hamper the use of GIS for civil protection. The task is further complicated at the local level in rural areas such as our study area Baalbek-Hermel Governorate of Lebanon. Restrictions include limited human and financial resources and a lack of critical spatial data required to support the GIS application to DRR. Where the majority of assets at risk is ever-growing, and the “fragile” government has other urgent priorities than to commit to DRR plans. Several case-studies in Baalbek-Hermel were taken to test the operational aspects of GIS modelling and discuss the adaptation of practical techniques to serve the whole DRR cycle (preventive actions, preparedness, and evacuation planning, recovery measures through land-use zoning and resilience-building). The results of this paper suggested ways to contextualize the use of GIS to Baalbek-Hermel for each phase of the DRR cycle to make a more resilient Governorate. Challenges and limitations and the way to overcome are discussed, taking into consideration the indigenous approaches for the application of technologies and innovations in DRR. Thus, DRR practitioners in Lebanon and other developing countries could harness this potential in an attempt to escape the vicious DRR cycle by building resilience and improving disaster reduction capacities.