Wokbaot Wetem Kalja: Strengthening the Use of Traditional Knowledge and Social and Cultural Systems in Displacement Management in Vanuatu

Elements of Innovation

• Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
• Social Cohesion and Community Participation
• Diversity, Gender and Inclusion

What is the project about?

Displacement from disasters, including sudden and slow-onset events, can threaten the survival of traditional knowledge and culture. This includes intangible losses, such as knowledge about the natural environment and sustainable practices. This project focuses on strengthening Vanuatu's resilience against climate-induced displacement - a critical concern in this disaster-prone archipelago.

By merging traditional knowledge with contemporary strategies, the initiative integrates traditional approaches into formal displacement planning. The project recognizes the central role of traditional knowledge and cultural systems in enhancing resilience, especially in the face of recent disasters like Cyclone Harold in 2020. Employing UNESCO methodologies and aligning with Vanuatu's governance aspirations, the project fosters community resilience through activities such as community mapping, resource development, government tools, and communication products. This harmonizes traditional wisdom with contemporary strategies.

How is the project innovative?

The project introduces innovation through its approach to displacement management. Unlike traditional disaster response methods that predominantly emphasize technical and logistical facets, this endeavor stands out by leveraging traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and sustainable strategies.

By integrating indigenous knowledge and social networks into displacement planning, the project acknowledges the indispensable role of local communities in disaster resilience. It does so by honoring local customs, nurturing communal unity, and empowering individuals as active contributors to their own recovery. The project's innovation resides in its harmonization of traditional knowledge with contemporary disaster management practices, generating a symbiotic relationship that amplifies preparedness, response capabilities, and the recovery process.

This comprehensive, culturally attuned approach not only augments the efficacy of displacement management but also establishes the foundation for a more inclusive, resilient, and community-driven disaster management paradigm, potentially serving as a benchmark for similar initiatives globally.