In recent years, the discourse surrounding disaster risk reduction (DRR) has increasingly emphasized the significance of local and historical perspectives. This shift is not incidental but rather stems from mounting evidence illustrating that vulnerability and resilience are deeply embedded within specific socio-cultural, economic, and historical contexts. A groundbreaking study by Waked and Jaime, published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, strategically focuses on the city of Tunja in Colombia to unravel the complex layers that define local disaster risks and the efficacy of mitigation strategies. Through their detailed case study, the researchers offer critical insights into how integrating historical data with contemporary community dynamics can revolutionize disaster preparedness and response.
Tunja, an Andean city with a rich colonial history, stands as a unique laboratory for examining how longstanding social structures and environmental changes interact to shape current susceptibility to disasters. The city’s geographical setting in a seismically active zone coupled with its exposure to hydrometeorological hazards demands a nuanced understanding that transcends generic risk reduction frameworks. Waked and Jaime propose that historical narratives, including archival records and oral histories, reveal patterns of disaster impact and community adaptation that modern policies often overlook. They contend that only through this lens can tailored and sustainable interventions be designed.
One of the technical pillars of this research is the novel integration of geospatial analyses with historical archives. By meticulously mapping historical flood and landslide events alongside periods of urban expansion and land use transformation, the authors demonstrate a correlation between urban growth practices and heightened risk exposure. This geo-historical methodology enables them to identify “risk hotspots” that have been historically neglected in urban planning and emergency preparedness. What emerges is a compelling argument for incorporating historical spatial data as a standard tool in disaster risk management at municipal levels.
Moreover, the study delves into the socio-political history of Tunja, assessing how colonization, land distribution, and economic development have left a legacy influencing current vulnerability patterns. The researchers highlight that marginalized communities, often residing in the most hazard-prone zones, inherit vulnerabilities rooted in centuries-old inequalities. Such findings underscore the critical need for DRR policies that recognize and redress historical injustices rather than applying uniform solutions detached from social realities. Detailed archival research and interviews with local stakeholders reveal the complex interdependencies between socio-economic status, access to resources, and disaster resilience.
The authors also explore the role of Indigenous knowledge systems and culturally embedded practices in disaster mitigation. Through extensive ethnographic work, Waked and Jaime document local strategies that have withstood the test of time, including traditional land management techniques and community-based early warning signals. Their research argues for the inclusion of these indigenous practices within formal DRR frameworks, positing that blending scientific approaches with traditional wisdom enhances community ownership and effectiveness of risk reduction measures. This hybrid model challenges dominant paradigms that often marginalize localized knowledge in favor of technocratic solutions.
Climate change projections form another critical dimension of the study. The researchers analyze how shifts in precipitation patterns and temperature fluctuations might exacerbate existing risks in Tunja. Using climate modeling outputs integrated with historical disaster trends, they predict an increase in frequency and intensity of hydrological hazards. This forward-looking assessment allows for scenario-based planning that accounts for both past vulnerabilities and future uncertainties. The authors advocate for adaptive governance models capable of evolving in response to dynamic climate risks rather than relying on static contingency plans.
A particularly innovative aspect of the paper is its discussion on participatory governance and community engagement. Waked and Jaime document how involving local populations in risk mapping and decision-making processes not only democratizes DRR but also improves the quality and acceptance of interventions. Their case study illustrates how co-produced knowledge from multi-stakeholder workshops—combining municipal authorities, scientists, and residents—facilitates a shared understanding of risk and fosters collaborative problem-solving. This participatory approach addresses a frequent critique of disaster management policies: the disconnect between top-down mandates and grassroots realities.
The research further highlights technological advancements that have accelerated data collection and analysis, including remote sensing and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These tools enable detailed and timely assessment of vulnerabilities, especially in hard-to-reach or rapidly changing urban environments like Tunja. Waked and Jaime emphasize that while technology offers unprecedented capabilities, it must be carefully integrated with local knowledge and historical insights to avoid a narrow focus on technical fixes. This cautionary note pushes the discourse on digital transformation in DRR toward a more holistic paradigm.
Economic analysis also features prominently in the study, illustrating how disaster impacts translate into profound and prolonged socio-economic disruptions. By examining historical economic data, including trade flows, employment rates, and infrastructure investments, the authors trace pathways through which disaster-induced damages lead to inequitable recovery trajectories. They argue that risk reduction must therefore be linked with broader development policies addressing poverty alleviation and social protection to build truly resilient communities. This systemic approach challenges conventional siloed practices in DRR funding and implementation.
Education and capacity building emerge as essential components for empowering Tunja’s residents against disaster risks. The researchers propose the integration of local disaster narratives into school curricula, fostering awareness and preparedness from a young age. They also recommend training programs that equip community leaders and emergency responders with skills combining scientific knowledge and cultural sensitivity. These educational strategies aim to create an informed citizenry capable of proactive risk management, ultimately enhancing societal resilience over generations.
Importantly, the paper critiques existing institutional frameworks that often compartmentalize disaster risk reduction, urban planning, and climate adaptation into separate agendas. Waked and Jaime advocate for integrated policy approaches that synchronize these domains, ensuring coherent and comprehensive strategies. In their view, this would avoid duplicated efforts, conflicting regulations, and missed opportunities for synergies. Tunja’s experience exemplifies the challenges and potential benefits of such integration, offering valuable lessons for other mid-sized cities in similar contexts.
In terms of methodological contribution, the study exemplifies a transdisciplinary approach combining geography, history, sociology, and environmental science. This holistic research design allows for a richer and more nuanced understanding of disaster risks, moving beyond mono-disciplinary limitations. The authors demonstrate that addressing complex socio-environmental challenges requires crossing disciplinary boundaries and fostering collaborative knowledge production. This insight resonates with current academic calls for more integrative and socially embedded disaster research.
The findings hold significant implications for policymakers, urban planners, and disaster management practitioners worldwide. Waked and Jaime’s case study signals the imperative of embedding historical and local knowledge into the DRR decision-making process to produce equitable and effective outcomes. It challenges the prevailing one-size-fits-all strategies and encourages contextually informed interventions. Moreover, it highlights the ethical dimension of disaster risk reduction, emphasizing the need to address root causes of vulnerability shaped by historical trajectories.
Finally, the study presents a hopeful narrative that combining tradition and innovation can pave the way toward resilient futures. Tunja’s inhabitants, by drawing upon their rich history and embracing participatory, science-based approaches, illustrate the transformative potential of collaborative DRR. This dynamic interplay between past, present, and future underscores the importance of time as a fundamental axis in understanding and mitigating disaster risks. As urban centers across the globe confront mounting hazards, this research serves as a timely exemplar of how local histories and community agency must occupy center stage in resilience-building endeavors.
In conclusion, Waked and Jaime’s comprehensive investigation into disaster risk reduction in Tunja, Colombia, offers a pioneering model for integrating local knowledge, historical context, and advanced technical analyses to enhance understanding and management of hazards. Their work is a clarion call to rethink conventional methodologies and adopt more inclusive, adaptive, and holistic approaches to safeguard vulnerable populations in an era of escalating environmental threats.
Subject of Research: Disaster Risk Reduction with a focus on local and historical perspectives in Tunja, Colombia.
Article Title: A Local and Historical Perspective on Disaster Risk Reduction: Tunja, Colombia Case Study.
Article References:
Waked, N., Jaime, C. A Local and Historical Perspective on Disaster Risk Reduction: Tunja, Colombia Case Study.
Int J Disaster Risk Sci 16, 44–57 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13753-025-00624-7
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