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The Role of Digital Technologies in Building Resilient Communities

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This study examines the role of digital technologies in building resilient communities, focusing on data collected during the pandemic. This research aims to explore the impact of digital technologies on community development, assess their effectiveness in enhancing community resilience, and identify key success factors. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative data collected through interviews and focus groups, a review of existing literature and case studies. Preliminary findings indicate that digital technologies have been crucial in supporting community resilience, enabling virtual communication, remote access to resources, and community engagement. However, disparities in digital access and literacy have influenced their effectiveness. Addressing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access is crucial while providing ongoing support, capacity building, and community engagement. Digital technologies have demonstrated their potential to build resilient communities, particularly in times of crisis.
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33
Bhúmi, The Planning Research Journal
Vol.10, Issue.01, June 2023
The Role of Digital Technologies in Building Resilient
Communities
Asma Mehen
1
*
Assistant Professor, Huckabee College of Architecture, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United
States
Abstract
This study examines the role of digital technologies in building resilient communities, focusing on data
collected during the pandemic. This research aims to explore the impact of digital technologies on community
development, assess their effectiveness in enhancing community resilience, and identify key success factors.
The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative data collected through interviews and
focus groups, a review of existing literature and case studies. Preliminary findings indicate that digital
technologies have been crucial in supporting community resilience, enabling virtual communication, remote
access to resources, and community engagement. However, disparities in digital access and literacy have
influenced their effectiveness. Addressing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access is crucial while
providing ongoing support, capacity building, and community engagement. Digital technologies have
demonstrated their potential to build resilient communities, particularly in times of crisis.
Keywords: Resilient Communities; Digital Tools; Co-design; Participatory Action Research Design
________________________________________________________________________
1. Introduction
Digital technologies have undoubtedly
become integral to our daily lives,
permeating various aspects such as
communication, work, and access to
information and entertainment. While there
is a tendency to praise these technologies as
a panacea, it is crucial to critically examine
their role in building resilient communities.
One area where digital tools have shown
potential is facilitating connections and
fostering a sense of belonging among
individuals, irrespective of their physical
location. Platforms like social media,
online forums, and virtual meeting tools
enable people to form communities based
on shared interests and goals (Chen, 2017;
Foulon & Bieser, 2019). Furthermore,
digital technologies support community
resilience by enhancing communication
and collaboration through instant
1
*
1
Corresponding Author:
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7381-6663
E-mail address: asma.mehan@ttu.edu
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/bhumi.v10i1.92
messaging, video conferencing, and project
management software. These enable
communities to work together more
effectively, especially during times of crisis
(Jackson & Chen, 2021; Park, 2019).
The definition of urbanization is a process
of changing communities and regions in a
non-urban area to become urban. Urban
communities are the focus of academic
studies that explore the social, economic,
and cultural dynamics within urban areas.
Chaskin (2013) examines the challenges
and potential benefits of mixed-income
public housing transformations in inner
cities, shedding light on social integration
issues and neighborhoods dynamics.
Latham and McCormack (2020) discuss the
concept of "queering urbanism" and its
influence on urban spaces and
relationships, highlighting the role of
The Role of Digital Technologies in Building Resilient Communities
34
diverse sexual and gender identities. Sassen
(2018) explores the notion of global cities
and their impact on urban communities,
emphasizing the economic, social, and
cultural changes associated with
globalization. Harris (2020) critically
reviews the role of neighborhoods
reputations in residential mobility,
illuminating how perceptions of urban
communities affect people's decisions to
move or stay. Lees, Slater, and Wyly
(2020) delve into the complex phenomenon
of gentrification, analyzing its social,
economic, and spatial implications for
urban communities, particularly the effects
on marginalized populations. These recent
contributions expand our understanding of
urban communities by examining various
aspects such as housing transformations,
diverse identities, globalization,
neighborhoods reputations, and
gentrification. In this article, the
“community" has been defined as a group
of people living in the same geographical
area or connected by shared interests,
values, or goals. Communities can be
physical or virtual and are characterized by
social interactions, shared resources, and
collective decision-making (Nawratek and
Mehan, 2020).
Digital technologies also provide access to
information and resources, empowering
individuals, and communities to make
informed decisions and engage with their
surroundings (Jackson & Chen, 2021; Park,
2019). Moreover, by enabling remote work
and online connectivity, digital tools can
create economic opportunities and
contribute to local economic growth,
bolstering the community's resilience.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that
digital technologies are not a cure-all
solution. The digital divide and privacy
concerns must be addressed (Singh, 2018).
In addition, communities must carefully
consider digital technologies' potential
benefits and risks, ensuring responsible and
sustainable use to foster resilience (Mehan
and Mostafavi, 2022).
Digital technologies have the potential to
enhance community building and resilience
by facilitating connections, improving
communication, and providing access to
resources. However, evaluating their
impacts and addressing associated
challenges is crucial. Communities must
approach adopting and utilizing digital
tools cautiously, considering their specific
needs and ensuring equitable access,
privacy protection, and long-term
sustainability.
The next part of the article focuses on
building community resilience as a long-
term stability and sustainable development
plan while also evaluating the challenges
and opportunities that come with it.
2. Methodological Notes
This study employed a mixed-methods
approach to examine the role of digital
technologies in building resilient
communities. Key methodological
components included:
- Literature Review: A systematic search
of academic databases, policy
documents, and grey literature was
conducted to identify existing
knowledge gaps and inform the
research questions. This review helped
establish a theoretical framework for
understanding the role of digital
technologies in community resilience.
- Online Fieldwork: Due to the
pandemic era, data collection involved
online methods such as virtual expert
interviews, online focus group
discussions (FGDs), and remote
observations. These online qualitative
methods allowed for rich insights into
the experiences, perspectives, and real-
world impacts of digital technologies
on community resilience, while also
adhering to social distancing measures.
- Triangulation and Validation: The
study employed data triangulation,
comparing, and combining findings
from different methods. This approach
ensured the reliability and validity of
the research by cross-referencing
online data sources and perspectives,
enhancing the robustness of the study's
conclusions.
- Ethical Consideration: The research
adhered to ethical guidelines, including
obtaining informed consent from online
Mehan, A.
35
participants, ensuring confidentiality and
anonymity, and securing institutional review
board approval. These ethical considerations
safeguarded the rights and privacy of the
participants throughout the online fieldwork.
These components provided a robust
foundation for exploring digital
technologies' role in building resilient
communities, identifying challenges, and
informing future interventions and policy
development.
2.1 Building Resiliency in Communities:
Seizing Opportunities, Overcoming
Challenges, and Implementing Effective
Tools and Strategies
Resiliency plays a crucial role in
communities' sustainable development and
long-term stability, enabling them to
prepare for, respond to, and recover from
disasters and crises (Lim, 2019; 2015).
However, building resiliency is
accompanied by various opportunities and
challenges, each with unique
characteristics and implications (Varış
Husar, et al 2023).
2.1.1. Opportunities for Building
Resiliency
Building resilient communities requires
Building resilient communities requires
seizing opportunities in various areas. One
such opportunity lies in accessing financial
and human capital resources, which can be
achieved through partnerships with
government agencies, non-profit
organizations, and private sector entities.
Another avenue is collaboration and
community engagement, where the pooling
of resources, knowledge, and skills from
community members, stakeholders, and
local organizations enhances resiliency
efforts (Mehan, 2023a). Technological
advancements offer new possibilities, as
digital tools, data analytics, and predictive
modelling can be leveraged to strengthen
community resiliency. These opportunities
provide avenues for communities to
enhance their preparedness, response, and
recovery capabilities in the face of disasters
and crises (Mehan and Tafrata, 2022).
2.1.2. Challenges to Building Resiliency
Building resiliency in communities has its
challenges. One such challenge is the
limited availability of resources, including
financial constraints and a need for more
human capital, which hinder many
communities from investing in resilient
infrastructure and services
(Balasubramanian & Nambissan, 2017).
Another challenge is faced by remote or
rural communities that need help accessing
essential infrastructure and services,
impeding their ability to prepare for
adequately and respond to disasters.
Additionally, vulnerable populations
experience disproportionate impacts and
limited recovery capacity, amplifying the
difficulties in building resiliency
(Difilippantonio & Alkhatib, 2016). These
challenges underscore the need for focused
efforts and targeted support to address
resource constraints, improve access to
infrastructure and services, and ensure the
inclusion and resilience of vulnerable
populations in community resiliency
initiatives.
2.1.3. Implementing Effective Tools and
Strategies
Building resiliency in communities
requires the use of various tools and
strategies. An essential tool is developing a
comprehensive resiliency action plan,
which involves assessing vulnerabilities,
setting goals, and identifying specific
actions. Another important strategy is
multi-sector collaboration, bringing
together government agencies, non-profit
organizations, private sector entities, and
community members to address resiliency
challenges effectively. Investing in
education and capacity-building programs
is also critical, as they empower individuals
with the necessary knowledge and skills to
respond to and recover from disasters (
Wang et. al 2017). Additionally, policy and
governance play a vital role in creating
supportive regulations and policies that
The Role of Digital Technologies in Building Resilient Communities
36
facilitate resiliency efforts (Mehan, 2023b;
2023c).
Once the resiliency action plan has been
developed, the next step is identifying and
implementing the tools necessary to build
and maintain resilient communities. These
tools can include disaster preparedness and
response plans, risk management strategies,
and capacity-building initiatives. Disaster
preparedness and response plans are
essential for building resiliency in
communities. These plans should outline
steps for preparing for, responding to, and
recovering from disasters and crises, and
should include strategies for reducing
damage and loss of life. Risk management
strategies should also be developed to
identify potential risks and vulnerabilities
and steps for mitigating them (Wang et. al
2017). In addition, capacity-building
initiatives should be implemented to ensure
communities have the resources and
personnel necessary to respond to disasters.
This can include training personnel and
procurement of emergency equipment and
supplies. It is essential to measure and
evaluate the success of resiliency
initiatives. This can consist of establishing
performance metrics to track progress and
the development of evaluation tools to
assess the effectiveness of resiliency
strategies. This will help ensure that
resiliency initiatives are effective, and
resources are used efficiently (Mehan et al.,
2022).
By seizing opportunities, addressing
challenges, and implementing practical
tools and strategies, communities can build
resiliency and enhance their ability to
withstand and recover from adverse events.
Building resiliency requires a
comprehensive and collaborative approach
that engages all stakeholders, prioritizes
community well-being, and ensures the
long-term sustainability of communities.
2.1.4. Digital Agency and Promoting
community Resilience in the Global
South
Digital technologies are vital in promoting
community resilience in the Global South,
where traditional communication channels
and access to resources are often limited.
These tools enhance various aspects of
community life, including financial
inclusion, healthcare, disaster
preparedness, and sustainable development
(Mas & Radcliffe, 2011).
Figure 1. Residents transfer money using the M-Pesa banking service at a store in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sunday,
April 14, 2013. Source: Matt Twomey, CNB
Mehan, A.
37
In rural areas of Africa, mobile phones and
the internet are helping to bridge the digital
divide, allowing farmers to access market
information, weather updates, and financial
services. In Kenya, mobile money has
played a critical role in building economic
resilience among communities. The
widespread adoption of mobile money has
enabled people to access financial services,
such as loans and savings, through their
mobile phones, even in remote areas with
limited access to traditional banking
services. M-PESA is a mobile-based
financial services platform that enables
millions of people in Kenya to access
financial services through their mobile
phones. This has dramatically improved
financial inclusion and helped communities
better manage their finances, particularly in
times of crisis. M-KOPA Solar is a pay-as-
you-go solar energy service that provides
affordable, clean energy to rural
communities in Kenya. The project has
helped to improve access to electricity,
enabling communities to use digital
technologies for various activities such as
communication, entertainment, and
income-generating activities (Tufail & de
Haan, 2017; Mbarika & Langa, 2017;
Morawczynski, 2009) (See Figure 1).
In India, mobile and digital technologies
provide financial and banking services to
millions in remote and underserved areas.
Since the early 2010s, the Indian
government has launched various e-health
initiatives to improve healthcare delivery in
rural areas. For example, the Telemedicine
Networking and e-Health (TeNeT) Group
at IIT Madras has developed a telemedicine
platform that connects remote rural health
centers with specialists in urban centers.
This has improved access to healthcare for
people living in rural communities and has
also helped build more resilient
communities. The other example is eKutir,
a social enterprise that uses digital
technologies to support rural farmers and
micro-entrepreneurs in India. The project
provides digital platforms that connect
farmers with consumers and enable them to
access financial services, training, and
market information (Mukherjee &
Goswami, 2017). These ongoing efforts
have been instrumental in leveraging
digital technologies to address healthcare
challenges and improve access to quality
medical services.
In Latin America, digital technologies
enhance disaster response and
preparedness. Through early warning
systems and remote monitoring,
communities can respond to natural
disasters more quickly and effectively,
reducing the impact on local populations.
Implementing digital platforms that
connect farmers with consumers has helped
increase their income, enabling them to
build more resilient communities. In
Mexico, digital technologies have
improved access to clean water in rural
communities. The implementation of
digital monitoring systems has enabled
communities to monitor water quality and
access, helping to ensure that they have a
reliable and safe water source for their daily
needs (de Oliveira & de Paula, 2017;
Gudynas, 2017; Rodríguez & Núñez,
2015).
In Southeast Asia, digital technologies have
been used to support the development of
micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises
(MSMEs) through online marketplaces and
payment platforms. This has allowed
MSMEs to reach new customers and
expand their businesses, creating jobs and
boosting economic growth (Kozlowski et
al, 2021; Kim, 2020). In Bangladesh, the
Grameenphone Healthline is a telemedicine
service that provides access to health
information and medical consultations to
rural communities, improving access to
health services and building community
resilience against health challenges.
Similarly, Edukasyon.ph is an online
platform that provides access to education
and career information to students and
young people in the Philippines. This
project has helped to build the resilience of
communities by improving access to
education and employment opportunities,
particularly in rural and underserved areas
(Chen, 2018).
The Role of Digital Technologies in Building Resilient Communities
38
Table 1. Impact of Digital Technologies on Community Resilience in the Global South
Area of Impact
Example
Country/Region
Description
Financial Inclusion
M-Pesa
Digital Platforms
Kenya
India
Mobile money platform
enabling access to financial
services, including loans and
savings, even in remote
areas.
Economic Resilience
Online
Marketplaces
Southeast Asia
Supporting MSMEs in
expanding businesses and
creating jobs through online
platforms and payment
systems.
Disaster
Preparedness
Early Warning
Systems
Digital Monitoring
Systems
Latin America
Mexico
Enhancing disaster response
and preparedness through
digital technologies.
Enhancing disaster response
and preparedness through
digital technologies.
Healthcare Access
Telemedicine
Platforms
Grameenphone
Healthline
India
Bangladesh
Connecting rural health
centres with urban
specialists for improved
healthcare delivery.
Providing telemedicine
services and improving
health access for rural
communities.
Digital technologies have significantly
impacted community resilience in the
Global South, covering financial inclusion,
healthcare, disaster preparedness, and
sustainable development (See Table 1).
Regarding financial inclusion and
economic resilience, mobile money
platforms like M-PESA in Kenya have
significantly enabled access to financial
services, including loans and savings, even
in remote areas. Digital platforms in India
also provide financial and banking services
to underserved communities. Meanwhile,
micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises
(MSMEs) in Southeast Asia benefit from
online marketplaces and payment
platforms, expanding their businesses and
creating jobs. These digital platforms have
enabled communities to better manage their
finances, particularly in times of crisis, and
have helped to build more resilient
economies.
Digital technologies have also improved
healthcare access and services in rural
areas. Telemedicine platforms connect
rural health centres with urban specialists,
improving healthcare delivery in India and
Bangladesh. Grameenphone Healthline in
Bangladesh provides telemedicine
services, improving health access for rural
communities. These initiatives have
improved access to healthcare services and
helped to build more resilient communities
by addressing health challenges.
In disaster response and preparedness,
digital technologies have enhanced early
warning systems and remote monitoring in
Latin America. Digital monitoring systems
in Mexico also ensure access to clean water
in rural communities. These technologies
have helped communities respond to
natural disasters more quickly and
effectively, reducing the impact on local
populations. The implementation of digital
Mehan, A.
39
monitoring systems has enabled
communities to monitor water quality and
access, helping to ensure that they have a
reliable and safe water source for their daily
needs.
Despite the many benefits of digital
technologies, communities in the Global
South must approach them with caution and
responsibility. Issues such as the digital
divide, privacy concerns, and cybersecurity
must be addressed to ensure that these
technologies are used to build resilient
communities, not undermine them.
3. Conclusion
The digital divide is a significant challenge
for communities in the Global South, where
traditional forms of communication and
access to resources may be limited. Digital
technologies have the potential to bridge
this gap, but caution must be taken to
ensure equitable access, privacy protection,
and long-term sustainability. Issues such as
the digital divide, privacy concerns, and
cybersecurity must be addressed to ensure
the responsible use of these technologies
for building resilient communities. While
mobile phones and the internet have helped
bridge the digital divide in rural areas of
Africa, many communities still need access
to these resources. Implementing digital
technologies in India and Latin America
has improved access to financial services,
healthcare, and clean water, enhancing
disaster response and preparedness. In
Southeast Asia, digital technologies
support the development of micro, small,
and medium-sized enterprises. However,
communities must address issues such as
the digital divide, privacy concerns, and
cybersecurity to ensure these technologies
are used to build resilient communities, not
undermine them.
Building resiliency in communities is
essential for the sustainable development of
communities and is critical to ensuring their
long-term stability. Communities need to
develop resiliency action plans that identify
existing challenges and weaknesses and
outline specific steps for addressing them.
Additionally, communities should
implement the tools necessary to build and
maintain resilient infrastructure and
services, and governments should support
communities affected by disasters and
crises. It is also essential to measure and
evaluate the success of resiliency
initiatives. By taking these steps,
communities can build resiliency and
ensure long-term sustainability (Tahar et al,
2023; Kozlowski et al, 2020).
Digital technology has revolutionized
community development by enhancing
access to information, communication and
collaboration, monitoring and maintaining
community assets, and promoting clean
energy. With the help of digital tools,
communities can easily access vast
information, empowering them to make
informed decisions and stay updated on
local resources and events. Furthermore,
digital platforms enable seamless
communication and collaboration among
community members, facilitating
engagement, idea-sharing, and coordinated
efforts. The use of digital technologies also
allows for efficient monitoring and
maintenance of community assets,
leveraging real-time data and analytics to
ensure optimal performance and resource
allocation. Additionally, digital solutions
promote clean energy within communities,
encompassing intelligent climate control
systems, energy-saving lighting, and
adopting renewable energy sources. By
leveraging these digital advancements,
communities can foster sustainable and
resilient development, creating connected,
efficient, and eco-friendly environments.
The Role of Digital Technologies in Building Resilient Communities
40
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With the ongoing changes in global economic and social environments, project organization resilience has emerged as a core competency in addressing environmental uncertainty, thereby becoming a prominent research area within construction management. This resilience is intricately linked to data resources; however, construction enterprises face systemic challenges in governance—fragmented data standards, siloed storage, and underutilized analytics—which limit their ability to translate data into crisis-responsive actions. Consequently, it is of paramount importance to investigate how data governance capabilities influence project organization resilience. This study initially identifies five dimensions of data governance capabilities within construction enterprises, spanning the three stages of planning, flow, and application: top-level design, data standard management, data collection, data storage, and data application. These dimensions are derived through a combination of literature review and expert interviews. Subsequently, this study establishes a theoretical model titled “Data Governance Capability—Project Organization Resilience”, exploring the relationships among these data governance capability dimensions and their correlations with project organization resilience. Data were collected through 142 valid questionnaires from practitioners in the Chinese construction industry and analyzed by the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The results indicate a significant relationship between data governance capabilities and project organization resilience, contributing to the research on the antecedents of the latter. This study offers a scale for construction enterprises to systematically assess data governance capabilities and provides guidance on enhancing organization resilience by progressively nurturing these capabilities.
... Another discussion point is the role of digital empowerment in building resilience [65]. Although not directly tested in our timeframe, one can extrapolate that digital avenues make the community more resilient to shocks (like pandemics or market disruptions). ...
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This article studies the architectural design and cultural significance of Villa Namazee, a modernist building designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti in Tehran. The study explores how the building, once a symbol of modernity and progress, has been neglected, delisted from the national heritage, and fallen into disrepair. Focusing primarily on the case of Villa Namazee in Tehran, Iran, as an example of Ponti’s projects in the Middle Eastern context, the second part of this paper aims to reconsider and re-narrate Gio Ponti’s project in Tehran. In this context, the article sheds light on the nationally and internationally prominent concepts, ideas, collaborations, and design elements of Gio Ponti’s project in Tehran. The paper argues for reevaluating our understanding of heritage and recognizing the importance of preserving modern architectural masterpieces such as Villa Namazee.
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This article discusses places and practices of young heterosexual Malaysian Muslims dating in non-private urban spaces. It is based on research conducted in Kuala Lumpur (KL) in two consecutive summers 2016 and 2017. Malaysian law (Khalwat law) does not allow for two unrelated people (where at least one of them is Muslim) of opposite sexes to be within ‘suspicious proximity’ of one another in public. This law significantly influences behaviors and activities in urban spaces in KL. In addition to the legal framework, the beliefs of Malaysian muslims significantly influence the way they perceive space and how they behave in the city. The article discusses the empirical theme, beginning with the participants’ narratives of their engagement with the dominant sexual and gender order in non-private spaces of KL. Utilizing questionnaires, interviews and observations, this paper draws upon a qualitative research project and questions the analytical usefulness of the notion of public space (as a Western construct) in the context of an Islamic, postcolonial, tropical, global city.
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Land provides a host of ecosystem services, of which the provisioning services are often considered paramount. As the demand for agricultural products multiplies, other ecosystem services are being degraded or lost entirely. Finding a sustainable trade-off between food production and one or more of other ecosystem services, given the variety of stakeholders, is a matter of optimizing land use in a dynamic and complex socio-ecological system. Land degradation reduces our options to meet both food demands and environmental needs. In order to illustrate this trade-off dilemma, four representative services, carbon sinks, water storage, biodiversity, and space for urbanization, are discussed here based on a review of contemporary literature that cuts across the domain of ecosystem services that are provided by land. Agricultural research will have to expand its focus from the field to the landscape level and in the process examine the cost of production that internalizes environmental costs. In some situations, the public cost of agriculture in marginal environments outweighs the private gains, even with the best technologies in place. Land use and city planners will increasingly have to address the cost of occupying productive agricultural land or the conversion of natural habitats. Landscape designs and urban planning should aim for the preservation of agricultural land and the integrated management of land resources by closing water and nutrient cycles, and by restoring biodiversity.
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Many European planning schools recently celebrated their 50th anniversary: a sign that planning education became a distinct and established discipline in Europe. Simultaneously, political regimes, paradigms, cultures, and economies continue fuelling mixed connotations within the planning sector. Additionally, growing wicked problems in built areas emphasize an even greater need for well-trained planners. These challenges span climate crises, wars, authoritarian regimes, socio-political instability, and constantly changing global geopolitics. The increasingly complex demands on planners are highly pertinent for Young Academics (YA). They require political, regulatory, and technical knowledge to navigate the profession. To support them and represent their voices in planning debates, the YA network (YAN) of AESOP was established in 2003. We, the current Coordination Team, use this paper to voice our take on the question of what planning challenges dominate and what can be done to prepare YAs better for the future. Building on plenty discussions within the YAN, literature, and AESOP's activities at large, we propose: A challenge compilation for the profession, a list of core capacities, and a framework for future education. This shall aid in enabling YAs and educators today to set the foundation for planning sustainable and people-centered settlements tomorrow. ARTICLE HISTORY
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Based on the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is urgent to effectively address the climate change’s urgency linked to all other 16 SDGs. This issue mainly reflects the progress made toward achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 13 binding targets including improving education and public awareness-raising mechanisms for raising capacities of management, participation, mitigation, and adaptation strategies especially focusing on marginalized communities. The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as the COP26 summit (UNFCCC), highlighted this importance by bringing 25,000 delegates from 200 countries together in order to enhance international ambition toward mitigating climate change as outlined in the Paris agreement.
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Community resilience entails the community’s ongoing and developing capacity to account for its vulnerabilities and function amid and recover from disturbance. A holistic and systematic approach of the community on how it uses material and energy resources or how a society educates the members’ over time is required to learn from the past and adapt to the present and future opportunities and threads. Community resilience has a long history in the local communities, which is embedded in their culture and history around shared values and local knowledge based on a dedicated and robust collaboration among diverse groups of the community and the various actors from different backgrounds. The innovative partnership between various actors such as stakeholders, research entities, local communities, and third sector parties is required to overcome the complexities of resiliency building. Using local knowledge to understand the local needs better is crucial in developing local, sustainable solutions and building community resilience over time.