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Are we planning for sustainable disaster recovery? Evaluating recovery plans after the Wenchuan earthquake

Author

Listed:
  • Yan Song
  • Chaosu Li
  • Robert Olshansky
  • Yang Zhang
  • Yu Xiao

Abstract

This article examines local recovery plans that were created in response to the Wenchuan earthquake and then suggests ways that planners can better apply the concept of sustainability to the recovery process. We utilize a plan evaluation protocol to analyze 16 recovery plans in counties and towns that were severely affected by the earthquake. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with public officials and planners, with the qualitative data gleaned from these interviews being used to supplement the plan quality assessment. The results reveal that local recovery plans do not appear to have incorporated sufficiently the concepts of sustainability. We conclude the paper with the following recommendations: emphasizing sustainability as a policy priority during vision and goal development; developing solid databases and planning techniques; designing a diversified set of regulatory- and incentive-based policy tools suitable for local governments; enhancing social and institutional learning; and further integrating multi-level and interagency governmental units.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan Song & Chaosu Li & Robert Olshansky & Yang Zhang & Yu Xiao, 2017. "Are we planning for sustainable disaster recovery? Evaluating recovery plans after the Wenchuan earthquake," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 60(12), pages 2192-2216, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jenpmg:v:60:y:2017:i:12:p:2192-2216
    DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2017.1282346
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Fangxin Yi & Yong Tu, 2018. "An Evaluation of the Paired Assistance to Disaster-Affected Areas Program in Disaster Recovery: The Case of the Wenchuan Earthquake," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Yu Xiao & Robert Olshansky & Yang Zhang & Laurie A. Johnson & Yan Song, 2020. "Financing rapid community reconstruction after catastrophic disaster: lessons from the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 104(1), pages 5-30, October.
    3. Yiwen Shao & Jiang Xu, 2020. "Implementing post-earthquake reconstruction plans in China: a resilience perspective," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 104(1), pages 55-76, October.
    4. Robert Olshansky & Yu Xiao & Daniel Abramson, 2020. "Guest Editorial to the Special Issue: Lessons Learned from post-2008 Wenchuan Earthquake Community Recovery," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 104(1), pages 1-3, October.
    5. Mingming Xiang & Wei Zhao & Jiao Chen, 2018. "A Comparison of Different Reconstruction Modes and Adaptive Evaluation Systems for Community Recovery Following the Wenchuan Earthquake," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-22, November.
    6. Lei He & Ziang Xie & Yi Peng & Yan Song & Shenzhi Dai, 2019. "How Can Post-Disaster Recovery Plans Be Improved Based on Historical Learning? A Comparison of Wenchuan Earthquake and Lushan Earthquake Recovery Plans," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-21, September.
    7. Emmanuel Tolulope Busayo & Ahmed Mukalazi Kalumba, 2020. "Coastal Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction: A Review of Policy, Programme and Practice for Sustainable Planning Outcomes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-16, August.
    8. Jiang Xu & Yiwen Shao, 2020. "The role of the state in China’s post-disaster reconstruction planning: Implications for resilience," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 57(3), pages 525-545, February.
    9. Wu, Jiayu & Hu, Yingjie & Liu, Tao & He, Qingsong, 2018. "Value capture in protected areas from the perspective of common-pool resource governance: A case study of Jiuzhai Valley National Park, China," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 452-462.
    10. Katja Brundiers & Hallie C. Eakin, 2018. "Leveraging Post-Disaster Windows of Opportunities for Change towards Sustainability: A Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-18, May.

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