Adaptive governance for disaster risk reduction

The objectives of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and adaptive governance (AG) are similar in many ways, yet the application of adaptive governance to natural hazards mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and transformation is somewhat limited. Traditional governance arrangements are too rigid, fragmented, siloed, and mono-scalar to effectively manage for resilience and sustainability in coupled social-ecological-technical systems. Adaptive governance that can effectively respond to the complexities and uncertainties associated with reducing risk from climate-related socio-natural disasters is necessary. We refer to this as adaptive hazard governance. We elaborate on four characteristics of adaptive governance - polycentricity, collaboration, self-organisation, and learning - and discuss the relevance for disaster risk reduction. We then explore the examples from the literature and present a case study of Houston, Texas post-Hurricane Harvey. We conclude with the challenges, opportunities, and a toolkit for advancing adaptive natural hazard governance.