Abstract

LOPEZ-GARCIA, Juan-David; CARVAJAL-ESCOBAR, Yesid  and  ENCISO-ARANGO, Angélica-María. EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS WITH A PARTICIPATIVE APPROACH: A CHALLENGE FOR RISK MANAGEMENT IN COLOMBIA. Luna Azul [online]. 2017, n.44, pp.231-246. ISSN 1909-2474.  https://doi.org/10.17151/luaz.2017.44.14.

Most of the Colombian population is facing risks due to hydroclimatological factors, strongly influenced by the climate variability (CV) and climate change (CC). Likewise, vulnerability is continuously increasing because of inadequate land planning and occupation, common in developing countries. Therefore, early warning systems (EWS) facilitate the processes of adaptation and mitigation of impacts, which is why they constitute one of the transverse axes in risk management. This study aimed to review approaches to and field experiences with EWS throughout the world, including Colombia. We identified that many EWS are unimplemented; and once in operation, there exists an imbalance among components. On the other hand, some EWS fail to meet the territory needs as a result of poor community participation, both at design and operation stages. Hence, a participative approach in EWS to tackling risks and building up the capacities of the communities should be promoted for obtaining effective results.

Keywords : Climate variability; climate change; vulnerability; early warning systems; risk management.

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