Social Vulnerability Index Barbados

Background

Social vulnerability is demonstrated in the way that countries or communities experience and suffer from, as well as respond to and recover from a hazard event (Siagan, Purhadi, Suhartono, & Ritonga,2014). Ultimately, societal conditions and exposure to natural hazards influence the vulnerability of communities and places. The most vulnerable people are likely to be those whose needs are not sufficiently considered in the planning of local response and relief organizations(Flanagan, Gregory,Hallisey, Heitgerd, & Lewis, 2011).

Small island developing states (SIDS) share many of the human systems and physical processes which make them vulnerable to natural hazards: a colonial history, reliance on primary exports, extremes of poverty and inequality, limited physical and social infrastructure, inappropriate land use and weaknesses in governance and public administration. SIDS are also characterized by a set of intrinsic vulnerabilities including but limited to; small size ,homogeneous economic activity, large public debts,high concentration of populations in coastal communities, and insularity and remoteness.

Activities

Under The NCRIPP study which assessed hazards, vulnerability and risk for a series of natural and anthropogenic hazards in Barbados. BGI contributed to the final Social Vulnerability Index used for the development of Barbados’ Coastal Risk Atlas.