People-centred early warning systems and disaster risk reduction

This document is a scoping study of public participatory geographical information systems (PPGIS) in India. It explores the possibility of developing a GIS platform that could be integrated with the local knowledge systems of coastal fishing communities in Kerala, India. The aim is to build a geographic database that is in tune with the cultural notions of risk and hazards, while at the same time providing information to diverse stakeholders with early warning.

This paper demonstrates that PPGIS displays the potential of a valuable tool for local communities and scientists to work together to monitor and forecast natural hazards as part of an early warning system. This tool can contribute to reducing disaster risk by providing local communities and authorities with accurate information at the right time. However, it
mandates consistent engagement with local communities, their participation and coordination during the process.

This document is an input paper of the 2015 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction.