Continuing this line of thought and combining it with the information found in the literature
study, it is now possible to create a list of demands, concerning both plan contents and the
planning process, that defines high quality natural hazard mitigation planning.
Demands regarding the planning process:
• Start thinking about natural hazard mitigation early in the planning process since
mitigation tends to become more complicated and more expensive if it has to be
moulded around a decision made earlier.
• Include natural hazard mitigation in a comprehensive plan to ensure embedding in other
disciplines, for example land use planning, that are strongly connected with mitigation.
• Create a planning process that allows for ample public participation.
• Establish full partnerships among all levels and departments of government and other
institutions involved.
• Monitor, evaluate and update the plans regularly so that the plan is always adapted to
the latest knowledge and developments.
Demands regarding plan contents:
• Provide a strong factual basis by means of a thorough risk assessment and by providing
clear hazard maps. Educate both government officials and the public about the
outcomes of the risk assessment so that all actors are aware of the actual risks.
• Define the goals of the plan as clearly as possible and describe how different interests
were balanced in defining the goals and policies.
• Develop strong natural hazard mitigation policies. It is important to realize that even
though awareness projects, hazard disclosure, and financial incentives are important,
they can by no means be a substitute for structural or non-structural mitigation
measures. If possible, non-structural mitigation is preferred.
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