In the fictitious area of Pacha-Pacha the natural environment consists of a long coastline, open plains and high mountain cliffs. Natural hazards include seasonal storms and flooding, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

The built environment in coastal towns consists of relatively strong buildings, paved roads, and a number of boat docks of varying grade.  Further inland, roads are mostly unpaved and buildings are mostly weak.

In society, gender norms are relatively traditional, favouring men, and collectivist approaches are preferred.  People are not outwardly religious but believe God protects the good.

The governance system is democratic, but increasingly heavy-handed with opponents. Risk governance is relatively strong, but rural areas are neglected. 

Public sector organisations (schools, hospitals, etc.) The Met Office monitors and communicates about climate and weather information with impact-based forecasting, but it’s jargon heavy and hard to find online. When hazardous conditions are expected, the National Disaster Management Agency communicates warnings, especially on storms, heavy rainfall, severe winds and high temperatures.

Media organisations include a state broadcaster, but most are commercially driven.  Practitioners across these sectors are moderately skilled. Many are motivated to serve the public although business demands limit their ability to do so.  Most stations relay weather forecasts to their audiences word-for-word at least once a day, but they don’t always understand the content.  Some stations don’t include forecasts because they’re not seen as useful enough for audiences. During severe conditions, media practitioners may comment informally about the announcements and run hazard-related stories that also appear online.  When they’re ill-informed, their comments can generate misinformation.

Community networks among fisherfolk are particularly strong.  They enjoy a bond as a trade, look out for each other’s safety, especially as storms near, are highly cautious to not pass on false or misleading information, and are generous sharing profits with the community. 

On issues of disaster risk, fisherfolk are trusted and influential among their interpersonal networks (such as close friends and family) because they are seen to have a strong understanding of weather systems and good judgement on risk-taking.

Individuals in the fisherfolk community are cautious about threats from natural hazards that could jeopardise their lives or livelihoods and are moderate in risk taking.

Many (but not all) invest in radios that will give them access to early warnings out at sea, but boats that go far off shore struggle to get good reception.

Divers will note changes among the sea creatures that indicate approaching storms.

Young fisherfolk lack knowledge (technical and indigenous) that impact their risk perception and decisions.