Unpacking spatial complexity: Case studies of planned relocation with multiple origin and destination sites

This narrative and visual compilation of nine case studies derived from a global mapping by the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD) sheds light on the spatial complexity of planned relocation. It offers preliminary insights for policy and practice on characteristics, approaches to implementation and associated challenges. Planned relocation is used as an adaptation and risk reduction strategy for communities or groups of households exposed to hazards, disasters and climate change. Yet little is known about the diversity in spatial patterns of planned relocation cases. Planned relocation cases tend to be presented as homogeneous phenomena without sufficient attention to the particularities of different spatial patterns and their implications for policy and practice.

This report finds important insights into planned relocations. In particular, multiple motivations – environmental, economic and socio-political – have underpinned decisions to initiate spatially complex relocation processes. Overarching or project-specific frameworks have been adopted to underpin spatially complex cases. Participation processes take on different forms in spatially complex cases as well. Spatially complex planned relocation cases have varying distances between origin and destination sites, ranging from 2 to hundreds of kilometers. However, planned relocation cases with complex spatial patterns may face land availability challenges related to destination sites, including in urban areas.