Words into Action guidelines: Using traditional and indigenous knowledges for disaster risk reduction

This Words into Action guide aims to provide a practical overview of how traditional knowledges can be used to complement scientific knowledge in disaster risk reduction (DRR). This guide provides guidance in translating the Sendai Framework into credible and implementable actions for DRR with a focus on the application of traditional knowledge rather than the contents of traditional knowledge itself. It outlines possible ways in which this knowledge can be used to reduce, prepare for and respond to disasters.

The Words into Action guide provides a methodology to include aspects of traditional knowledge in decision-making. It provides practice guidance to build the capacity of various stakeholders in the DRR community. The guide voices some of the concerns and experiences of these stakeholders in identifying, documenting, and adapting traditional knowledge to disaster risk policies, programmes, and projects in line with Target (E) of the Sendai Framework. This Words into Action guide argues that we need the space for traditional and scientific knowledge to co-exist.