Using Spatial Literacy for Disaster Management in Coastal Communities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS): A Case Study from Lavongai, Papua New Guinea

Anang Widhi Nirwansyah (), Abdel Mandili, Bianca Inez-Pedro, John Aini, Sriyanto Sriyanto and Elly Hasan Sadeli
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Anang Widhi Nirwansyah: Department of Geography Education, Faculty of Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Banyumas 53182, Indonesia
Abdel Mandili: People’s Planet Project (PPP), Keizersgracht 391, Amsterdam Centrum, 1016 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Bianca Inez-Pedro: People’s Planet Project (PPP), Keizersgracht 391, Amsterdam Centrum, 1016 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
John Aini: Ailan Awareness, Kaselok Village, Kavieng 631, Papua New Guinea
Sriyanto Sriyanto: Social Science Department, Graduates School of Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Banyumas 53182, Indonesia
Elly Hasan Sadeli: Department of Civic Education, Faculty of Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Banyumas 53182, Indonesia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-19

Abstract: This study investigates the use of participatory geographic information systems (PGIS) for hazard assessment in small island developing states (SIDS), with a focus on spatial literacy and community-based disaster management. By partnering with the Lavongai community on Papua New Guinea, this research aimed to empower community members through skill development in geodata processing. The program leveraged local knowledge and the global positioning system to create participatory maps, enhancing both community capacity and researcher data quality. Workshops and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to assess the community’s understanding of spatial concepts related to disaster risks. The core objective was a preliminary assessment of the community’s social and economic vulnerability to coastal disasters, using household data and GIS analysis. The results showed varied vulnerability levels within the community, highlighting the need for targeted disaster mitigation training and nature-based solutions. High-resolution satellite imagery and a simple bathtub model simulated sea level rise, identifying land-uses at risk. The program concluded with a community presentation of thematic maps, fostering collaboration and transparency. Future projects will address environmental challenges identified by local leaders and prioritize skill development, social data collection, and water resource mapping.

Keywords: participatory GIS; spatial literacy improvement; coastal disaster management; small island developing states (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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