Dealing with risks associated with tsunamis using indigenous knowledge approaches
This study aims to identify, describe and analyze the indigenous knowledge that indigenous peoples use to reduce the risks resulting from the possible effects of tsunamis and earthquakes and reduce their negative impacts. In areas often decimated by natural disasters, indigenous peoples have developed specific knowledge through generations of stories based on their past experiences. This indigenous knowledge has enabled them to reduce the risk associated with natural phenomena, including tsunamis, disasters with highly destructive potential that occurrence is complicated to predict.
The findings of this study indicate that traditional knowledge seems to be a resource with the potential to improve understanding of the tsunami, a dangerous and unpredictable natural phenomenon of which modern society still knows very little. Therefore, preventive preparedness of the population and regular raising of awareness of this phenomenon is proving to be crucial in the approach to natural disasters, such as tsunamis. It is, therefore, necessary to strive to preserve traditional knowledge in indigenous communities, as its loss significantly increases the vulnerability of indigenous peoples.
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