3.2. Better Building Back

Build back better; so this talks about a sense of urgency to build back. So, this is in the event of a disaster. Imagine, if we on the pretext of build back better, if we do it very slowly after a disaster, then on the pretext of build back better then, it will also compromise the community resilience because the slow process also will compromise the community resilience.

The concept of 'Build Back Better' emphasizes the need for a quick and effective recovery after a disaster. If the recovery process is slow, it negatively impacts the resilience of the community. Resilience refers to the community's ability to recover from adverse situations and bounce back stronger. Therefore, urgency in building back better is crucial; delays can worsen the circumstances for affected individuals.

Think of a community that has just experienced a hurricane. If they take too long to rebuild homes and infrastructure, families without stable housing may struggle to return to their routines and jobs, causing long-term financial and emotional distress. It's similar to having a broken leg; if you don’t get it treated promptly, it can heal incorrectly and cause lifelong issues. Quick and efficient recovery can help the community regain its strength and stability.

The third concept which is talking about the build back better, which is one of the important subject of our whole course. It is not just in the physical sense, you know that we build infrastructure, we build housing, we build the schools, we build hospitals, this is not just only in the physical sense. But in a more complete sense incorporating other social dimensions of recovery, how we can build the capacities, how we can build trust, how we can develop the belief systems, you know, how we can develop cooperation, how we can develop the partnership, how we can enhance the social capital.

'Build Back Better' involves more than just reconstructing physical structures like homes and schools. It includes rebuilding the social fabric of a community by developing trust among residents, fostering cooperation, and enhancing social capital. This holistic approach ensures that communities can recover not just physically, but also socially and economically. Understanding these dimensions is crucial as they contribute to long-term resilience against future disasters.

Consider a town that has just recovered from a flood. They rebuild homes, but if they don’t also create community programs that encourage neighbors to work together on projects or support each other emotionally, the town may not thrive in the long run. Think of it as a garden; if you plant flowers but neglect the soil health, the flowers won't thrive. Just as healthy soil fosters growth, strong community ties lead to resilience in facing future challenges.

So, this is how we call it as BBB build back better and in Sendai Framework of action which we already discussed about this in the earlier classes as well, there have been 16 prerequisites, which has been listed under the 6 themes.

The 'Build Back Better' approach is aligned with guidelines set forth in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which outlines 16 crucial prerequisites across six thematic areas that countries should address to improve their resilience against disasters. These themes guide nations in their efforts to incorporate better disaster management practices and policies into their recovery processes, ultimately leading to improved community safety and preparedness.

Imagine a school preparing for a fire drill. They don’t just teach kids how to exit the building but also develop a plan that includes regular training, clear communication pathways, and checks on fire safety equipment. The Sendai Framework serves a similar purpose for countries—providing a comprehensive plan to follow so that during a disaster recovery, no crucial steps are missed, ensuring better safety and resilience.

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