Developing Effective Disaster Mitigation Strategies in São Paulo: Process and Challenges

• Published in: Canadian journal of Latin American and Caribbean studies Vol. 30; no. 60; pp. 41 - 61
• Main Author: Hewitt, W. E. (Ted)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kingston Routledge 01.01.2005; Canadian Association of Latin American and Caribbean Studies / Association Canadienne des études Latino-Américaines et Caraïbes; Taylor & Francis Group LLC; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Brazil; Cities; City planning; Disaster relief; Disasters; Emergency management; Emergency preparedness; Floods; Foreign aid; Funding; International cooperation; Interpersonal communication; Latin America; Municipal governments; Natural disasters; Negotiation; Prevention; Space; Strategic behaviour; Sustainable development; Technical cooperation; Urban areas; Warnings; Brazil; Toronto Ontario Canada; Sao Paulo Brazil
• ISSN: 0826-3663; 2333-1461
• DOI: 10.1080/08263663.2005.10816878

In Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America, recent attempts have been made to develop effective mitigation strategies to deal with natural and human disasters, especially in urban areas. This article examines the evolution and impact of one such effort undertaken in the Municipality of São Paulo since 1997. With support and technical assistance from the City of Toronto, Canada, and expert advice from several emergency response agencies in Brazil, São Paulo's Centro de Gerênciamento de Emergências was initially envisioned as a "full-service" facility designed both to mitigate the effects of natural and man-made disasters through personnel training and enhanced warning systems and to coordinate effective event response through disaster relief programs and reconstruction/repair activities. Over time, however, CGE's mandate has become increasingly restricted, and currently functions almost exclusively as an early warning system for regional flooding. The study explores the factors underlying this outcome, and assesses the prospects for broader technical cooperation between Canada and Brazil that may help to strengthen mitigation/disaster relief strategies throughout Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America.