Transmission of lavkenche ancestral knowledge on earthquakes and tsunamis and its implication for disaster risk reduction

Abstract

The transmission of ancestral knowledge inside the mapuche-lavkenche indigenous community is a cultural practice that is relevant for its implications in tsunami risk reduction. Through the realization of semi-structured interviews and the subsequent use of the Grounded Theory with the help of Atlas.ti tool, it has been possible to confirm that the transmission of that knowledge through stories and direct experiences happens inside the families, communities and schools, which represents an effective way of risk communication and the most relevant source of risk education. Added to the knowledge transversity, the risk perception and the strong social bonds, they are some typical characteristics of a resilient society with fast emergency responses and a constant learning.

Keywords

• comunicación del riesgo, reducción del riesgo, conocimiento tradicional, resiliencia