Speaker
Description
The February 2023 earthquakes devastated southeastern Türkiye, with Adıyaman and Hatay provinces suffering extensive destruction. Beyond the immediate challenges of reconstruction, the disaster underscored the need for resilience-oriented urban and regional governance systems capable of addressing long-term vulnerabilities. This research presents the Resilient Cities and Communities (RCC) Project, initiated by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, as a governance-driven approach to post-disaster recovery. Anchored in the “Build Back Better” principles, the Project integrates digitalisation, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based planning to strengthen local municipalities’ capacity for sustainable reconstruction and long-term resilience.
The purpose of this research is twofold: to demonstrate how governance innovations, grounded in institutional learning and multi-level collaboration, can transform post-disaster recovery into an opportunity for sustainable urban and regional development; and to explore the mechanisms through which cross-boundary governance enables resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability in complex post-disaster contexts. This study will also highlight the importance and the strong relationship between urban planning and urban data governance through experience sharing.
The principal results of the Project’s interventions in both Adıyaman and Hatay highlight the effectiveness of cross-boundary governance in addressing multi-scalar challenges during post-disaster recovery. A key outcome was the enhancement of technical capacity through the deployment of open-source urban information systems (UIS), tailored to the specific needs of the municipalities. These systems significantly improved data-driven decision-making, enabling local authorities to identify priority areas for reconstruction and implement sustainable solutions based on comprehensive data analysis. Additionally, the human capital development component of the project proved crucial, as targeted training initiatives equipped municipal staff and relevant stakeholders with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of post-disaster recovery effectively. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, these programs not only enhanced the municipalities' capacity to manage the immediate recovery efforts but also ensured they were better prepared to adapt to future challenges. The networking and cooperation aspect of the Project further strengthened these outcomes, facilitating active knowledge exchange among various stakeholders, including municipalities, communities, and international partners. This collaborative approach supported the resolution of generative conflicts and encouraged institutional learning, which, in turn, contributed to the development of more responsive governance structures, capable of adapting and evolving in response to ongoing challenges.
The Project underscores the transformative potential of governance innovations in post-disaster contexts, demonstrating how responsive and adaptive approaches can address complex challenges. A critical conclusion drawn from the project is the importance of responsive governance, which fosters institutional learning and cross-sectoral collaboration. By creating "soft spaces" that transcend traditional administrative boundaries, the project enabled flexible solutions tailored to the unique needs of affected regions. Additionally, the integration of digital transformation emerged as a powerful catalyst for resilience, with urban information systems bridging data gaps, optimizing resource allocation, and facilitating evidence-based decision-making in both Adıyaman and Hatay. The project also highlighted the centrality of sustainability as a guiding principle, ensuring that economic, social, and environmental considerations were embedded into all reconstruction efforts. This approach addressed immediate recovery needs while laying a foundation for long-term resilience. Furthermore, the emphasis on community engagement proved essential in aligning reconstruction initiatives with the needs and priorities of affected populations. By fostering inclusive participation, the project reinforced principles of equity and upheld the "right to the city" for all residents. Together, these findings contribute to the broader discourse on governance and planning by offering a replicable model for addressing the multi-dimensional challenges of post-disaster recovery. The Project illustrates the powerful interconnection of institutions, actors, and ideas, demonstrating how innovative governance practices can lead to resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban and regional development.
| Keywords | Resilience; Urban Information Systems; Good Governance; Data Management; Post-Disaster Recovery |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
