Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction: Overcoming Barriers to Build Stronger Communities

Authors

  • Vladimir M. Cvetković The University of Belgrade, Faculty of Security Studies, Gospodara Vučića 50, Belgrade, Serbia. Technical University of Leoben, Austria. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3450-0658
  • Bojana Aleksova Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
  • Renate Renner Safety and Disaster Studies, Chair of Thermal Processing Technology, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Technical University of Leoben, Austria
  • Jasmina Gačić Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Security, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Gospodara Vucica 50, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Aleksandar Ivanov University of St. „Kliment Ohridski“ ‒ Faculty of Security Studies – Skopje
  • Srđan Milašinović University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Cara Dušana 196, Belgrade

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.7

Keywords:

disaster, CBDRR, community resilience, preparedness, capacity building, institutional support, participatory approach

Abstract

Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) plays a vital role in strengthening local communities' resilience against natural hazards and man-made disasters. This paper aims to examine the role of CBDRR in enhancing the resilience of local communities to both natural hazards and man-made disasters. It emphasises the crucial importance of active community involvement throughout all stages of disaster management, from preparedness and mitigation to response and recovery. Furthermore, the paper also looks into the key factors that contribute to the successful implementation of CBDRR, including institutional support, capacity development, inclusive strategies, and modern technologies. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and opportunities in building strong partnerships between local communities and external stakeholders, which are essential for ensuring the sustainability of these efforts. Finally, the paper offers recommendations to improve the effectiveness of CBDRR initiatives, drawing on insights gained from past disaster experiences. The findings highlight the necessity of continuous monitoring and evaluation of CBDRR programmes to maintain their relevance and effectiveness as risks evolve. Incorporating lessons learned from past disasters into future planning also plays a crucial role in helping communities strengthen their resilience over time. Ultimately, by fostering collaboration between communities, governments, and various organisations, CBDRR lays the foundation for a comprehensive disaster management framework capable of meeting future challenges and supporting long-term sustainable development.

Author Biography

Vladimir M. Cvetković, The University of Belgrade, Faculty of Security Studies, Gospodara Vučića 50, Belgrade, Serbia. Technical University of Leoben, Austria.

Assoc. Prof. (Disaster Risk Management) at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Security, and has been engaged in research in the field of disaster studies for 15 years. He has published over 250 research papers and 20 scientific monographs. He is the founder of the Scientific Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management in Serbia, the International Institute for Disaster Research, and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Disaster Risk Management.

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2025-12-24

How to Cite

Cvetković, V. M., Aleksova, B., Renner, R., Gačić, J., Ivanov, A., & Milašinović, S. (2025). Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction: Overcoming Barriers to Build Stronger Communities. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(2), 113–130. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.7

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Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025): International Journal of Disaster Risk Management

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Copyright (c) 2025 Vladimir M. Cvetković; Bojana Aleksova, Renate Renner, Jasmina Gačić, Aleksandar Ivanov, Srđan Milašinović

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