Chapter 15 – Planning for Recovery: Ideas and Problematics

This chapter reflects critically on the theories and case studies advanced by the book's contributors, in parallel with existing theory and accepted wisdom. The chapter poses a series of questions and arguments regarding the next steps that need to be taken. In doing so, it pays heed to the spatially particular economic, social, and environmental qualities of different places. Drawing together selected elements of the extensive and now rapidly expanding literature covering practical cases, examples, and theory, we start with a discussion of recovery in the context of dynamically changing settlements. We set out a number of principles for the integration of urban planning and disaster risk reduction. Furthermore, we argue that there are six key challenges for success relating to particularly problematic aspects of the recovery processes. We argue that planning has appropriate tools and means to address these, even while paradoxical challenges will continue. While not fully resolving these ongoing problems, the conclusions raise some key ideas and provide suggestions for moving forward in the recovery processes.