17 Adapting to Climate Change by Building Back Better in Disaster Recovery …
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17.8 Disaster Risk Reduction in Rarotonga
The businesses from this study had all experienced some form of impacts from
cyclones and coastal hazards, whether major or minor. Being situated along the
coast and familiar with annual tropical cyclone seasons, the businesses had a cultural
attitude of expecting coastal hazards and often relied on knowledge passed down
generationally on ways of adaptation. These businesses preferred to adapt to risks
over relocation despite the susceptibility to climate change challenges due to the
economic advantages offered by their beach-side locations in terms of attracting
tourists. Furthermore, the Cook Islands practices customary land-ownership traditions where land is transferred through family and cannot be sold. This factor is also
a large contributor to the reason coastal businesses have had to remain where they are
and learn to adapt. Therefore, in terms of the BBB Framework and risk reduction,
the primary ways of adaptation and resilience possible in Rarotonga are through
structural resilience and early warning and DRR education.
The accommodation businesses which were major operators in Rarotonga’s
tourism industry had adopted sturdy concrete and steel structures that could withstand
higher category cyclones. The hotels in particular had a very good understanding of
the importance of building to higher standards to ensure the safety of their guests.
Restaurants with less capital to invest in structural upgrades had opted for openplan simple structures with portable designs allowing fast evacuation of assets in
the event of cyclone warnings. Smaller businesses had innovatively adopted a flexible approach to risk reduction, where their priority was to safeguard key assets so
that the businesses could operate despite building damages. Most businesses were
in touch with the meteorological department and relied heavily on early warnings
for cyclone events. They adopted traditional preparatory exercises such as placing
shutters on windows and doors, tying roofs down and putting in place evacuation
plans in the event of cyclones. Having comprehensive and well-practiced evacuation
plans was a consistent feature among businesses, and there was very good awareness
of evacuation routes and sites.
Many businesses had also made changes such as switching to lighter roofs and
changing to stainless steel screws to counteract rusting. Some businesses added
seawalls and groins to manage sea impacts. It was evident that these businesses had
a very good understanding and awareness of the risks they are facing, and made an
effort to adapt in different ways. The main focus of their adaptation activities seemed
to be to minimise impacts from cyclone events, but the adaptive capacity displayed
by the businesses will no doubt assist with slower climate change impacts such as
sea-level rise.
There was consistent feedback from the businesses that they would prefer more
information and guidance from government authorities around the most effective
measures to combat the risks they are facing, and the enforcement of building codes
to assist. Most businesses are adapting based on experience, and the larger businesses
have chosen to adopt New Zealand building code standards. The EMCI commented
that local building code revision is underway and that they are attempting to distribute
321
17.8 Disaster Risk Reduction in Rarotonga
The businesses from this study had all experienced some form of impacts from
cyclones and coastal hazards, whether major or minor. Being situated along the
coast and familiar with annual tropical cyclone seasons, the businesses had a cultural
attitude of expecting coastal hazards and often relied on knowledge passed down
generationally on ways of adaptation. These businesses preferred to adapt to risks
over relocation despite the susceptibility to climate change challenges due to the
economic advantages offered by their beach-side locations in terms of attracting
tourists. Furthermore, the Cook Islands practices customary land-ownership traditions where land is transferred through family and cannot be sold. This factor is also
a large contributor to the reason coastal businesses have had to remain where they are
and learn to adapt. Therefore, in terms of the BBB Framework and risk reduction,
the primary ways of adaptation and resilience possible in Rarotonga are through
structural resilience and early warning and DRR education.
The accommodation businesses which were major operators in Rarotonga’s
tourism industry had adopted sturdy concrete and steel structures that could withstand
higher category cyclones. The hotels in particular had a very good understanding of
the importance of building to higher standards to ensure the safety of their guests.
Restaurants with less capital to invest in structural upgrades had opted for openplan simple structures with portable designs allowing fast evacuation of assets in
the event of cyclone warnings. Smaller businesses had innovatively adopted a flexible approach to risk reduction, where their priority was to safeguard key assets so
that the businesses could operate despite building damages. Most businesses were
in touch with the meteorological department and relied heavily on early warnings
for cyclone events. They adopted traditional preparatory exercises such as placing
shutters on windows and doors, tying roofs down and putting in place evacuation
plans in the event of cyclones. Having comprehensive and well-practiced evacuation
plans was a consistent feature among businesses, and there was very good awareness
of evacuation routes and sites.
Many businesses had also made changes such as switching to lighter roofs and
changing to stainless steel screws to counteract rusting. Some businesses added
seawalls and groins to manage sea impacts. It was evident that these businesses had
a very good understanding and awareness of the risks they are facing, and made an
effort to adapt in different ways. The main focus of their adaptation activities seemed
to be to minimise impacts from cyclone events, but the adaptive capacity displayed
by the businesses will no doubt assist with slower climate change impacts such as
sea-level rise.
There was consistent feedback from the businesses that they would prefer more
information and guidance from government authorities around the most effective
measures to combat the risks they are facing, and the enforcement of building codes
to assist. Most businesses are adapting based on experience, and the larger businesses
have chosen to adopt New Zealand building code standards. The EMCI commented
that local building code revision is underway and that they are attempting to distribute