3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
[HGG03-08] Integrating Geographic Perspectives in School-based Disaster Risk Reduction: Insights from Japan's Post 2011 Efforts
Keywords:school-based disaster risk reduction, pre-service training, in-service training, geography, GIS, Great East Japan Earthquake
The approach to school disaster risk reduction in Japan underwent a significant transformation following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Specifically, the ruling in the tsunami lawsuit concerning Okawa Elementary School in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, highlighted the critical importance of understanding regional characteristics in disaster preparedness. Given these contextual factors, the 2022 revision of Japan's national plan, Plan for the Promotion of School Safety, emphasized the necessity of strengthening practical disaster management and education that considers local geographic features. Consequently, schools are now required to develop disaster management and education frameworks tailored to their specific geographical conditions. This shift has led to a more concrete application of school safety principles outlined in Articles 29 and 30 of the School Health and Safety Act within the framework of disaster risk reduction policy.
Under these circumstances, the significance of incorporating geographic perspectives into school-based disaster risk reduction has been increasingly recognized. As disasters are shaped by diverse natural and social factors specific to each region, effective risk assessment and evacuation planning necessitate a comprehensive understanding of local topography and historical land use changes. In this context, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) serve as a valuable tool. The expansion of web-based GIS platforms following the 2011 disaster has facilitated the development of disaster prevention plans and the conduct of risk assessments.
This presentation examines the potential and challenges of utilizing GIS in school-based disaster management and education, introducing case studies from Japan's local initiatives. Particular attention is given to in-service teacher training programs which aimed to enhance disaster awareness by improving map reading literacy. Challenges for integrating GIS into school settings will be discussed in relation to the development of disaster education programs and teacher training frameworks. By examining how geographic perspectives can be effectively incorporated into disaster education, this presentation aims to propose practical approaches for enhancing school disaster resilience.
Under these circumstances, the significance of incorporating geographic perspectives into school-based disaster risk reduction has been increasingly recognized. As disasters are shaped by diverse natural and social factors specific to each region, effective risk assessment and evacuation planning necessitate a comprehensive understanding of local topography and historical land use changes. In this context, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) serve as a valuable tool. The expansion of web-based GIS platforms following the 2011 disaster has facilitated the development of disaster prevention plans and the conduct of risk assessments.
This presentation examines the potential and challenges of utilizing GIS in school-based disaster management and education, introducing case studies from Japan's local initiatives. Particular attention is given to in-service teacher training programs which aimed to enhance disaster awareness by improving map reading literacy. Challenges for integrating GIS into school settings will be discussed in relation to the development of disaster education programs and teacher training frameworks. By examining how geographic perspectives can be effectively incorporated into disaster education, this presentation aims to propose practical approaches for enhancing school disaster resilience.