Ann-Margaret Esnard

An integrated multi-criteria scenario evaluation web tool for participatory land-use planning in urbanized areas: The Ecosystem Portfolio Model

Land-use land-cover change is one of the most important and direct drivers of changes in ecosystem functions and services. Given the complexity of the decision-making, there is a need for Internet-based decision support systems with scenario evaluation capabilities to help planners, resource managers and communities visualize, compare and consider trade-offs among the many values at stake in land use planning. This article presents details on an Ecosystem Portfolio Model (EPM) prototype that integrates ecological, socio-economic information and associated values of relevance to decision-makers and stakeholders. The EPM uses a multi-criteria scenario evaluation framework, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis and spatially-explicit land-use/land-cover change-sensitive models to characterize changes in important land-cover related ecosystem values related to ecosystem services and functions, land parcel prices, and community quality-of-life (QoL) metrics. Parameters in the underlying models can be modified through the interface, allowing users in a facilitated group setting to explore simultaneously issues of scientific uncertainty and divergence in the preferences of stakeholders. One application of the South Florida EPM prototype reported in this article shows the modeled changes (which are significant) in aggregate ecological value, landscape patterns and fragmentation, biodiversity potential and ecological restoration potential for current land uses compared to the 2050 land-use scenario. Ongoing refinements to EPM, and future work especially in regard to modifiable sea level rise scenarios are also discussed.

Using enhanced dasymetric mapping techniques to improve the spatial accuracy of sea level rise vulnerability assessments

This article reports on the application of dasymetric mapping techniques to interpolate and disaggregate block group population counts to smaller areal units (i.e., tax parcels) and derive surface population models with more realistic representations of population distributions in our residential study area in Miami-Dade, Florida. Three methods of dasymetric interpolation were tested: (i) binary, (ii) three-class, and (iii) limiting variable. Our enhanced limiting variable approach introduced an adjustment factor for parcel vacancy rates in the dasymetric calculations, and applied dasymetric mapping techniques to disaggregate future population projections to the tax lot level of analysis. The limiting variable interpolation generated the lowest coefficient of variation (0.188), followed by the three-class interpolation (0.645). We also found that population densities vary substantially within land use classes of single family, medium density and high density classes, and these variations also highlighted the importance of incorporating vacancy rates when interpolating population counts to categorical land use data. Overall, the enhanced dasymetric mapping technique is particularly useful for examining the impact of sea-level rise as its derivatives are compatible with high resolution LiDAR and orthoimagery data. Coastal counties can also benefit from such high resolution surface population models to enhance the accuracy of hazard-related vulnerability assessments and to guide the development of relevant shore zone conservation and adaptation strategies.

Schools and Disasters: Safety and Mental Health Assessment and Interventions for Children

This article draws on experiences and lessons from global disasters and utilizes the United Nations Comprehensive School Safety Framework to highlight the necessary role of safe schools in protecting children, as well as adult staff, from the immediate threats and long-term implications of disasters. Specifically, we focus on three well-established pillars of school safety: Pillar I: Safe Learning Facilities; Pillar II: Disaster Management; and Pillar III: Risk Reduction and Resilience Education. In addition, we propose a potential fourth pillar, which underscores the function of schools in postdisaster mental health assessment and intervention for children. We argue that schools offer a central location and trusted institutional space for mental health assessment and intervention after disasters. We also examine the important linkages between schools, child mental health, and household and family recovery. We conclude with recommendations for filling gaps in research and practice related to ensuring the safety of schools and the associated health and well-being of children in the face of future disasters.

Incremental evolution and devolution of Florida's Coastal High Hazard Area policy

Demarcation of Coastal High Hazard Areas (CHHAs) in Florida dates back to the passage of the landmark Growth Management Act (GMA) of 1985. There have been two subsequent legislative changes in 1994 and 2006. This paper draws on theories of policy implementation, policy framing and policy learning to shed light on this ‘natural experiment’ and to offer clues about factors that impact how and why policies evolve and devolve even after multiple revisions. Although the case study is focused on Florida, the lessons are transferable to land use and environmental policy makers seeking a balance between economic development, property rights and environmental risk.

Displacement and Disaster Recovery: Transnational Governance and Socio-legal Issues Following the 2010 Haiti Earthquake

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti and its aftermath have highlighted inherent but understudied transnational governance and socio-legal complexities of disaster recovery and displacement. The aftermath of the earthquake and issues related to recovery were experienced not only domestically within in Haiti, but also transnationally, particularly in the South Florida region. This region has been particularly important in the recovery process, as it is home to over 300,000 Haitians, it served as a receiving area for severely injured earthquake survivors and for school-aged displacees, and it is an area that is rich with Haitian-American organizations, including activists who have for decades been fighting causes of immigration equality for people of Haitian descent. The specific objectives of this paper are to examine and analyze the key transnational governance and socio-legal issues that have arisen in the South Florida region for four distinct groups: (i) displacees and their related legal, social, cultural, and economic issues; (ii) host communities and governance, legal, and monetary complexities associated with compensation payments (e.g., to hospitals for their services to earthquake survivors); (iii) immigrants within the United States and related legalization and citizenship issues; and (iv) diaspora communities and socio-legal issues related to dual citizenship and their ongoing struggles to have a louder voice in the future of Haiti. Our methodology and data sources include interviews with key members of the Haitian-American diaspora, school districts, city and county governments, non-profit organizations, relief task forces, and local government agencies. We also looked at relevant plans/ policies modified or adopted by governmental and non-governmental institutions in response to governance and socio-legal issues that have arisen as part of our analysis and when referred to by our interviewees. We find that social constructions of the different groups in our study, along with other social, political and economic factors, were important in understanding policy responses to the issues that emerged.

Holding back the sea: an overview of shore zone planning and management

“Holding back the sea” is a predicament that is complicated by coastal development trends, eroding shore zones, and changing environmental conditions such as sea level rise. Planners are important players in shaping adaptive responses and identifying and prioritizing appropriate land-use planning strategies. This article provides an overview of existing regulatory provisions, studies, and planning efforts, as well as approaches and strategies to managing erosion of “high wave energy” and “low-to-medium wave energy” shorelines. The article also highlights the multiple sectors and stakeholders involved, and the need for continued research geared at evaluating the viability and feasibility of natural approaches such as living shorelines.

Earthquake impact mitigation in poor urban areas

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that the Philippines is often described as the melting pot of natural disasters (typhoons, floods and torrential rains). As part of the Pacific ring of fire, the Philippines is also prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In the current disaster management scheme, the poor are likely to be put last. Conventional risk reduction mitigation methods (such as land use and building codes) are failing. A paradigm shift is needed – one that enables poor communities to maximize their limited resources and contribute to risk reduction.Design/methodology/approach – Interviews and field investigations were conducted between 2001 and 2006 in three case study neighborhoods in Metro Manila to understand the risk components that exist and the resources (or lack of) for dealing with them.Findings – Field surveys highlighted three major risk components: liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), illegal electrical connections, and residential buildings. Mitigation efforts need to be ...

School vulnerability to disaster: examination of school closure, demographic, and exposure factors in Hurricane Ike’s wind swath

Damage and destruction to schools from climate-related disasters can have significant and lasting impacts on curriculum and educational programs, educational attainment, and future income-earning potential of affected students. As such, assessing the potential impact of hazards is crucial to the ability of individuals, households, and communities to respond to natural disasters, extreme events, and economic crises. Yet, few studies have focused on assessing the vulnerability of schools in coastal regions of the USA. Using Hurricane Ike’s tropical storm wind swath in the State of Texas as our study area, we: (1) assessed the spatial distribution patterns of school closures and (2) tested the relationship between school closure and vulnerability factors (namely physical exposure and school demographics) using zero-inflated negative binomial regression models. The regression results show that higher probabilities of hurricane strikes, more urbanized school districts, and school districts located in coastal counties on the right side of Ike’s path have significant positive associations with an increase in the number of school closure days. Socioeconomic characteristics were not significantly associated with the number of days closed, with the exception of proportion of Hispanic youth in schools, a result which is not supported by the social vulnerability literature. At a practical level, understanding how hurricanes may adversely impact schools is important for developing appropriate preparedness, mitigation, recovery, and adaptation strategies. For example, school districts on the right side of the hurricane track can plan in advance for potential damage and destruction. The ability of a community to respond to future natural disasters, extreme events, and economic crises depends in part on mitigating these adverse effects.

Transnationality and diaspora advocacy: lessons from disaster

ABSTRACT A number of catastrophic disasters in the last decade have raised questions about their transnational impacts and about the role of the diaspora. The 2010 Haiti earthquake, the focus of our study, provided a lens to further our understanding of evolving conceptualizations about transnationalism, transmigrants, and social capital. We hypothesize that sustained ‘intensive transnationalism’ by diaspora and linking forms of social capital between diaspora, other civil society organizations and advocacy groups, and government institutions are critical during post-disaster recovery in affected nation states and in countries to which survivors turn for refuge. We conducted 103 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a wide range of civil society actors in South Florida, Boston, New York, Atlanta, and Washington DC between June 2010 and June 2015. We found that linking forms of social capital were more important after the earthquake than in previous disasters. Overall, the longevity and variety of Haitian diaspora advocacy work, particularly in immigration, have resulted in broader social networks and alliances, work groups, task forces, interfaith coalitions, and support groups to address complex social and policy issues.

Resource Accessibility and Walkability Among Older Adults in Extended-Stay Hotels

Older adults represent a large and growing population group in the United States. This population cohort is projected to grow to 72.1 million, or 19% of the total population, by 2030, up from 40 million in 2010 (Administration on Aging, 2011; Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, 2012). Despite reported decreases in the proportion of older adults living in poverty in recent years, inequities prevail. Approximately 40% of older American households reported housing cost burdens1 Cost burdens are expenditures on housing and utilities that exceed 30% of household income. (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, 2012). Many of these low-income older adults live in socially and economically marginalized positions, and housing them remains a major challenge complicated by (a) limited affordable housing options and (b) chronic health conditions that seriously undermine long-term health and mobility. In a study on the impacts of public housing transformation in Atlanta, Oakley, Reid, & Ruel (2011) reported that 26% of seniors entered public housing because of a health condition or disability. According to Smith (2006), seniors in public housing are in worse health than other older Americans, even other poor older Americans suffering from such chronic health conditions as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and asthma. Despite these realities, Ball (2012) has noted that older adults receive little attention in comprehensive development planning beyond specialized age-segregated retirement and care communities. Salkin (2009) echoes similar concerns about the tendency toward housing initiatives and designs for more affluent older adults. She commented that most states have focused attention on programs that are best suited for seniors who do not have the same income limitations as those who are truly on fixed incomes and living close to the poverty level (Salkin, 2009). While public housing remains the predominant affordable housing option for low-income older adults, such housing is out of reach for many low-income older adults who find themselves displaced and homeless. As a result, some of these adults move into extended-stay hotels to remain sheltered.