The International Development Research Network (IDRN), at the Liu Institute for Global Issues, presents:
Field Debrief: Landslides and societal impact in the Bolivian Andes
Nick Roberts
Centre for Natural Hazard Research, SFU
Thursday, April 14, 2011 — 5:30-6:30pm
AERL Building (2202 Main Mall, UBC) Rm 107/108
Please RSVP if you plan to attend – http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1425526789
Landslides are a ubiquitous problem in the Central Andes, posing an obstacle to development and a threat to lives. An understanding of natural and social conditions contributing to high landslide risk in the region is necessary to reduce losses from landslides. Nick’s research investigates landslide phenomena and risk in two contrasting communities in the Bolivian Andes. La Paz is the largest urban and economic centre in Bolivia and experiences frequent landslides. The most recent event (27 February 2011) killed two people, injured dozens, and affected an estimated 6,000 people. Yocarhuaya is a rural indigenous village underlain by a large slow-moving landslide that gradually destroys the community’s infrastructure. The talk describes landslide issues faced by these communities, the strategies they use for dealing with landslide risk, and some of Nick’s experiences working in the region.
Education is an excellent way to swiftly improve risk reduction. Nick’s group have supported education in Yocarhuaya for the past two years through provision of essential supplies for its 160 students. Donations will be accepted at the talk to purchase new school supplies for 2011.