Emergency Settlement Project

Project | Conference | Proceedings | UW-DMC

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Project Summary

Today, more than 50,000,000 people are displaced by natural and human-made disasters. Many reside in "emergency settlements," making this a major issue affecting an increasing proportion of the world's population. The Emergency Settlement Project consists of a series of activities to

• suggest solutions to the international issues of emergency settlement
• study ways to incorporate proactive crisis mitigation, preparedness and development perspectives into settlement management
• explore cooperative approaches to emergency settlement situations

The increasing impact of human-made, technological and natural disasters/emergencies has led to a growing number of hastily conceived zones of human habitation often called "emergency settlements." Such settlements are often the result of civil or international conflict. They are also typical in the aftermath of industrial accidents, tropical cyclones, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Populations may also become trapped in emergency situations in their home communities.

The uprooting of a community causes social and psychological problems and special development needs. The issues are numerous, urgent and often poorly understood. Even basic human needs for food, water and shelter are not always met. Political factors have uncertain impacts on such settlements and the most appropriate ways to provide protection and security are not always apparent. All this may threaten social stability, while undermining development and progress. But there are possible solutions for many management and technical issues. These same solutions can also contribute to long term development.

From 15-20 April, 1996, The First International Emergency Settlement Conference, provided the first public forum for discussing the problems and examining solutions to this new reality. The next steps in the project will convert the information generated by this and other forums into Learning Resources for use worldwide.

The Emergency Settlement Project is managed by the University of Wisconsin-Disaster Management Center, working with its collaborating partner, InterWorks. Since 1993, a Board of Advisors has provided guidance to this project and its participants. Major external funding is provided by The Ford Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme as principal Project Sponsors.