Preparing Resilient Communities to Mitigate Risk–Bairro Encosta Luz Case Study (Odivelas, Portugal) †
1
Instituto Superior de Educação e Ciências de Lisboa (ISEC Lisboa), Alameda das Linhas de Torres, 179, 1750-142 Lisboa, Portugal
2
Centro de Investigação, Desenvolvimento e Inovação em Turismo (CiTUR)–Polo Estoril, Avenida Condes de Barcelona, n.° 808, 2769-510 Estoril, Portugal
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
Presented at the XVIII International Seminars on Overarching Issues of the European Area, Porto, Portugal, 23–26 May 2024.
Proceedings 2025, 113(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025113009
Published: 20 January 2025
Abstract
:Creating resilient communities globally is critical amid increasing disaster risks. The “Resilient Cities” program (RCP) is pivotal in mitigating these risks. Bairro Encosta Luz was surveyed to assess risk awareness among RCP communities, revealing significant gaps in respondent knowledge. Nearly half lacked preparedness training, compounded by vulnerabilities, such as advanced age and limited educational levels. Addressing these gaps is vital, necessitating policies and tools for risk management and social and structural adaptation within Bairro Encosta Luz.
1. Introduction
Constantly changing global dynamics, marked by social and economic transfor-mations and the increase in disasters, fueled by climate change [1], present challenges to communities worldwide. As a result, building resilient communities in the face of disaster risks becomes imperative on a global scale. Among the strategies devised to mitigate these risks is the establishment of the “Resilient Cities” program (RCP) [2,3]. By 2023, Portugal boasted 54 cities enrolled in the RCP. However, does mere participation in the RCP prepare the city’s community to face these risks? Therefore, the objective of this work was to assess the level of awareness of RCP communities regarding the risks they face. A community (Bairro Encosta Luz) from an RCP city—Odivelas—was selected as a case study.
2. Methodology
2.1. Study Area
The study area, Bairro Encosta da Luz (BEL), is located within the municipality of Odivelas (Figure 1). Odivelas, one of the 18 municipalities comprising Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a participant in the United Nations’ “Resilient Cities” program [3]. Covering an area of 26.4 km2, the predominantly urban municipality of Odivelas comprises seven parishes (Figure 1). Odivelas ranks as the 15th most populous municipality on mainland Portugal, with 148,034 inhabitants, 47.1% of whom are male and 52.9% female [4].
According to the Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Plan of Odivelas [5], the region is vulnerable to various natural hazards, including floods, wildfires, droughts, intense rainfall, heatwaves, earthquakes, geomorphological incidents, cold snaps, and cyclones/hurricanes. Additionally, anthropogenic risks such as industrial accidents, the transportation of hazardous materials, and nuclear, radiological, biological, or chemical threats, along with domestic accidents like gas leaks, are considered significant. These risks are detailed on the Odivelas Municipal Council website [6], serving as a crucial information resource for the population.
2.2. Data Collection
To evaluate the strategies and measures implemented by the community of BEL in preparing for and responding to disaster risks, a population survey was conducted. The survey, designed using Google Forms®, comprised 32 questions: 25 closed-ended and 7 open-ended, divided into two primary areas: Vulnerabilities and Risk perception.
The survey was carried out in person, utilizing a door-to-door approach, from 19 to 22 September, 2022. A total of 93 responses were collected, representing 1 response per residence and accounting for 60.78% of all residences. The collected data underwent statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel® and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences® (SPSS) version 28 for Windows. Descriptive statistics, including absolute and relative frequencies, were employed to analyze the survey responses.
3. Results and Discussion
The survey results are summarized in Table 1, with the percentages reflecting the most frequently selected responses. Analysis of these responses allows for several considerations that can be inferred about the demographic profile, residents’ perceptions of their geographic environment, the community’s assessment of political interventions, and necessary improvements to enhance resilience in their community.
Analyzing the results presented in Table 1 regarding sociodemographic variables reveals the following trends:
- The population is predominantly male (55.91%) and aged over 61 years (46.27%);
- The majority of the community has completed Basic Education—first cycle (first to fourth year—40.85%), likely attributed to the aging demographic, as many individuals left school early to enter the workforce and support their families, prioritizing livelihood over education;
- A segment of the population remains active and employed (36.56%);
- Villa ownership is prevalent in BEL, with T3 housing being the most common type (43.01%);
- The nuclear family structure, consisting of a couple and their children, is predominant (32.26%);
- BEL has an established community, with residents living in the area for 27 to 37 years.
- Regarding the analysis of the perceptions of the studied population, the following results were obtained (Table 1):
- The BEL population reports positive neighborhood relations, which are crucial for forming resilient communities;
- There is a notable lack of preparation and participation in actions or courses related to risk and safety situations;
- In an emergency, residents would contact 112 and/or the fire department;
- The main risks identified were fire, landslides, and earthquakes; despite these risks, residents perceive their community as safe from extreme events;
- The population views the municipality’s performance as weak, contributing to a persistent disconnect between residents and local political authorities;
- To enhance community resilience and preparedness, residents emphasize the importance of cleaning streets and land.
The characterization of BEL as an area of illegal origin adds a critical dimension to the study’s context. Beyond the natural risks inherent to its location, the community faces legal and administrative challenges that impact its resilience. The process of legalization could be a key factor in enhancing the community’s long-term security and resilience.
4. Conclusions
It is evident that while progress has been made in implementing local risk reduction policies and strategies by “Resilient Cities”, there remains significant scope for improvement, particularly in strengthening collaboration between residents and the responsible entities within the territory.
Overall, the BEL community in Odivelas municipality, Lisbon district, demonstrates a limited perception of disaster risks. This is evidenced by inadequate identification of primary risks in the region and a notable gap in preparedness for risk and emergency situations. And, also, in identifying the improvement measures necessary to enhance a more resilient and risk-prepared community: they pinpointed the necessity of street and land maintenance.
Furthermore, there is a prevalent perception of ineffective political performance contributing to a disconnect between local authorities and residents. It is crucial for decision-makers to maintain a continuous commitment to their communities. Likewise, entities responsible for community participation and intervention must refine operational protocols through drills and exercises to bolster response effectiveness during crises. These findings underscore the need for tailored approaches to fortify community resilience and readiness for risk situations, recognizing the unique characteristics and requirements of each community.
It is concluded, therefore, that the studied community faces elevated risk exposure due to factors such as an aging population, population density, outdated urban planning, and an underdeveloped safety culture. Although adherence to the “Resilient Cities” program (MRC2030 program) was seen as beneficial for preparing the municipality and community to cope with risks and extreme events, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of specific and adapted approaches to strengthen community resilience and improve preparation for risk and emergency situations. Enhancing conditions in this community is paramount not only for authorities but also for residents themselves, who bear responsibility for their own safety and that of their neighbors.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, R.O. and A.P.O.; methodology, R.O. and A.P.O.; validation, R.O. and A.P.O.; formal analysis, R.O.; investigation, R.O. and A.P.O.; resources, R.O.; writing—original draft preparation, R.O. and A.P.O.; writing—review and editing, R.O. and A.P.O.; visualization, R.O. and A.P.O.; supervision, R.O. and A.P.O. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of Instituto Superior de Educação e Ciências de Lisboa (ISEC Lisboa), Portugal, under code CE/2022/09/01.
Informed Consent Statement
Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Data Availability Statement
The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author due to the interviewee’s privacy.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the Municipal Council of Odivelas and the Municipal Civil Protection Service of Odivelas. Thanks are also due to Manuel João Ribeiro. The Bairro Encosta da Luz is part of the international research project “Population Involvement on Risk Management and Mitigation—Testing in Small Communities” (POPIRIM Project).
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
- IPCC. Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report; Core Writing Team, Pachauri, R.K., Meyer, L.A., Eds.; Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; IPCC: Geneva, Switzerland, 2014; 151p. [Google Scholar]
- UN. How To Make Cities More Resilient—A Handbook for Local Government Leaders; United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR); United Nations: Geneva, Switzerland, 2012; Available online: https://www.unisdr.org/files/26462_handbookfinalonlineversion.pdf (accessed on 15 December 2023).
- UNDRR. History of Making Cities Resilient; United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR): Geneva, Switzerland, 2024; Available online: https://mcr2030.undrr.org/who-we-are/history (accessed on 9 December 2023).
- INE. Censos 2021. XVI Recenseamento Geral da População. VI Recenseamento Geral da Habitação: Resultados Definitivos; INE: Lisboa, Portugal, 2022; Available online: https://www.ine.pt/xurl/pub/65586079 (accessed on 30 November 2023).
- Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 39/2015, of August 18. Available online: https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/resolucao/39-2015-70041196 (accessed on 11 December 2023).
- CMO. Documentação e Legislação de Odivelas; Câmara Municipal de Odivelas: Odivelas, Portugal, 2023; Available online: https://www.cm-odivelas.pt/areas-de-intervencao/protecao-civil/documentacao-e-legislacao (accessed on 9 December 2023).
Figure 1.
Map of Portugal highlighting the municipalities of Lisbon (A) and a detailed view of the municipality of Odivelas with its respective parishes (B). Source: adapted from dreamstime.com.
Figure 1.
Map of Portugal highlighting the municipalities of Lisbon (A) and a detailed view of the municipality of Odivelas with its respective parishes (B). Source: adapted from dreamstime.com.
Table 1.
Summary of key responses from the survey carried out in the Bairro Encosta da Luz.
| Variable | Bairro Encosta Da luz Responses | |
|---|---|---|
| Sociodemographic | Sex | Male (55.91%) |
| Age | >61 years old (46.27%) | |
| Education | Basic Education 1st cycle (40.85%) | |
| Professional situation | Employee (36.56%) | |
| Type of habitual residence | Villa (72.04%) | |
| Housing typology | T3 (43.01%) | |
| Accommodation type | Owner (55.91%) | |
| Family type | Nuclear-couple and children (32.26%) | |
| Average number of household residents | 2.97 | |
| Residence time | 27 to 37 years (29.03%) | |
| Perceptions | Opinion on neighborly relations | Good (54.84%) |
| Security actions/courses | No (55.91%) | |
| Participation in local initiatives | No (90.32%) | |
| Who to contact in case of emergency | 112 (73 responses), Firefighters (22 answers) | |
| Main risks in the area | Fires, Landslides, Earthquakes | |
| How do you consider the area in relation to the risks of extreme events | Safe (62.37%) | |
| Opinion on the municipality’s performance | Weak (33.33%) | |
| Improvement measures | Urban/land cleaning, Legalization of the neighborhood | |
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MDPI and ACS Style
Oliva, R.; Oliveira, A.P. Preparing Resilient Communities to Mitigate Risk–Bairro Encosta Luz Case Study (Odivelas, Portugal). Proceedings 2025, 113, 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025113009
AMA Style
Oliva R, Oliveira AP. Preparing Resilient Communities to Mitigate Risk–Bairro Encosta Luz Case Study (Odivelas, Portugal). Proceedings. 2025; 113(1):9. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025113009
Chicago/Turabian StyleOliva, Raul, and Ana Paula Oliveira. 2025. "Preparing Resilient Communities to Mitigate Risk–Bairro Encosta Luz Case Study (Odivelas, Portugal)" Proceedings 113, no. 1: 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025113009
APA StyleOliva, R., & Oliveira, A. P. (2025). Preparing Resilient Communities to Mitigate Risk–Bairro Encosta Luz Case Study (Odivelas, Portugal). Proceedings, 113(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025113009
