Negotiated participatory action research for multi-stakeholder implementation of early warning systems for landslides

The Dynaslope project of the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) operates an early warning system for deep-seated landslides (EWS-L) to increase resilience of communities at risk. To ensure the sustainability of the system and the empowerment of the partner communities, a people-centered EWS-L is optimal. A multi-stakeholder EWS-L (MEWS-L) that includes all relevant stakeholders in the community-based system has a better chance to strengthen risk governance. This paper attempted to establish a MEWS-L using the proposed negotiated participatory action research (NPAR) paradigm. The research is done in one local community catered by PHIVOLCS. The research consisted of problem analysis, action planning, and a preliminary reflection session. Negotiation principles were integrated to this process to ensure that there is a win-win situation among all stakeholders in the research. A concrete action plan was developed which included tasks related to infrastructure, organization, training, and communication needs in establishing the MEWS-L. These needs were connected to societal development and other DRR strategies as outcome indicators. Underlying problems were also uncovered: policy and planning needs, community commitment, project sustainability and political support. Commitments to the action plan determined in the planning stage were secured from the stakeholders to ensure future implementation of their MEWS-L. The study recommended the continuous monitoring, and evaluation of the action plan to ensure success of the system. The study has shown that the NPAR model can be used as a participatory framework in developing EWSL in communities which involves different stakeholders with varying interests.