Bridging Policy and Practice in Urban DRR: The Role of Spatial Planning
Keywords:
Spatial Planning, Disaster Risk Reduction, Nature-Based Solutions, Urban Resilience, Participatory Governance, GIS And Remote Sensing, Climate AdaptationAbstract
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) in urban environments requires innovative planning strategies that integrate spatial, environmental, and social dimensions. This narrative review investigates how spatial planning frameworks support DRR in developing countries by analyzing recent literature on policy design, nature-based solutions (NbS), geospatial technologies, and community participation. The study follows a thematic synthesis method to examine institutional frameworks, adaptive regulations, and context-specific practices across regions. The findings reveal that disaster-sensitive zoning, inclusive policy structures, and NbS like green infrastructure and riparian buffers significantly reduce urban vulnerability. GIS and remote sensing are shown to enhance spatial risk analysis, while community participation strengthens the legitimacy and effectiveness of mitigation strategies. However, implementation remains constrained by institutional fragmentation, lack of capacity, and limited stakeholder engagement. The discussion highlights that integrated planning, cross-level policy coordination, and participatory governance are essential for sustainable DRR. It also underscores the role of institutional reform and technological innovation in overcoming systemic barriers. The study concludes by recommending that future research assess the effectiveness of NbS and participatory tools through empirical methods and comparative evaluations. This review affirms that spatial planning, when aligned with climate resilience and inclusive practices, can transform urban risk management and foster adaptive development.
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