Post Disaster Infrastructures for long-term social wellbeing: Dialogue with Ecuador

The Post-Disaster Infrastructure for Long-Term Social Wellbeing Symposium took place at the University of Leeds as part of the ongoing activities of the NOVA VIDA research project, funded by the British Academy and led by the University of Leeds. This initiative explores novel approaches to the development of post-disaster infrastructure, with a particular focus on enhancing long-term social wellbeing and resilience in affected communities.

The symposium drew upon the experiences of Ecuador in the aftermath of the 2016 earthquake, highlighting the critical role of housing, schools, and community centres in recovery processes. Presentations and discussions underscored the need for infrastructure that not only responds to immediate needs but also supports the sustained social, educational, and cultural life of communities over time.

The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including academic researchers from the fields of engineering, architecture, planning, urban geography, and environmental science, as well as practitioners, industry experts, and governmental stakeholders from both the UK and Ecuador.

Through a series of talks, panels, and open discussions, the symposium fostered dialogue on strategies for designing and implementing post-disaster infrastructure that is inclusive, participatory, and community-centred. Emphasis was placed on increasing social ownership of infrastructure projects and ensuring that rebuilding efforts actively contribute to the long-term wellbeing and empowerment of affected populations, particularly in the context of Latin America.

The event marked an important step in building international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of post-disaster recovery and resilience.