"From Listening to Practice: Traditional Knowledge and Disaster preparedness" examines the intersection of local and traditional knowledge, women in community, and disaster risk reduction (DRR) frameworks with a case study on Fiji. This panel discussion explores how local and traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, plays a critical role in strengthening local preparedness for and recovery from natural disasters. It highlights the importance of integrating this indigenous wisdom with contemporary DRR strategies to create more effective, culturally appropriate responses to climate related challenges particularly in the Pacific region. You will be joined by associate trainers and humanitarian deployees Aca 'Vuli' Gauna, Simione Bula and Georgina Galbraith alongside RedR Australia CEO Dr Helen Durham to facilitate the discussion.

At the core of the discussion is the role of local women in disaster preparedness and response. The presentation discusses how local women frequently hold and disseminate traditional practices when it comes to DRR. The discussion emphasises the need to listen to how their leadership in fostering community resilience, and communication of best practice and Women’s roles in maintaining traditional knowledge systems, which often include deep environmental and meteorological understanding, are explored alongside the barriers they face in securing resources and authority in formal DRR planning processes.

Additionally, the presentation discusses the critical need to build trust and support grassroots organisations and how international humanitarian agencies can work together implementing DRR frameworks- with a case study from Fiji. While these frameworks often emphasise top-down approaches, the study advocates for the integration of local, community-driven practices that respect traditional knowledge. The presentation argues that bridging the gap between local knowledge and formal disaster management frameworks not only enhances the effectiveness of DRR efforts but also promotes social equity by empowering remote and marginalised communities.

By being better listeners, leaving space and time for capacity sharing and planning for locally led action humanitarian, development and disaster responders can expect more sustainable and impactful outcomes. We understand that this approach can be impactful globally, not just in the Pacific. There will be additional reference to learnings from other RedR Australia roster member experiences.

By examining these interconnected themes, we are hoping to unpack the challenges and opportunities in disaster risk reduction in local communities, offering recommendations for more inclusive, culturally grounded approaches to disaster management in traditionally rooted communities and beyond. By listening to what many people are already doing prior to disaster we can work with systems that are already effective and add complimentary practices to improve outcomes.

These themes are interwoven, with each influencing the other to create a more holistic, contextually relevant approach to humanitarian, development and disaster response work.