This thesis explores factors that have endowed Cuba with an outstanding approach to
natural hazards and disaster risk reduction (DRR). In addition, the research analyses the
connection of these factors with the practice of environmental governance within the Cuban
development model. Cuba’s development model is embedded in its socialist project, which
has been historically contested by hegemonic paradigms. Therefore, Cuba’s socialist model
is examined in relation to the concept of legitimacy. For this purpose, the concept of
participatory or direct democracy is also analysed. This alternative democracy model
emphasises representativeness and people’s participation in decision-making (popular
power). Legitimacy is here considered essential by a perspective that goes beyond strictly
political. Its importance is rather based on a general goal of this research: to discuss factors
that can be applied worldwide to improve disaster risk reduction strategies.
Natural hazards represent a worldwide threat and their effects are particularly devastating in
poor countries (C. Field, 2012; Gencer, 2013; Mas Bermejo, 2006). These effects are not
only evidenced in the short term by fatalities and material losses; they can also affect
countries in the long term by hindering businesses and enterprises that may contribute to
economic development (UNISDR, 2013). Finding solutions to cope with this problem is a
matter of concern for countries in general, and particularly important to countries that show
the worst results in these aspects. Cuba’s example of Community-Based Disaster
Management (CBDM, see Thompson & Gaviria, 2004) is noteworthy not only for
providing solutions that can be worldly applied. Cuba’s example demonstrates that
successful approaches to natural hazards are not necessarily based on the income level of
countries, nor to the degree of investment in disaster risk management. Cuba’s remarkable
results in disaster management could be better explained by the socio-political context in
which its disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategy is immersed.
The research carried out for this thesis used a mixed-method approach (qualitative and
quantitative) and was carried out in areas in Cuba that have been affected by natural
hazards, according to available historical data of human and economic losses. The findings obtained in the selected areas were analysed within the socio-political context of the country. The consistency of these findings with national policies and popular practices
provides the basis of a discussion of particular aspects of environmental governance and
legitimacy of alternative models of democracy.M-IE
