Towards a Resilient Riverine Community: A Case Study in Sadong Jaya, Sarawak, Malaysia

Wong, Swee Kiong and Regina Garai, Abdullah (2022) Towards a Resilient Riverine Community: A Case Study in Sadong Jaya, Sarawak, Malaysia. In: Creating Resilient Futures Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Change Adaptation Agendas. Palgrave Macmillan, Switzerland, pp. 205-224. ISBN 978-3-030-80790-0

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Abstract

This study highlights the vulnerabilities faced by a resource-deprived riverine community in Borneo (the Sadong Jaya community), particularly in dealing with different types of socio-ecological risks enhanced by the impacts of climate change. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) promote resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) as cornerstones of sustainable development. It is in this light that this chapter studies how a local community can sustain their livelihoods while coping with environmental and economic stresses and shocks. Comparisons and reflections are then made by referring to the findings of past studies carried out among other riverine communities to highlight the similarities and, more importantly, the uniqueness of adaptation mechanisms. Findings presented in the chapter are derived from content analysis based on the data collected from four Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews with the key informants. Despite the fact that Borneo is a resource-rich region where most areas are blessed with an abundance of resources, there are also regions that have limited natural and economic or capital assets, or limited access to them. This situation raises the question of how a community that is located in a disadvantaged region, resource-wise, can adapt and strive to become more resilient. These findings illustrate the need for a comprehensive community strategy to reduce risk, increase resilience and support long-term survival.

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