ABSTRACT
One of the principles of resilience thinking is understanding social–ecological interactions within the framework of complex adaptive systems, which are characterized by non-linear behavior, cross-scale dynamics, high levels of uncertainty and path dependencies, as well as capacities to adapt to changing conditions. This chapter illustrates these characteristics in a historical–institutional analysis of the critical junctures in land use planning for disaster risk management (DRM). It examines Manizales in Colombia, which has throughout its history been frequently confronted with multiple hazard events and is nationally and internationally recognized and widely researched as an innovative case study in disaster risk management. The chapter draws on semi-structured interviews with institutional actors from the private and public sector, academia, and civil society organizations at the municipal and departmental level, complemented by secondary data. Findings put a critical lens on the notions of flexibility and adaptability in the context of risk mitigation through land use planning. They suggest a stronger emphasis on strengthening and recognizing the capacities of diverse actors in planning and implementation processes.
