Importance of community participation in disaster recovery

The aim of this paper is to investigate the views about community on their participation during disaster recovery and how they can be empowered. The community participation from the beginning to end of the project, and future maintenance of the community is essential for a successful recovery in an efficient and effective manner. Little, or token, participation by the community has proved to be fatal through schedule delays in recovery or public uprising. This article will outline a global literature review of community participation complemented with some interview preliminary data from San Francisco and Christ Church, New Zealand. The outcome is a framework of community participation and empowerment. As "owners", the community will ensure a well- maintained community for many years ahead