Community Resilience as an approach: operative tools for the social-ecological sub-system

Abstract

Social resilience, as part of a broader notion of resilience, is becoming increasingly relevant both in theory and practice. It is increasingly perceived as a means to cope with contemporary shocks and driving forces of change, both internal and external to the system. Pandemics, earthquakes, and their side effects related to climate change are among them. Considering these pressures and related vulnerabilities, this paper discusses the community level of social resilience. It proposes qualitative resilient tools, both general and specific, for the benefit of the communities and their members, as for the people living and working in the town of Lezhë, Albania. The latter is considered a case study, in relation to which this paper provides some considerations and suggestions. The list aims to build the resilience of a community, involving, engaging, and empowering its members, considering resilience as an ongoing process. In this view, resilience is more pervasive as a discourse than merely a term, overcoming the risk reduction and management idea towards a more holistic approach