Skip to main content

RIOS: Re-settlement Information and Observing System in Colombia

Claudia Murray005 002 mtime20180109160453

Working in partnership with the Fondo de Adaptación, the Re-settlement Information and Observing System in Colombia (RIOS) focuses on assessing the suitability of Earth observation to provide a monitoring service in order to manage natural hazard defences and informal settlements in Colombia. The project was awarded funding this year through the UK Space Agency’s International Partnership Programme, which is part of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s Global Challenges Research Fund.

Colombia has, for over 50 years, suffered much internal conflict that has led to the displacement of families in rural locations. Most have managed to seek safety in and around cities but due to a large housing deficit, rural migrants tend to settle on unsuitable land that is prone to floods and other natural hazards.

Furthermore, the economic crisis in neighbouring Venezuela has pushed millions of refugees over the border into Colombia in search of jobs and a home. Additionally, and a more immediate worry is the economic impact of Covid-19; this will undoubtedly reverse some of the gains Colombia has made in the past years that had gone some way to reducing extreme poverty, informality and homelessness.

RIOS is therefore a timely project, particularly because desperation has driven families to settle on defences built by the Colombian government. These barriers are there to manage and mitigate the threat to human lives and property posed by natural hazards. In such cases, relocation is inevitable as not only are the informal settlements at risk but also the vast populations living in cities that these defences are meant to protect. Dr Murray will lead research into the ‘at risk’ and vulnerability literature surrounding informal settlements and help the team and the Colombian government in the understanding of the cultural and policy aspects of re-settlement options for at risk settlements.

Claudia Murray

Lecturer in Development and Sustainable Construction
Published 21 September 2020
Topics:
Research news Department news

You might also like

Henley academic wins double award

16 December 2021
Dr Jong Min Lee from International Business and Strategy (IBS) won two awards at the EIBA Conference in Madrid.
Department news

Entrepreneurship Vibes students win £500

28 February 2023
More than 400 students took part in Henley's annual entrepreneurship event to develop their own business ideas.
Department news

Henley Business School students interview entrepreneurs at the Festival of Digital Disruption 2020

23 November 2020
Students on Henley Business School's entrepreneurship modules were given the opportunity to be part of the programme for the fifth annual Festival of Digital Disruption (FoDD), conducting interviews with several experienced entrepreneurs.
Department news