Short- and long-term impacts of relocation and buffer zones: the Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004 to 2024

The effectiveness and feasibility of different risk reduction and adaptation measures are increasingly discussed, however, limited assessments exist on how measures, such as buffer zones and relocation, are perceived in the short- and long-term. The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 is an important case to explore how coastal protection measures were perceived after the event and today, 20 years later. The paper examines how post-disaster relocation and buffer zone policies influenced people’s living conditions over 2 decades. Firstly, we assess global patterns of displacement due to natural hazards. The global analysis serves to situate the Sri Lankan case within the broader patterns of disaster-related mobility and displacement. Secondly, we explore short and long-term impacts of relocation and buffer zone policies in Sri Lanka and assess the living conditions and perceptions of these risk reduction and adaptation measures. Thirdly, we examine factors that influence the decision to stay or leave the relocation site, also conducting regression analysis. Fourthly, we propose policy-relevant recommendations in order to improve relocation projects and buffer zone policies. Important factors that influence people’s decision to stay or leave the relocation site encompass the access to land, educational infrastructures, transport options and access to markets or jobs. While many institutions involved in designing and implementing buffer zone and relocation policies view these measures as one-time interventions that primarily need a careful planning in the beginning, we rather argue that challenges associated with relocation and buffer zones change over time and thus require continued monitoring and learning. • Island states in Asia-Pacific are hotspots of natural hazard-induced displacement. • Buffer zone policies and relocation strategies need careful planning • Living conditions in relocation sites and buffer zone depend on multiple factors • Effective risk reduction needs continued monitoring and learning tools.