ABSTRACT
High and chronic losses to natural disasters hinder development in Central America, yet preventive efforts remain insufficient. Hydrometeorological and geodynamic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, land-slides and floods combine with human vulnerability factors: environmental deterioration, demographic growth, poverty and random urban expansion and industry on lands of ever-worsening quality. Much of the problem lies in the lack of interest of decision-makers in prevention. Efforts beyond the immediate post-disaster period fade as soon as mass media attention diminishes. A large share of this deficiency belongs to the scientific community due to the poor quality of its information and advocacy. A change in strategy is urgently needed. The incoming millenium affords unusual opportunities to devise more convincing ways to attract and commit decision-makers to disaster prevention. The principles and mechanisms for sustainable development and sound land use plans will reduce future consequences. Inaction and insufficient investment in prevention must be regarded as a short-term loan given to us by Nature, which will be charged later at a high rate of interest.
