The failure of modern structures in earthquakes where traditional buildings have faired significantly better suggests that technology is not necessarily a panacea for the vulnerability of the built environment. The existence of ''seismic cultures'' around the world, whereby local populations learn to adapt to local hazards, may explain the differential losses sustained by such populations across space and over time. Furthermore, such cultures, emerging as a direct consequence of adjustment to local context, promote sustainability through extensive use of local materials, skills and resources. The identification and examination of existing surviving seismic cultures become critical for vulnerability reduction, disaster mitigation and ultimately, sustainable development.
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