Our strategies
This section details the strategies and theoretical frameworks that guide our workshops and projects. EIR operates from a unique typology of individual preparedness and pathways to human-nature connection. Our Theory of Change and core concepts are also explained.
Typology of Individual Preparedness
With the Typology of Individual Preparedness (TIP), EIR understands the complex and multifaceted dimensions of what constitutes individual resilience.
he typology shows that individual preparedness happens in multiple dimensions: through skills and materials, within the mind, and socially. Within each of these dimensions, there are two variations of each dimension, which together help build a sound and holistic preparedness. When every individual is prepared in these four dimensions, we together form a resilient society that is able to manage all kinds of disasters.
Human-nature connection
We understand humans and nature to be intrinsically and cyclically connected through multiple dimensions. Humans and nature are inseparable, in fact, humans are nature, even though we tend to see ourselves as something else.
EIR integrates the Five Pathways to Nature, developed at the University of Derby, into its activities:
1. Senses: Exploring and experiencing nature through all the senses.
2. Beauty: Seeking and appreciating the beauty of the natural world.
3. Emotions: Noticing and welcoming the feelings that nature inspires.
4. Meaning: Celebrating and sharing nature’s events and stories.
5. Compassion: Helping and caring for nature.
Theory of Change
Change is understood by EIR as a complex, non-linear, and long-term process where impact can be achieved through different outcomes and outputs.
A visual representation of our Theory of Change can be found in the image below.
Core guiding concepts
At EIR, we believe that having a common understanding of core concepts, such as resilience and preparedness, is key to enhancing and achieving them.
Resilience: The capacity of a human-environment system to continuously develop along a preferred expected trajectory, while remaining within human and environmental boundaries. An emergent property that is determined by the ability of the human-environment system to anticipate, recognize, adapt to, and learn from variations, changes, disturbances, disruptions, and disasters that may cause harm to what human beings value. A means to reach the ends of safety, sustainability, and development.
Risk: A negative deviation from the preferred expected development over time, based on what humans value (eg. health, well-being, nature). The combination of a hazard and underlying vulnerability. Includes a high degree of uncertainty.
Eutierria: A good and positive feeling of oneness with the earth and its life forces that arises when the human-nature relationship is spontaneous and mutually enriching. It can help overcome harmful individualism, loneliness, and a lack of purpose.
Preparedness: The knowledge and capacities developed by governments, response and recovery organizations, communities and individuals to effectively anticipate, respond to and recover from the impacts of likely, imminent or current disasters. At EIR, we have a holistic perspective on preparedness, following our own typology of individual preparedness.
References:
Richardson, M., & Butler, C.W. (2022). The nature connection handbook: A guide for increasing people’s connection with nature. United Kingdom.
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). 2017. The Sendai Framework Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction. “Preparedness”. Accessed 25 August 2025. https://www.undrr.org/terminology/preparedness.
Start your preparedness journey with us
Contact us to join a workshop or to cooperate with us in creating a more resilient society.