Best Practices of Community-Based Resilience Initiatives in Estonia

Abstract This chapter explores best practices in community-based resilience initiatives in Estonia, emphasizing the role of social capital in enhancing societal preparedness for crises. Drawing on 20 interviews with civil protection experts, community leaders, and NGO representatives, the study identifies key barriers to effective community resilience—such as lack of trust, skills, and non-inclusive communication—and highlights successful strategies to overcome them. These include crisis training, the development of community crisis plans, the establishment of resilience hubs, and the implementation of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model. The chapter also examines the role of digital tools like the “Get ready!” mobile application in bridging linguistic and cultural divides. The findings underscore the importance of bottom–up approaches, inter-organizational cooperation, and the need to recognize social capital—bonding, bridging, and linking—in fostering sustainable and inclusive resilience practices. The study’s exploration of community-based resilience initiatives in Estonia offers a compelling framework for understanding how democratic societies can become more resilient through community-led engagement, social capital, and inclusive governance.