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Abstract

Along Peru’s rainforest rivers, rising flood extremes are increasingly exceeding coping capacities of vulnerable households. Peru 14 has detailed legislation that embraces planned relocation as a strategic solution to such situations and various relocation projects 15 are underway across the country. This research brief analyzes well-being consequences for two communities requesting reloca- 16 tion, using qualitative data collected from experts and 30 affected people. Initial results emphasize that weak governance, 17 poverty, third-party involvement, and community action have influenced relocation outcomes. Delays and fragmented imple- 18 mentation have threatened people’s well-being. One community, waiting for land to relocate since 2015, has suffered from 19 continued hazard exposure, deteriorated material conditions, and reduced subjective well-being. The second community 20 achieved relocation only after a decade in detrimental limbo. Although livelihood challenges persist, its inhabitants now benefit 21 from better market access and decreased exposure, leading to higher subjective well-being. With rising needs for relocation 22 worldwide, the cases highlight that detailed legislation is not sufficient to safeguard people’s well-being. Advancing from well- 23 meant legislation to good practice requires adequate institutional capacity, effectivemechanisms for oversight and accountability, 24 better engagement of third parties, and dedicated efforts to strengthen community agency