With more than 19 years of experience in disaster and emergency management, Dr. Mahmood Fayazi specializes in post-disaster transitional sheltering, housing reconstruction, recovery policy, vulnerability assessments, and community resilience.
His career began in 2004, when he contributed to sheltering efforts from emergency to permanent housing for survivors of the 2003 Bam earthquake. Dr. Fayazi holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning from the University of Montreal and has conducted disaster management research across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North America.
Before joining Royal Roads University, as a researcher at Centre RISC (Centre de recherche et d'innovation en sécurité civile du Québec), Dr. Fayazi collaborated with various communities and organizations, from English-speaking Indigenous communities to predominantly French-speaking towns, as well as provincial ministries and city councils, to advance disaster management practices.
He has also taught and supervised students at the University of Montreal, McGill University, York University in Canada, and Sichuan University in China.
Experience
Dr. Fayazi has gained experience across academia and government sector in multiple countries. He was involved in post-earthquake shelter provision and management in Iran from 2004 to 2008.
His research has focused on the impact of post-disaster reconstruction policies enacted by governments and humanitarian agencies on the recovery of diverse groups of affected households. For example, his research in China examined the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake's effects, alongside development policies, on marginalized communities in small townships within Sichuan Province.
In Canada, Dr. Fayazi built a strong relationship with the Mohawk Indigenous community of Kanesatake while volunteering in sandbagging and emergency response during the 2017 floods. He continues to collaborate with Indigenous communities, researching their climate adaptation initiatives and the barriers they face in their efforts.
Memberships and Committees
- International Association of Emergency Management (IAEM)
- InterSectoral Flood Network of Québec (RIISQ)
- Association de Sécurité Civile du Québec (ASCQ)
- International research network of information and research for reconstruction (i-Rec)
Education
2018
PhD in Environmental Design (Aménagement)
University of Montreal
2011
Master of Arts in Disaster Management and Reconstruction
Shahid-Beheshti University
2006
Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning
International University of Imam-Khomeyni
Publications
Fernandez, G., Asari, M., Uy, N., Veitata, S., Fayazi, M., Ling, Y., ... Singh, S. (2023). Developing capacity for post-typhoon disaster waste management in Lautoka, Fiji, and Makati, Philippines. APN Science Bulletin, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.30852/sb.2023.2226
Le De, L., Baumann, L.L., Moatty, A., Le Masson, V., Kikano, F., Fayazi, M. et al., (2023). Alternatives for Sustained Disaster Risk Reduction: A re-assessment. Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies 15(1), a1487. https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v15i1.1487
Khorshidian, A., & Fayazi, M. (2023). Critical Factors to Succeed in Post-Earthquake Housing Reconstruction in Iran. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2017.01.012
Farzadnia, A. and Fayazi, M. (2021), "Disaster Governance as the Governance of Decentralized Systems: the case of the 2003 Bam earthquake in Iran", Disaster Prevention and Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPM-08-2020-0275
Fayazi, M., & Bisson, I.-A. (2020). Barriers to Climate Change Adaptation in Indigenous Communities: A Case Study on the Mohawk Community of Kanesatake, Canada. The International Journal for Disaster Risk Reduction. 49 (9 pages). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101750
Fayazi, M., Yeh, E., & Li, F. (2019). Development and Divergent Post-Disaster Trajectories in a Mountain Village: Temporal dynamics of differentiation after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake. World Development. 124 (13 pages). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.104663
Fayazi, M., & Lizarralde, G. (2018). Conflicts Between Recovery Objectives: The Case of Housing Reconstruction after the 2003 Earthquake in Bam, Iran. International journal of disaster risk reduction, 27, 317-328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2017.10.017
Fayazi, M., Arefian, F. F., Gharaati, M., Johnson, C., Lizarralde, G., & Davidson, C. (2017). Managing Institutional Fragmentation and Time Compression in Post-Disaster Reconstruction–the Case of Bam. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 21, 340-349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2017.01.012
Fayazi, M., & Lizarralde, G. (2014). The Role of Low-Cost Housing in the Path from Vulnerability to Resilience. International Journal of Architectural Research, 7(3), 146-167. http://dx.doi.org/10.26687/archnet-ijar.v7i3.56
Fayazi, M. (2011). Reconstruction Projects by Using Core Housing Method in Iran: Case study: Gilan Province Experience. International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 2(1), 74-85. https://doi.org/10.1108/17595901111108380
Martins, N., Fayazi, M., Hobeica, L., & Kikano, F. (eds.) (2020). Enhancing Disaster Preparedness: From Humanitarian Architecture to Community Resilience Cambridge, USA: Elsevier Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2018-0-02311-7
Fayazi, M., & Bornstein, Lisa (2020). The Links Between Vulnerability, Poverty, and Hazards: A Focus on the Impacts of Globalization Trends. In N. Martins, M. Fayazi, F. Kikano, & L. Hobeica (Eds.), Enhancing Disaster Preparedness: From Humanitarian Architecture to Community Resilience. Cambridge, USA: Elsevier Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819078-4.00014-9
Fayazi, M., & Lizarralde, G. (2018). The Impact of Post-Disaster Housing Reconstruction Policies on Different Beneficiary Groups: The Case of Bam, Iran. In A. Asgary (Ed.), Resettlement Challenges for Displaced Populations and Refugees (pp. 123-140). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92498-4_9
Lizarralde, G., Fayazi, M., Kikano, F., & Thomas, I. (2017). Meta-patterns in Post-Disaster Housing Reconstruction and Recovery. In A. Sapat & A. Esnard (Eds.), Coming Home after Disaster: Multiple Dimensions of Housing Recovery (pp. 229-243). New York: Routledge.
Fayazi, M, Bernier, C., Gagné, M., Harvey, D., Kikano, F., Tardif, M., et Thivierge, J. (2022) Information et réflexions pour développer une collaboration respectueuse et porteuse avec les Premières Nations, les Inuits et les Métis du Canada (Information and reflections to develop a respectful and supportive collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada), Synchronex Workshop on research collaboration with Indigenous communities in Quebec, Online.
Fayazi, M. (2013). Temporary Housing Project after Bam Earthquake 2003. Tehran: The Housing Foundation of the Islamic Republic. (In Farsi).
https://www.academia.edu/5064268/Temporary_Housing_Project_after_the_2003_Earthquake_in_Bam_Iran.
Lizarralde, G., Petter, A.M., Lewis, P., Smith, D., Djemel, M., Boudreau, J.-P., Herazo, B., Fayazi, M., Gachon, P., Bornstein, L., Levasseur, É., & Maia de Souza, D. (2020, Aug. 3). Les angles morts de la réponse aux inondations, La Presse. https://www.lapresse.ca/debats/opinions/2020-08-03/probleme-d-hebergement-des-aines-au-dela-de-la-crise-de-la-main-d-oeuvre-en-chsld.php
Loic Le De, Louise L Baumann. (Hosts). (2022, Dec. 9). Mahmood Fayazi //Résilience (Episode 7) [Audio podcast episode]. In l’Envers des Catastrophes. https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-acbcg-1333447?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share
Fayazi, M. (2023). Obstacles and possibilities of adaptation to climate change among the Mohawk community of Kanesatake [Webinar]. Réseau Inondations InterSectoriel du Québec -RIISQ.
Hassani, A., Fayazi, M. Mottaki, Z., Adib, M., Seraji, S. F., Gheidari, Y. K., Mossavi, T. (2023). Diminish of Traditional Craft Skills and its Impacts on Post-Disaster Recovery: The case of Turkmen women’s recovery after the 2019 Northeast floods in Iran. Conference proceedings. 10th International i-Rec 2023, Sendai, Japan: Groupe de recherche IF, GRIF, University of Montreal. Available at: https://irides.tohoku.ac.jp/media/files/event/event/iRec2023/i-Rec2023_Abstracts.pdf
Mossavi, T., Mottaki, Z., Fayazi, M. (2023). Cultural Integration after Forced Displacements: Tracing housing traditions of the Pakistani displaced population on the outskirts of Tehran. Conference proceedings. 10th International i-Rec 2023, Sendai, Japan: Groupe de recherche IF, GRIF, University of Montreal. Available at: https://irides.tohoku.ac.jp/media/files/event/event/iRec2023/i-Rec2023_Abstracts.pdf
Assad-Déry, F., Bédard, M.-È., Pelletier, C., Suciu, M.-K., Lemelin, C., Fayazi, M., Mercier, N., Drouin, M.-È., Ménard, M.-C., Hamel, S. & Bonaldo, É. (2022). Prévenir et contrer la stigmatisation des aînés atteints de démence dans leur collectivité et favoriser leur inclusion : une recherche-action. 90th ACFAS Congress, May 9-13, 2022, Quebec City, Canada.
Assad-Déry, F., Pelletier, C., Suciu, M.-K., Bédard, M.-È., Chiasson, M., Lemelin, C., Fayazi, M., Mercier, N., Drouin, M.-È., Ménard, M.-C., Hamel, S. et Bonaldo, É. (2022). Promouvoir des pratiques pour prévenir ou contrer la stigmatisation des aînés atteints de démence (AAD) dans leur collectivité et favoriser leur inclusion : le point de vue de la population. 51st Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology (CAG), "Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice: Knowledge Mobilization and Implementation Science", October 20-22, 2022, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Fayazi, M., Bisson, I., Bennett, O., Gougain-Poblete, C., Kieffer, G., Skolowski, A. (2018). Political Barriers to Climate Change Adaptation in Indigenous Communities: A Case Study on the Mohawk Community of Kanesatake in Canada. The 8th International Conference on Building Resilience, 14-16 November 2018, Lisbon, Portugal.
Lorusso, J., Kannathas, S., Wang, J., Fayazi, M. (2018). Understanding the relationship between financial capacity and disaster resiliency A qualitative study on the residents of Oshawa, Ontario in Canada. The 8th International Conference on Building Resilience, 14-16 November 2018, Lisbon, Portugal.
Fayazi, M., Kikano, F., & Lizarralde, G. (2016). The Impacts of Post-Disaster Reconstruction Policies on Different Categories of Households in Bam, Iran. In Johnson, C. and the Conference Scientific Committee (eds) (2015). Reconstruction and Recovery in Urban Contexts. Conference proceedings. 7th International i-Rec 2015, London, UK. Montreal: Groupe de recherche IF, GRIF, University of Montreal. Available at: http://www.grif.umontreal.ca/i-Rec2015/conferenceiREC2015.htm. Consulted: August 24, 2016.
Kikano, F. Fayazi, M. & Lizarralde, G. (2016). Understanding Forms of Sheltering by (and for) Syrian Refugees in Lebanon. In Johnson, C. and the Conference Scientific Committee (eds) (2015). Reconstruction and Recovery in Urban Contexts. Conference proceedings. 7th International i-Rec 2015, London, UK. Montreal: Groupe de recherche IF, GRIF, University of Montreal. Available at: http://www.grif.umontreal.ca/i-Rec2015/conferenceiREC2015.htm. Consulted: August 24, 2016.
Cardosi, G. Lizarralde, G. & Fayazi, M. (2016). Relationships between Adaptive Capacities and Design in Informal Settlements: The Reconstruction of the Toi Market in Kibera (Nairobi). In Johnson, C. and the Conference Scientific Committee (eds) (2015). Reconstruction and Recovery in Urban Contexts. Conference proceedings. 7th International i-Rec 2015, London, UK. Montreal: Groupe de recherche IF, GRIF, University of Montreal. Available at: http://www.grif.umontreal.ca/i-Rec2015/conferenceiREC2015.htm. Consulted: August 24, 2016.
Fayazi, M., & Lizarralde, G. (2013). Temporary Housing: An Obstacle or an Opportunity for Enhancing Community Resilience in Bam, Iran. In G. Lizarralde, J. Barenstein, G. Cardosi, & A. Oliver the Full Paper Proceedings of the 6th international i-Rec conference Ascona, Switzerland, Oeuvre durable; pp. 92-107 http://www.grif.umontreal.ca/i-Rec2013/conferenceIREC2013papers.htm.
Fayazi, M. (2011). Erecting Core Units in the Temporary Sheltering Stage and Their Later Expansion by the Inhabitants. In M. Sartipipoor, & B. Esmailian the Full Paper Proceedings - the1st International Conference on Rural Settlements: Housing and Fabric, Tehran, Iran: The Housing Foundation of Islamic Republic, pp. 409-424.
Fayazi, M. (2010). Reconstruction Projects by Using Core Housing Method in Iran. In P. Barrett, D. Amaratunga, R. Haigh, K. Keraminyage, & C. Pathirage the Full Paper Proceedings - CIB 2010 World Congress, Salford Quays, UK: Salford University; pp. 326-337 http://www.disaster-resilience.net/cib2010/files/papers/601.pdf.
