The document discusses the relationship between disasters and development, and the impact of land use and land cover changes on disaster risk. It notes that development projects like dams, embankments, and changes in land use can influence vulnerabilities to disasters. Land use is defined as the activities and arrangements people undertake on land, while land cover refers to the physical material on the earth's surface. Zoning designates permitted land uses. Assessing land use is important for natural resource management, as land use/land cover patterns are shaped by socio-economic and natural factors. Understanding land use changes is crucial for effective resource management and sustainable development planning.