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6th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction kicks off in Geneva
The 6th session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) will take place throughout this week, 13-17 May 2019, in Geneva, Switzerland. The international community is set to take stock on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and sustain the momentum of related goals of the 2030 Agenda, as well as Paris Agreement commitments. PEDRR is participating in the GPDRR and is promoting the three key messages below through several official working sessions and side events. A schedule of PEDRR events at GPDRR is available here
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Cyclone Fani: upping the ante for disaster management in cyclone-prone Odisha
On 3 May, extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani hit the State of Odisha, located on the east coast of India. The cyclone claimed 30 lives, and resulted in considerable damage to infrastructure. Authorities were praised for evacuating 1.2 million people under 24 hours. Expert Saudamini Das emphasized that improved cyclone management includes sound early warning systems, with strengthened coastal green infrastructure. This can be achieved by preserving mangroves and native species that act as barriers to storm surges and tangential winds, to minimize the impacts of future cyclones. Read the story here
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The Nature Conservancy Launches "Blue Bonds" for Ocean Preservation
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) launched a US$1.6 billion scheme to scale up global ocean conservation efforts through “blue bonds”. The bonds will refinance and restructure debt for coastal and island countries in exchange for a commitment to protect at least 30% of their near-shore ocean areas, including coral reefs, mangroves and other important habitats. The scheme would protect 15% or 4 million square additional km of ocean habitat. It also aims to save 13% of the world’s coral reefs and could benefit 43 million people living within a 100 km radius from coastlines. Read the story here
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The Bridge Between Land and Sea: How Sri Lanka is establishing itself as a world leader in mangrove restoration
Around two thirds of Sri Lanka’s population live in coastal areas, and many communities depend on mangroves for their livelihoods. Sri Lanka is home to over 20 native mangrove species which act as carbon sinks and protect populations from and mitigate the impacts of frequent storm surges. In past decades, enormous areas of Sri Lanka’s mangrove forests have been destroyed. Recognizing mangroves as 'indispensable to fight climate change', the Government of Sri Lanka has included mangrove restoration as a key action in its 2019 budget. Read the story here
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PEDRR Shout Out
PEDRR participated in workshop on Eco-DRR and EbA in Geneva
IUCN, UN Environment, ILO and the Japan Biodiversity Fund hosted a two-day workshop titled Nature based Solutions for Disaster Risks and Climate Change Impacts in Geneva, Switzerland, in which PEDRR participated and presented current activities. The workshop was targeted at member state missions, UN agencies, international organizations and other actors from the humanitarian and disaster risk reduction community, with the aim of enhancing technical capacities to implement, and increase the understanding of strategies and approaches to mainstream Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) and Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA).
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Featured Publications
IPBES Global Assessment Report
(Summary for Policymakers)
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 On May 6, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) launched the summary for policy-makers of the landmark forthcoming Global Assessment Report on the state of the planet's biodiversity. The report alarmingly indicates that 1 million species may face extinctions in the next few years due to human pressures. The report highlights the importance of preserving ecosystems such as forests, wetlands and oceans in acting as natural carbon sinks, and the role of coral reefs and mangroves in acting as green and blue infrastructure and protecting coastal areas and populations from extreme natural hazards. Read the Summary here |
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Mangroves of Vietnam: Historical development, current state of research and future threats
Vietnamese mangroves provide key ecosystem services to biodiversity and local communities, as well as carbon storage and coastal protection. Despite this, about 38% of mangroves have been lost or degraded. This study published in Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science examines the main factors influencing mangroves in Vietnam requiring urgent attention, as well as the development benefits of mangroves, successful mangrove forest management practices, and useful remote sensing tool to monitor Vietnamese mangrove ecosystems.
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Events
Water-related disasters account for most disasters and their devastating impacts, wherein the deficit or excess of water result in a range of hazards, from drought to flood. Poor water resource and ecosystem management makes disaster risk more pronounced. This working session co-organized by PEDRR at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction will showcase good examples of integrated risk management and set out the key areas where substantial policy improvements and investments could be made. The session will also highlight the key policy measures and demonstrate practical examples of ecosystem-based approaches, particularly in the water sector. More information here.
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Call for Applications
Wetlands for the Future
Ramsar Convention
The Ramsar Convention is now welcoming applications for the Wetlands for the Future (WFF) 2019 cycle. Since 1997, the Ramsar Secretariat, the United States State Department, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service have operated the WFF training program to benefit Latin American and the Caribbean institutions and individuals through capacity building and training in the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Applications for proposed activities should follow the Operational Guidelines (EN) (ES). The advisory service is open until the 1 June 2019 and the deadline for the submission of proposals is 1 July 2019. Send your application via email to [email protected]
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ET Consultant
Organization: World Bank Group
Location: Sydney, Australia
Closing date: 15 May 2019
See here
Consultant - REDD+ Readiness Preparation Project
Organization: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Lao PDR
Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR
Closing date: 17 May 2019
See here
Especialista en Cambio Climático y Arreglos Institucionales
Organization: IUCN
Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Closing date: 19 May 2019
See here
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Climate and Resilience Officer
Organization: Practical Action
Location: Rugby, United Kingdom
Closing date: 24 May 2019
See here
Intern, Thailand Programme
Organization: IUCN
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Closing date: 25 May 2019
See here
Pacific Director
Organization: WWF
Location: Suva, Fiji
Closing date: Unspecified
See here
For more information please see PEDRR's Linkedin.
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