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PEDRR Shoutout : WWF delivers a podcast on community-based adaptation and risk management
In this episode of the America Adapts podcast on climate change adaptation and the 11th International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation, Anita van Breda of WWF discusses environment and disaster management. Building on her experience with aquaculture livelihoods recovery in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, she emphasises the importance of sound natural resources management and presents WWF's work with the American Red Cross and the United Nations to help disaster-struck communities build back greener. Listen to the podcast here.
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News
Saving Miami from the tide: Exploring ecosystem-based solutions
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As rising sea levels threaten the low-lying city of Miami, Florida, and as floods become part of the city’s routine, policymakers explore alternatives to conventional grey infrastructure. Controversial propositions are being made to surrender land that is currently developed to the sea, as opposed to pumping water out and building ever-higher seawalls to keep billion-dollar waterfront properties dry. Implementing this ecosystem-based approach will be challenging as taxpayers expect authorities to keep their houses safe, but ultimately, as Miami's chief resilience officer puts it, cities in South Florida will have to “look for more "holistic" and integrated solutions to prepare for the shocks that will likely worsen in the 21st century”. Read the full story here.
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Scientific Corner
Looking on the bright side: Invasive species could benefit coastal ecosystems
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While invasive species often threaten biodiversity and human well-being, their potential to enhance ecosystem functioning by offsetting the loss of native habitat has rarely been considered. This work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America shows that where native foundation species have been lost, invasive habitat formers such as seaweeds or oysters may be considered a source of valuable ecosystem functions, including for storm protection. You can find more information here and read the report.
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New Publications
What about the people? The socially sustainable, resilient community and urban planning development
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A new report by the World Resources Institute and University of Oxford recognises the importance of community cohesion to increase resilience to disasters. The study takes us through 12 case studies covering a variety of countries from England to Indonesia. The author explores the role of urban built environments in promoting strong community networks that are key in coping with extreme weather events. Read the full report here.
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Building ecological solutions to coastal community hazards
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As coastal communities in New Jersey, USA, become more prone to coastal hazards, ecosystems offer an opportunity to build resilience while working with nature rather than against it. This new report by the US National Wildlife Federation provides insight on New Jersey's coastal ecosystems such as beach and dune complexes. It provides policy recommendations on better managing ecosystems to reduce disaster risks in a changing climate. Access the full report here.
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Events
Nature-based solutions webinar
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The conference “Nature-Based Solutions: from Innovation to Common Use”, organised by Tallinn University will be held from 24 to 26 October in Estonia, as part as the country’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. The event will feature field visits and side events, discussions on policies and financing, and showcase innovations in Geographical Information Systems to support implementation of nature-based solutions. Find out more and register here.
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Project Writer, Disasters and Conflicts
Organisation: UN Environment
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Closing date : 26 July 2017
Mangroves for the Future National Coordinator
Organisation: IUCN
Location: Mahe, Seychelles
Closing date: 10 August 2017
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Regional Director, West and Central Africa
Organisation: IUCN
Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Closing date : 6 August 2017
Intern on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change
Organisation: UNDP
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Closing date: 7 August 2017
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