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 PEDRR Shoutout : The Nature Conservancy and the State Government of Quintana Roo in Mexico announce innovative financial mechanism for insuring and conserving coral reefs
The Mesoamerican Reef is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. The Reef is an important touristic and economic resource, but also protects coastal infrastructures from hurricanes and storms. In order to counter the Reef’s degradation, The Nature Conservancy and the Government of Quintana Roo have established a “Coastal Zone Management Trust”. Read the full article here
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News
Fighting floods with 'sponge cities'
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Many cities are rapidly growing but experience increased flooding due to more areas being covered by concrete, asphalt and other impervious surfaces, which prevent rainwater drainage. However, cities themselves can combat these floods by utilizing wetlands, as well as green spaces and floodplains. Read more on “sponge cities” here |
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Upscaling the use of mangroves ecosystems to reduce disaster risks
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At a recent regional meeting on “Mangrove Ecosystems for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Deduction”, held last week in Suva, Fiji, regional representatives and experts discussed issues related to up-scaling the use of mangrove ecosystems in the different countries. Find out more here |
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Study shows market-based strategies for ecosystem conservation are surging
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Well-managed and healthy ecosystems can increase resilience to disasters, but involving the private sector has never been easy. This may be changing. A new study has shown that ecosystem-based programs, which compensate private landholders to conserve and protect natural systems for flood protection, biodiversity and carbon storage, are expanding around the world. Read more here |
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Opinion
Why 'natural solutions' to water problems won't work in Africa
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UNESCO's 2018 World Water Assessment Report, has a focus on nature-based solutions to address contemporary water management challenges across all sectors, particularly regarding water for agriculture, sustainable cities, disaster risk reduction and improving water quality. However, this article challenges the potential of applying nature-based solutions, claiming such approaches do not account for competing priorities and needs of developing countries. Read the article here |
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Featured Publications
Transforming disaster risk reduction through ecosystem management in Oceania
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Oceania’s Small Islands Developing States are particularly vulnerable to disasters and climate change impacts, and are regarded as one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world. In order to provide an integrated response to address short-term and long-term risks, multi-sectoral engagement is needed to mainstream Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction into other sectors for joint and cost-effective actions. Read more here |
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Call for Applications
Young Champions of the Earth is a forward-looking prize to breathe life into
the ambitions of brilliant young environmentalists
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If you have a big idea to protect or restore the environment and increase disaster and climate resilience, send in your application now! Seven Young Champions of the Earth—selected from every global region—will be chosen to receive seed funding, tailored mentorship, publicity and access to powerful networks. The open call runs from 02 March until 02 April 2018, apply now here
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Call for pre-proposals: Pathways towards Sustainable African Urban Development
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The International Council for Science (ICSU), in partnership with the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) and the International Social Science Council (ISSC) invite African early career scientists to submit collaborative research proposals. These projects are expected to examine the inherent complexity of cities, and the interconnections and trade-offs between different dimensions of urban systems, e.g. governance, human and social capital, environment, economic systems and infrastructure. Apply here
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Upcoming Events
6th Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas
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The 6th Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the Americas is taking place in Cartagena, Colombia, from the 20-22 June 2018. The Regional Platform will represent an opportunity for Governments, private sector, civil society and other actors in the Americas to assess progress and advance implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in the Americas. For more information see here
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Communications Intern
Organization: Wetlands International
Location: Head office in Ede- Wageningen, Netherlands
Closing Date: ASAP
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Consultancy: Joint Mid-Term Evaluation of the Making Cities Sustainable and Resilient Project
Organization: United Nations Human Settlements Programme - Headquarters (UN-HABITAT), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)
Location: Home-based
Closing Date: 21 March 2018
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