Newsletter on ecosystems-based risk reduction and climate change adaptation
Port Salut, Haiti - The Government of Haiti is implementing ecosystem-based solutions to reduce disaster risks and improve livelihoods, which they presented at the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai.
PEDRR Shoutout - Sendai Framework for Action
The Sendai Framework was adopted on March 18. For the first time, it recognizes environment as a cross-cutting issue in disaster risk reduction. A major milestone is the recognition of the sustainable management of ecosystems as a way to build disaster resilience. Environmental impact assessments are also cited as important tools to achieve risk-sensitive public and private investments. The framework further acknowledges the need to tackle environmental drivers of disaster risk, including ecosystem degradation and climate change, as well as the environmental impacts of disasters. Full text - Sendai Framwork for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
This publication presents the state-of-the art knowledge in DRR concerning African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries. It highlights DRR efforts made in the three regions that merit continued or heightened support and replication, such as a coastal area protection and rehabilitation project in Mozambique to reduce beach erosion. Read full publication.
Training
Online Course on Risk Sensitive Land Use Planning
Date: 1-28 May 2015 Source: National Institute of Disaster Management, India. More information.
Opinion
"Our government’s big green idea: let’s subsidise natural disasters"
As a recent major landslip resulted in closing one of the busiest railway lines in England, the author highlights how environmental degradation is a major driver of disasters. Competing agricultural activities, particularly ploughing and sheep breeding, combined with deforestation, accelerated dramatically soil erosion on Harbury's fragile slopes and increased disaster risk. Read full article.
News
"The Vanuatu Archipelago saved by its traditions"
Assessments of the impacts of cyclone Pam in Vanuatu are still ongoing, but it seems that human losses are not as bad as expected. Traditional knowledge is thought to have played a role in saving lives as several people found shelter in nakamals- community houses made of local vegetation. With low walls and ceilings and open ventilation, these traditional houses have demonstrated greater resilience to the cyclone. Read full article.
Video of the Week
Proud of my Purok
Watch this new video animation about Wetlands International's project in the Agusan Delta, Philippines, to promote improved water and land management to reduce floods and landslides, in partnership with Red Cross and CARE.
Job Vacancies
Deputy Team Leader
Deadline: 27 March Source: GRM International Duty station: Islamabad, Pakistan
Support UNEP FI in Europe Consultant
Deadline: 3 April Source: UNEP FI Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland
For more information please see PEDRR's LinkedIn.
