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 PEDRR Shoutout : World Wetlands Day 2018:
Urban Wetlands Enhance Resilience in Cities
Although they are often overlooked in urban planning and design, urban wetlands offer numerous benefits to cities. Mangroves act as buffers against storms, inland wetlands reduce flooding by soaking up storm water, and vegetation can filter waste and improve water quality while also supplying cities with water. By utilizing their ecosystems, cities can become more resilient against disasters. Watch the video and read the policy brief to learn more.
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News
China promotes “Sponge Cities”
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In order to mitigate flood impacts, China is popularizing the concept of “Sponge Cities.” By revolutionizing the usage of green spaces, these cities are now able to absorb rainwater through permeable roads and pavements, parks, and rooftop gardens. Integrating green infrastructure will help increase the resilience of flood prone areas in cities . Read the full article here. |
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Rivers and Resilience in Latin America
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Representatives of three municipalities in Latin America met in Panama to discuss their efforts to engage urban communities in risk reduction. These cities are vulnerable to flooding, due to their proximity to rivers, poor waste management, and changes in land use that inhibit water absorption. Ecological restoration of their streams, estuaries, riverbanks and basins has therefore become a priority in order to increase flood resilience. Read more here. |
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Fighting Floods by Networking Urban Water in the United States
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The onslaught of severe weather experienced by the United States in 2017 has prompted a greener approach to risk reduction. Research has shown that integrating green infrastructure, such as marshes, will dramatically increase urban risk reduction in a way that also promotes sustainable, economic development. Read the full article here. |
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Project Insights
Gambia’s 6 Year Ecosystem-based Adaptation Project
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Gambia’s Ministry of Environment recently launched its 6-year EbA project whose purpose is to increase the rural Gambian communities’ resilience to floods and other hazards. This project will restore approximately 10,000 hectares of degraded forest and wildlife parks, 3,000 hectares of abandoned agricultural lands, and develop a sustainable green economy. Read more about the project here. |
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Upcoming Events
The 9th World Urban Forum
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This Forum is a great opportunity for bringing together different actors from various sectors and identify concrete solutions for promoting a transformative New Urban Agenda. These commitments are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals which also include environmentally sustainable and resilient urban development. To register, read more here. |
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Training
Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction
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The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center is organizing its 26th flagship course on community based disaster risk reduction. Participants will learn how to design and implement programs that utilize community capacity building to promote a safe and self-reliant culture. The 10-day training course is made up of 6 modules and discusses the integration of disaster risk reduction plans to development plans. Sign up for this training here. |
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Intern, Environmental Affairs
Organization: United Nations Environment
Location: Panama City
Closing Date: 7 February 2018
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
Organization: United Nations Environment
Location: Bangkok
Closing Date: 15 February 2018
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Programme Management Officer, P3
Organization: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Closing Date: 23 February 2018
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