Renaud, Fabrice G.

This book is a compilation of recent developments in the field of ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and climate change adaption (Eco-DRR/CCA) globally. It provides further evidence that ecosystem-based approaches make economic sense, and showcases how research has progressively filled knowledge gaps about translating this concept into practice. It presents a number of methods, and tools that illustrate how Eco-DRR/CCA has been applied for various ecosystems and hazard contexts around the world.

Globally, disasters due to natural hazards takes an enormous toll in terms of human lives, destruction to crops and livelihoods, and economic losses. Disaster risk reduction (DRR) has therefore become a critical part of sustainable development strategies. Over the past decades, the role of healthy ecosystems in providing cheap, reliable protection against natural hazards has been increasingly recognized. However, DRR strategies based on ecosystem services are failing in many places because natural ecosystems are being degraded and destroyed.

Globally, disasters due to natural hazards takes an enormous toll in terms of human lives, destruction to crops and livelihoods, and economic losses. Disaster risk reduction (DRR) has therefore become a critical part of sustainable development strategies. Over the past decades, the role of healthy ecosystems in providing cheap, reliable protection against natural hazards has been increasingly recognized. However, DRR strategies based on ecosystem services are failing in many places because natural ecosystems are being degraded and destroyed.

The aim of this book is to provide an overview of knowledge and practice in this multarget_idisciplinary field of ecosystems management and disaster risk reduction. The contributors, professionals from the science and disaster management communities around the world, represent state-of-the-art knowledge, practices, and perspectives on the topic. The book will serve as a basis to encourage and further develop discussion among scientists, practitioners, policymakers, and development planners.

The research focused on the perceptions of communities on the role of ecosystems for disaster risk reduction, particularly in the context of the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in Japan. The research was carried out in the region of Sendai, and a study reviewed the institutional setup and mechanisms for Japan’s risk reduction, reconstruction and land use planning. Key experiences and perspectives of the local communities provide insights on how ecosystems are perceived and how the role of ecosystems during the 3/11 events was perceived.