Furuta, Naoya

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are seen as a response to many societal challenge. It is becoming increasingly obvious that protected and conserved areas (PCAs) are a major vehicle for NbS and essential to their success in many situations. This publication argues that with appropriate and implemented safeguarding policies, together NbS and PCAs are some of the best routes we have for providing a decent future for people and the planet by combining many important elements of sustainable development.

With the increasing threats that disasters present there is an urgent need to prioritise proactive disaster risk reduction over reacting to disaster events. The ecosystem approach for disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) is a key element of such preventive measures but still remains underdeveloped worldwide and in need of scaling up. This publication documents the importance of biodiversity in disaster risk reduction and makes a case for the implementation of integrated approaches that benefit both biodiversity conservation and risk reduction.

Nature conservation planning tends to be driven by models based on Western norms and science, but these may not represent the cultural, philosophical and religious contexts of much of Asia. This book provides a new perspective on the topic of sacred natural sites and cultural heritage by linking Asian cultures, religions and worldviews with contemporary conservation practices and approaches.

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.