Nature for Disaster Risk Reduction
JoAnne Linnerooth-Bayer
IDRiM conference 16-18 October 2019, France
What I’m talking about
Part 1 (message)
• Nature-based solutions (NBS) – what they are
• Why they are they important
• Examples from urban settings
• Message: The triple dividend Part 2 (governance enablers)
• NBS in the mountains
• Governance – enablers: two case studies
• Why NBS may (should?) change our IDRiM agenda
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Nature-based solutions
NBSs are solutions, e.g., to DRR, that are
“inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide
environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience.”
PHUSICOS
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This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
Timeline for the evolution of NBS
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The Sendai Framework (2015) calls for a transformation in DRR from disaster response to disaster prevention
o Still today, nearly 90% of disaster funding is for post-disaster
response; only 10% for DRR.
The Paris Agreement (2016) calls for a transformation of our social/economic systems to reduce GHG emissions
o Still, in 2018 carbon emissions hit an all-time high.
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Why are NBS important, even essential?
October 17, 2019
disaster risk reduction
post-disaster response
The Global Commission on Adaptation (2019) calls for a transformation to close the climate adaptation gap.
o$1.8 trillion globally in five adaptation areas from 2020 to 2030 could generate $7.1 trillion in total net benefits.
Across the globe, countries (2010) committed to a transformation to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2020.
o60% fall in wildlife populations in just over 40 years odramatic reductions in bee and other pollinators
oIncreasing risks to soil biodiversity (Living Planet Index, 2018)
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Why nature-based solutions to DRR?
“The natural environment is humanity’s first line of defense against floods, droughts, heat waves, and hurricanes. A thriving natural environment is fundamental to adaptation in every human enterprise. Yet, one in four species is facing extinction, about a quarter of all ice-free land is now subject to
degradation, ocean temperatures and acidity are rising, and climate change is accelerating the loss of natural assets everywhere.”
(Global Commission on Adaptation, 2019)
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
Message
Transformations to meet the global climate and biodiversity agendas are not just nice, but essential for life on our planet. For this reason,
• It is crucial that DRR is synergistic with the climate and
biodiversity transformations. This means emphasis on NBS (or hybrids);
• The cost-effectiveness of NBS must be evaluated taking account of co-benefits (the triple dividend);
• The agenda is urgent. We need to transform institutions and policy processes to enable NBS.
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NBS for Urban DRR
• Mitigating flash floods, landslides
• Permeable surfaces
• Space for urban rivers
• Cooling for urban heat islands
• Daylighted streams
• Green roofs and walls
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permeable_paving
Fraser Riverkeeper
Red ucin g flo od a nd h eat risk
Enh anc ing clim ate resi lien ce
Enh anc ing biod iver sity
Part 2: governance enablers of NBS
NBS in a mountain setting
The H2020 project PHUSICOS
Https://prezi.com/p/xbp32glsmbzs/
phusicos/
IDRiM conference 16-18 October 2019, France
Isar Restoration
• Increased water flow
• Groundsill removal
• Removal of “Korsett”
• Improved water quality
• Fish ladders
• Use of natural material to reduce flow speed
• “Invisible” levee reinforcements
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Source: dreamstime.com, picture ID 74661921 Source: WWA München, 2011
Main enablers (15-year process)
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Physical/economic/legal pre-conditions
o Space for the river
o Public ownership of the river
o Model showing 100-year flood risk o Clear authority, funds, and mandate
beyond flood protection
Governance process enablers
o Environmental advocacy groups o Inter-agency working group
o Alliance of residents/property owners
o Space for stakeholder deliberation and co-design
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Stakeholder landscape
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Residents Environmental
groups
Experts
Authorities
Narratives
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Hierarchical view
Individualistic view Egalitarian view
Flood
protection first
Restore the wild river The river
should serve the people
NBS Hybrid
(triple dividend)
Landslide risk in Nocera Inferiore
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Wicked problem
• Multiple stakeholders
• Contested terrain
• No unique view of the problem
• Considerable uncertainty
• Strong value conflicts
Nocera Inferiore: Main enablers
Pre-existing enablers (physical/economic/legal)
• Large opposition to grey measures
• Environmental NGOs and municipal authority support
• Cross-sectoral support (urban development and waste)
• Awareness raised by disaster event
• (Limited) funding availability
Emerging governance enablers
• Active and early stakeholder engagement
• Participatory process with co-design
• Political willingness at local level
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Stakeholder landscape
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Hierarchical view
Individualistic view Egalitarian view
Safety first
Careful stewardship of the mountain Rational
choice (relocation)
Co-production of policy options
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October 17, 2019
Rational choice (relocation)
Careful stewardship of the mountain
Safety first
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October 17, 2019
Hierarchical view
Individualistic view Egalitarian view
Safety first
Careful stewardship of the mountain Rational
choice (relocation)
NBS Hybrid
(triple dividend)
The message for IDRiM: Triple dividend
We can make a stronger case for DRR if we merge agendas to simultaneously tackle the transformations called for by the
• Sendai Framework,
• Paris Agreement, and
• Global commitment to halt the loss of biodiversity.
This means
• commitment by the DRR community to NBSs!
• supporting the governance enablers for NBS: strong advocacy groups, polycentric governance, and inclusive stakeholder deliberation
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Thank you
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www//iiasa.ac.at
