As ecosystem-based approaches to societal needs become more pertinent to sustainable development aspirations of national governments, it is important to support quality knowledge transfer and facilitate learning exchanges that enable policymakers to champion actions on policy and implementation.
Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (EcoDRR) and Ecoystem-based Adaptation (EbA) have gained recognition, been piloted on the ground and mandated through global policy frameworks such as the Paris agreement and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Consequently, both approaches are increasingly proving their potential for cost-effective, accessible and environmentally friendly solutions to human security against disaster risks and climate change impacts. It is therefore pertinent to continue supporting national governments in their learning journeys to understand, appreciate and implement the potential of ecosystem-based solutions to their disaster and climate risks.
This project builds on the strong success of Phase I of the Resilience through Investing in Ecosystems – knowledge, innovation, and transformation of risk management (RELIEF Kit) project, aiming to further support the capacity development and provide concrete tools, such as the CBD voluntary guidelines, for senior-level technically oriented policymakers, and in doing so, enabling them to further operationalize and scale-up EcoDRR and EbA for their citizens. It is especially important that not only the environment and conservation-oriented policymakers (including CBD focal points) but disaster risk managers fully understand and recognize the importance of EcoDRR, EbA, and voluntary guidelines. Therefore the project will aim to:
- Provide targeted capacity developed aimed at disaster management negotiators and humanitarian aid actors based in Geneva;
- Re-convene a select number of policymakers who participated in Phase I, to provide a forum to check in on progress and plan for future actions;
- Compile an information paper that CBD parties can benefit from, based on the role of EcoDRR, EbA, the value of voluntary guidelines and the relevance of this project to set a post-2020 biodiversity agenda.
The project will conclude with doing a follow up survey to capture its impact on learning and knowledge transfer.
Supported by: