To assess and formulate an ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) strategy to support Biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services and livelihood support in the Indian subcontinent
| Project title | To assess and formulate an ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) strategy to support Biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services and livelihood support in the Indian subcontinent |
| Implementing Institutions | 1. Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India http://wii.gov.in/ 2. Institute for Global Environment Strategies, Japan http://www.iges.or.jp/en/index.html |
| Country(ies) | India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh |
| Abstract | This project aims at inventorying and assessing two transboundary watersheds with Protected Areas (Manas and Gandaki River basins) for their role in provisioning ecosystem based disaster Risk Reduction in the Indian Subcontinent by using RS/GIS technology and participatory resource mapping techniques. It is expected that the outputs from this scoping study will demonstrate the need to incorporate ECO-DRR into national and sub-national policies besides strengthening the current mitigation strategies adapted by local communities. |
| Project Description | Eco-DRR is increasingly gaining international attention and its implementation is encouraged under multilateral agreements such as the CBD, Sendai Framework for Action, IPBES regional assessments etc. The post-2015 DRR agenda aims at reducing 60% of disasters in a sustainable way of which 40% can be Eco-DRR measures. However, there is also a need to continue building evidence and the database in order to incorporate the role of ecosystem, especially PAs in risk modelling and assessments. PAs come with an existing management structure, boundaries, management infrastructure and in a growing number of cases will also have effective monitoring systems in place, making it relatively easier to track investments in DRR-related management. And in virtually all cases, DRR from PAs will be additional to other economic benefits that PAs bring to rural communities, such as from tourism, jobs and other ecosystem services. As there is no intergovernmental strategy, or policy that takes into account the transboundary PAs (and watersheds within) and their effective conservation and management, there is an urgent need to develop a pilot study to address this knowledge gap. Application of RS/GIS technology is therefore a powerful tool when combined with field information to carry out regional PA and watershed management and planning for DRR and mitigation. Based on the above this study aims at assessing the role and function of PAs as an effective tool for Eco-DRR and adaptation for local community in a transboundary watershed area of Bhutan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. |
| Project Objectives and expected Achievables | Objectives: 1. To identify and assess the scenarios of disasters (floods, wildlife, earthquake, landslide, refugee migration, armed conflict etc) with respect to relevant ecosystem services which can enhance the resilience of the ecosystem, using advanced technologies and provide linkages with Protected Area management, landuse and livelihood support systems in the study area. 2. To engage local communities in awareness raising and capacity building for preparedness and adaptation to disasters using a transboundary watershed management approach and designing a community based natural disaster warning system. 3. To prepare an ecosystem-based DRR toolkit, that can be used to build the capacity of multiple stakeholders such as local community, Protected Area managers and officials at the regional level. Expected outcomes include the following: 1. Enhanced capacity of multiple stakeholders, and improved cooperation among planners in the region for sustainable and inclusive Protected Area management for enhanced and equitable livelihood benefits and disaster resilience, contributing to global conservation agendas 2. Improved ecosystem management of the landscapes, better livelihood options, enhanced ecological integrity, economic development, and socio-cultural resilience to environmental changes. 3. Improved integrated river basin management to reduce physical vulnerabilities and improve food and energy security for mountain and downstream communities while recognizing upstream interests. |
| Timeframe | 2 years |
| Geographic Scale | Multinational |
| Seeking Resources for: | Project development |
| Type of Resources/Support needed: | Financial, Technical |