Nature-Based Solutions to Combat Water Related Disasters

Parts of South-East Asia are at extreme risk from the impacts of typhoons and resultant flooding. One such area was identified as the most vulnerable to water-related disasters (WRD) with root causes being attributed to: population exposure, deforestation, poverty, gender inequality, and a lack of disaster preparedness.

Using our expertise in adaptation, ecological systems, local empowerment strategies, and capacity building, we sought to develop an adaptation project together with a client that would address this vulnerability by taking a nature-based solutions approach.  The project targeted river basins, together with an upland peat bog area that is vulnerable to exploitation.

The project sought to implement direct nature-based measures together with creation of systems for the development of resilience through local and national-level investment in nature-based-solutions and community management disaster resilience. The project included a programme of capacity building to communities and local government to build resilience in the most vulnerable areas; the development of community managed watershed ecosystem restoration with nature-based solutions at its core; AI-based flood forecasting and early warning systems to be implemented in key areas that will allow disaster prediction and the creation of a knowledge base; and disaster risk management through capacity building and gender responsiveness.

This holistic approach to disaster management in most vulnerable areas to climate change provides an excellent template and set of best practices.  And AvaTerra Global has the necessary experience to provide such solutions around the world, and especially in disaster-prone areas.  Contact us if you would like support in developing sound, practical, and winning solutions to climate adaptation projects.