Ecosystems Restoration Opportunity Mapping for DRR and CCA (EcoDRR) - 2016

Project description

UNEP/GRID-Geneva and UNEP/PCDMB are developing a new methodology and global interactive tool for mapping areas where ecosystems can reduce disaster risk. The methology is crossing human exposure to natural hazards (Flood, tropical cyclones, landslides and tsunami), with presence/absence of ecosytems. It allows to prioritize areas where ecosystems should be protected and areas where ecosystems should be restored. This project will also include capacity building.

A global opportunity-mapping tool will be timely as countries are now faced with the challenge to operationalize Eco-DRR and Ecosystem-based adaptation. In 2015 a number of major global agreements were adopted which recognize the key role of ecosystems and ecosystem services in helping achieve reduction in disaster risk, sustainable development and climate change adaptation; these include the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement of UNFCCC CoP21 and the Ramsar Convention Decision XXII.13. As international attention moves from passing global agreements to actual implementation, governments, practitioners and development agencies are seeking to translate these global goals into coordinated national action plans, legislations, and development programs. The opportunity-mapping tool will add value by guiding the implementation of ecosystem-based aspects of these agreements.

The target of the global product is high-level decision makers and practitioners within governments and development agencies. UNEP will initially service a number of priority countries to test the prototype. The initial list will be aligned with the priority countries within the 5-10-50 global initiative, whereby UNDP and partners will support 50 countries over 10 years to deliver better disaster risk-informed developed on 5 critical areas. At a later stage the online opportunity-mapping platform will be made available to the public as an open access tool.