Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and community resilience in Indonesia: a cost-benefit and equity analysis

This study evaluates the economic efficiency of the Indonesia project using a Cost-Benefit Analysis to compare implementation costs with observed and future benefits. It also performs an equity assessment, examining the distribution of benefits among the people affected by the intervention with a particular focus on women, children and vulnerable socio-economic groups. Although there is some evidence that strengthening ecosystem services is a cost-efficient approach to address certain natural hazards, more research is needed to assess the economic efficiency and equity of Eco-DRR activities in strengthening community resilience. The aim of this study is to contribute to this growing literature.

The portfolio of Eco-DRR and resilience building activities implemented in Indonesia focuses on community- driven peatland ecosystem restoration and protection of about 50 hectares of peatland ecosystem in Muara Batang Soru sub-district in Northern Sumatra; reduction in fire risk to the surrounding communities caused by degraded peatland ecosystems; training and awareness building in local communities to reduce vulnerability to fire risk; and revitalization of local livelihoods by developing sustainable livelihood options compatible with sustainable peatland management practices. The project engages 708 local people as well as 15 community-based organizations (CBOs) and increases the resilience to disaster risk of about 2300 residents from target villages.