Helping nature help us: Transforming disaster risk reduction through ecosystem management

This publication documents the importance of biodiversity in disaster risk reduction and makes a case for the implementation of integrated approaches that benefit both biodiversity conservation and risk reduction. The ecosystem approach for disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) is a key element of proactive disaster risk reduction but still remains underdeveloped worldwide and in need of scaling up. Building on regional experiences on Eco-DRR, the report also highlights the opportunities and entry points to scale-up integrated approaches in six regions. 

Part 1 of this report provides a conceptual background on the importance of biodiversity in disaster risk reduction, and opportunities to mainstream Eco-DRR as a crosscutting issue into policies and practice.

Part 2 of the report provides a summary of individual regional assessments on the role of biodiversity in disaster risk reduction. The summaries particularly highlight key disaster challenges in each region, experiences with Eco-DRR, and use regional examples to make a case for the adoption of Eco-DRR approaches. Each regional summary concludes with key messages and recommendations to implement integrated approaches.