Scientific evidence for ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction

authored by

K. Sudmeier-Rieux, T. Arce-Mojica, H. J. Boehmer, N. Doswald, L. Emerton, D. A. Friess, S. Galvin, M. Hagenlocher, H. James, P. Laban, C. Lacambra, W. Lange, B. G. McAdoo, C. Moos, J. Mysiak, L. Narvaez, U. Nehren, P. Peduzzi, F. G. Renaud, S. Sandholz, L. Schreyers, Z. Sebesvari, T. Tom, A. Triyanti, P. van Eijk, M. van Staveren, M. Vicarelli, Y. Walz

Abstract

Ecosystems play a potentially important role in sustainably reducing the risk of disaster events worldwide. Yet, to date, there are few comprehensive studies that summarize the state of knowledge of ecosystem services and functions for disaster risk reduction. This paper builds scientific evidence through a review of 529 English-language articles published between 2000 and 2019. It catalogues the extent of knowledge on, and confidence in, ecosystems in reducing disaster risk. The data demonstrate robust links and cost-effectiveness between certain ecosystems in reducing specific hazards, something that was revealed to be particularly true for the role of vegetation in the stabilization of steep slopes. However, the published research was limited in geographic distribution and scope, with a concentration on urban areas of the Global North, with insufficient relevant research on coastal, dryland and watershed areas, especially in the Global South. Many types of ecosystem can provide sustainable and multifunctional approaches to disaster risk reduction. Yet, if they are to play a greater role, more attention is needed to fill research gaps and develop performance standards.

External Organisation(s)

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
TH Köln - University of Applied Sciences
University of the South Pacific
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Central Environmental Authority (CEA)
National University of Singapore
University of Cologne
Duke University
University of Lausanne (UNIL)
University of Venice
University of Geneva
Wageningen University and Research
Utrecht University
Wetlands International, Netherlands
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Type

Article

Journal

Nature Sustainability

Volume

4

Pages

803-810

No. of pages

8

Publication date

09.2021

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Global and Planetary Change, Food Science, Geography, Planning and Development, Ecology, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Urban Studies, Nature and Landscape Conservation, Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-021-00732-4 (Access: Closed)