With the support of the European Commission, UN Environment has been working in vulnerable countries advocating the benefits of ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction.

The Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch based in Geneva leads the global ecosystem-based disaster reduction work, with operations in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti and Sudan. This work was highlighted on 13 October, the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction.

In Afghanistan, UN Environment supported the planting of 140,000 trees to help protect communities from floods and help them prepare for harsh winters. UN Environment and local communities organized workshops and re-vegetation activities.

“Through these activities, we have improved the knowledge of people in my community, on how trees and vegetation reduce the risk of flooding,” said Haji Abdul Qadeer, Chief Environmental Officer for the Khushkak Community.

In the Lukaya River basin of the DR Congo, UN Environment has helped implement agroforestry schemes that reduced flood risk, protected riverbanks from erosion, improved drinking water quality and generated income for communities with few livelihood options.

UN Environment has furthermore been working with fishermen in Haiti for many years. In the lead up to Hurricane Matthew, fishermen in the city of Port Salut followed the emergency protocol developed in partnership with UN Environment, working together to move boats and equipment to safety.

In South Haiti, ecosystem-based approaches meanwhile help support sustainable and resilient fishing. Repairing boats has reduced fishing pressure from coral reefs, which are important buffers to storms. Fishing away from the shore increases the ability of coral reefs and fish stocks to recover.

Tree nurseries and community forests in North Darfur, Sudan are helping protect soils from erosion. Managing drylands sustainably is key to reducing drought risk, as well as improving food and water security.

Raising awareness about the benefits of ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction measures has the potential to reduce the impacts of disasters. Let’s help more people #LivetoTell their story.

Find out more here or contact sophie.brown@unep.org