The first line of defense for a community against disaster is a healthy and robust ecosystem that can absorb shocks, whether they be storms, fire, earthquake or human-made disasters. So how can we strengthen the consideration of nature when designing DRR interventions? In this session we will share experiences of how using environmental screening tools such as the Nexus Environmental Assessment Tool (NEAT+) have helped to better understand root causes of disaster and thus better inform more holistic interventions. As well as touch on the multiple co-benefits mainstreaming environment into DRR activities can have for communities to build stronger defences, livelihoods and social cohesion. The objective of the session is that participants walk away with strong examples, contacts and tools to help kick-start strengthening environmental considerations in DRR.
Hilla Wessel