Disaster Risk Reduction / Réduction des risques de catastrophes

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    Flooding in the suburbs of Dakar : impacts on the assets and adaptation strategies of households or communities
    (International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), 2015) Cissé, Oumar; Sèye, Moustapha
    Since 2005, Senegal has experienced severe and recurrent flooding. In Pikine, the most populous suburb of Dakar, the 2009 floods affected a third of the population. The government mobilized major investment for drainage and water retention infrastructure, as well as for development of resettlement sites for affected households. However, little is known about the responses, expectations and solutions of those affected. To address this gap we examine the experiences of people living in the commune of Yeumbeul Nord in the city of Pikine around the flood events of 2005, 2009 and 2012. In response to flood hazard and its impact, local residents developed a set of actions to preserve their housing, workplace, goods, family health and security, and children’s schooling. Household mobilization was focused on flood water management and physical adaptations, including raising septic tanks and toilets. Affected households preferred the strategy of housing upgrading and neighbourhood improvement over the option of resettlement.
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    Drawing a line in the sand : managing coastal flooding risks in the city of Cape Town
    (2013) Colenbrander, D.; Cartwright, A.; Taylor, A.
    Cape Town is internationally renowned for its beaches and coastal beauty. In an effort to reduce storm surge and sea-level damage due to climate change, coastal municipalities in South Africa have begun to implement set-back policies in line with the country’s Integrated Coastal Management Act. What was not anticipated were the divergent policy interpretations and resistances encountered from within public sector directorates with the same broad mandate. The paper suggests that the influence of different mentalities, technologies, resources and institutional frameworks are the norm when dealing with adaptation to climate change. Recognizing and managing these differences is critical.
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    Data collection challenges and identifying climate change drivers : background paper
    (2014) Abdrabo, Mohamed; Almansi, Florencia; Almeida, Oriana; Bidegain, Mario; Caffera, Mario
    One of the most common problems described in all the workshop presentations was drawn out bureaucratic processes required for accessing reliable scientific data. Data collection challenges are more demanding in developing countries given the lack of indicators or data in many fields, alongside lack of access to information and an absence of transparency with available data. Insufficient knowledge of complex biophysical data (within usable time frames for analysis) is also a major challenge. This report synthesizes several projects from hotspots in the developing world with a multi-method approach across project sites, developed in partnership with local organizations and stakeholders.
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    Methodological strengths and weaknesses of climate change modeling and downscaling : background research paper
    (2014) Abdrabo, Mohamed; Almansi, Florencia; Almeida, Oriana; Bidegain, Mario; Caffera, Mario
    “Downscaling” is a method of generating data from global models that can be locally relevant, and is useful for analyzing potential impacts and conducting vulnerability studies. As coastal zones are particularly susceptible to climate change impacts, this background paper analyzes some of the strengths and challenges of downscaling General Circulation Models (GCM) that were experienced by Climate Change and Water (CCW) project partners conducting adaptation research in coastal areas. Downscaled and modeled information must focus on end-user needs, particularly in developing countries, including a clear understanding of available data limits, and acknowledgement of uncertainty and probability.
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    Understanding vulnerability in coastal and estuary areas : background research paper
    (2014) Abdrabo, Mohamed; Almansi, Florencia; Almeida, Oriana; Bidegain, Mario; Caffera, Mario
    This background paper explores vulnerability in coastal areas or estuaries, with a focus on enhancing adaptive capacity. “Vulnerability” may refer to the vulnerable system itself, or to the impact on a given system, such as flooding in low-lying coastal cities. The projects in this report identified socio-ecological variables in order to improve understanding of vulnerabilities in coastal zone areas, with vulnerability seen as not strictly related to climate, but bound up with socio-economic and developmental processes. The research projects provide insights into a set of inter-relationships involving actors and processes, at a wide range of scales and locales.
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    Adaptation aux changements climatiques dans les zones côtières et estuariennes : rapport de synthèse de la rencontre des partenaires soutenus par le CRDI qui mènent des recherches sur l'adaptation aux changements climatiques dans les zones côtières et estuariennes
    (2013) Zeidemann, Vivian; Rivero, Sergio; Almeida, Oriana
    Les zones côtières et estuariennes sont parmi les systèmes les plus productifs de la planète (Adargy et coll., 2005). Elles fournissent des services écosystémiques importants : elles représentent, à l’échelle mondiale, 25 % de la productivité primaire, de 90 à 95 % des pêches et 80 % de la production de carbonate (Tolba et coll., 1992). Qui plus est, les zones côtières ont une densité de population trois fois plus élevée que les terres intérieures; elles abritent plus d’un milliard de personnes dont plus de 71 % vivent dans un rayon de 50 km d’un estuaire (Adargy et coll., 2005). Les changements climatiques ajoutent une pression croissante sur ces régions que l’activité humaine met déjà sérieusement à mal...
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    Adaptation to climate change in coastal areas and estuaries : synthesis report from the meeting of IDRC-funded partners working on climate change adaptation research in coastal areas and estuarine systems
    (2013) Zeidemann, Vivian; Rivero, Sergio; Almeida, Oriana
    Coastal areas and estuaries are among the most productive systems on the earth (Adargy et al., 2005). They are responsible for providing important ecosystems services such as 25% of global primary productivity, 90-95% of global fishing production, and 80% of the world’s carbonate production (Tolba et al., 1992). Furthermore, coastal areas have a density population nearly three times higher than inland areas, housing a population of more than a billion people, with more than 71% of this population living within 50 km of an estuary (Adargy et al., 2005). Climate change is adding increasing pressure on those areas that are already seriously threatened by human activity...
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    Socio-ecological resilience in the context of sea level rise
    (2014) Pinedo-Vasquez, Miguel; Vogt, Nathan
    The presentation addresses ways to build adaptive capacities of indigenous communities in the Amazon Estuary, a region governed by tidal floods. It reviews available data that shows fluctuations in land use and sources of income from the 1950’s to 2008, as well as contexts of rural/urban population changes. Advancing the notion of socio-ecological resilience, it advocates for local peoples’ capacity to adapt by maintaining the structural and functional features of social and natural landscapes over time.
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    Improving flood management planning in Thailand : a case of Chao Phraya river basin
    (Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), 2013) Poapongsakorn, Nipon; Limskul, Atsmon
    Severe flooding occurred during the 2011 monsoon season in Thailand with floods soon spreading through the provinces ; 65 of Thailand's 76 provinces were declared flood disaster zones. The government’s response largely on “physical infrastructure” paid inadequate attention to the issues of “soft infrastructure” particularly the socio‐economic impact, land‐use patterns and water management institutional arrangements. These are the main focus of the presentation and analysis. Institutions at the national level are broken down in terms of legislation, organizational structure, tasks, and performance. Institutional reforms are the next step.
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    Communicating climate change risks for adaptation in coastal and delta communities in Vietnam - the case of policy makers in Quy Nhon City
    (National Institute for Science and Technology Policy and Strategy Studies, 2013) Tan Sinh, Bach; Quynh Anh, Nguyen
    The presentation consists of communication to policy makers in Quy Nhon City regarding flooding and urban development. Recommendations include: Use participatory models of communication; Use local stories and examples as much as possible; Work through local partners; Build on what people already know/understand; Be conscious of gender.
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    Post Indus flood research
    (Institute of Social and Environmental Transition, PK, 2013) Khan, Fawad
    The presentation reports on surveys and studies to identify critical systems for increasing resilience to climate change disasters such as floods. Results identify under-serviced areas/populations (using the census of this area in Pakistan). The study tables results of a survey documenting service availability differential between resilient and vulnerable groups (factoring quantity, quality, time) and identifying critical services that build resilience. There are no generic solutions to vulnerability, however development interventions can increase resilience if context is considered.
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    Climate change policy making : case study of Nepal's LAPA; connecting research and policy
    (ISET-Nepal, 2013) Dixit, Ajaya
    National programmes do not reach the local level for effective action and hence will not reach the most vulnerable people. Nepal is fourth in terms of international climate change vulnerability. In terms of local adaptation planning action (LAPA), the presentation advocates for a systems approach to help understand power balance and imbalances and social differentials; to generate and integrate ideas; and to engage in constructive dialogue.
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    Climate change and water governance in Cambodia
    (Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI), 2013) Chem, Phalla; Kim, Sour
    The presentation looks at climate change adaptation from the perspective of how change in natural and human systems determine vulnerability and adaptive capacity of rural populations and the government responses. It analyzes the institutional and policy level frameworks that impinge on water governance, using the case of Tonle Sap lake. A unique multi‐partner project is by far the most difficult process towards resilience, and poses an important challenge for coordination, but the presentation considers it the most workable for policy influence.
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    Coastal mega-cities at risk
    (Manila Observatory, 2013) Loyzaga, Antonia Y.
    The presentation provides an in-depth report on groundwater usage and changes in the urban population of Metro Manila with parallel changes of supply and demand on a diminishing watershed. Increased climate change vulnerability is determined by socioeconomic development impacts and interactions with natural climate variations (rainfall, monsoons), as well as human-caused climate change which cumulatively add up to influence disaster risk.
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    Part II. IRIACC study : vulnerability and adaptation to floods and other climate-related risks among marginal communities in Metro Manila
    (Ateneo de Manila University, 2013) Porio, Emma
    The presentation describes the complexity of impacts of climate change in the Philippines and in particular Metro Manila, as derived from combinations and compound effects of pre-existing vulnerabilities. Poverty, inequality and social exclusion also determine the most vulnerable groups and their ecological and environmental vulnerability of place. Photos depict graphically the effects of floods, typhoons and sea level rise on the geographical vulnerability of the islands of the Philippines. Presentation information encompasses the complexity of inter-related systems (institutional, socio-economical, geographical, climactic) that will underpin any plans for climate change adaptation.
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    Understanding vulnerability : increasing adaptive capacity and resilience among the most vulnerable to climate change effects and disasters
    (Ateneo de Manila University, 2013) Porio, Emma
    Climate impacts are a compound effect combining direct impacts, indirect impacts and pre-existing vulnerabilities. The presentation expands on the complexities of vulnerability in South Asia where ecological-environmental vulnerabilities intersect with socio-political-ecological vulnerabilities (at meso/macro levels). And where peri-/urban growth/urbanization, poverty and inequality, governance/institutional levels in turn interact with socio-political-ecological vulnerabilities. In addition, vulnerabilities at household, family community/commune levels interact with age and socio-economic status (income, occupation, education, gender, health). Adaptability studies need to address these complex inter-relationships.
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    Adapting to climate change in peri-urban Southeast Asia
    (Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), 2013) Resurrección, Bernadette P.
    The presentation provides an overview of research to identify the drivers of vulnerability (including both men and women’s experiences) to climate-related water stresses in three selected peri-urban areas in Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. The theoretical framework utilizes a political ecology approach to investigate vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies, and to assess institutionally-organized and supported adaptation programs with gender analysis. Early results and implications for policy as well as further research are included.
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    Gender, security and sanitation : action research on women's rights and access to water and sanitation (2009 - 2011)
    (Jagori and Women in Cities International (WICI), 2013) Anupriya
    Regarding water and sanitation, due to inadequate services and their maintenance, sustaining households has consumed the lives of women and girls, reducing time for education, livelihood opportunities or leisure. The presentation documents the project, its key findings, safety and security issues. The gender implications of inadequate services means public and private spheres merge: household chores spill over into the streets and drains; no lavatories for women produce fear, harassment and shame with loss of control of time and space. The project provided opportunities for influencing policy, and empowerment of groups including women, youth and displaced communities.
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    Learning for an uncertain future : vulnerabilities of agricultural production to flood in the Sangkae river basin, Northwest Cambodia
    (Learning Institute, KH, 2013) Doch, Sotheavin; Diepart, Jean-Christophe
    Vulnerability is produced through different scalar configurations of human‐environment interactions. Indicator‐based approaches are useful to categorize vulnerability, but not useful for understanding it. Horizontal and vertical integration of planning strategies is necessary, encompassing natural disaster management, spatial planning and watershed management. This presentation reviews differences in vulnerability due to socio-economic factors and regional variations in land use systems. River overflow, and run‐off floods are significant to vulnerability.
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    Gender and social vulnerability to climate change : a study of disaster prone areas in Sindh
    (Social Policy and Development Centre, PK, 2013) Ghaus, Khalida; Ahmed, Nadeem
    The study aimed to investigate gender dimensions of social vulnerability to climate change; assess the adaptive capacity of men and women at community level and the social capital available to them; and formulate a set of gender specific policy recommendations for provincial and district governments. The vulnerability of women to climate changes can be viewed as a chronic state of being rather than an outcome of environmental extremes, which can be explained by a combination of socioeconomic, political and environmental factors.