“Good ecosystems management is critical for
managing climate extremes and disasters. It plays three positive roles: delivery of ecosystem-based adaptation; delivery of co-benefits for livelihoods and biodiversity
conservation; and support for climate mitigation. Healthy ecosystems, whether
natural or modified, have a critical role to play through adaptation by reducing the
risk of impacts from climate extremes and disasters on human society. Investment
in sustainable ecosystem management has the potential to provide improved livelihoods
and well-being. For example, conservation of water resources and wetlands that provide
hydrological sustainability can further aid adaptation by reducing the pressures and
impacts on human water supply. Forests have also been used in the Alps and elsewhere
as effective risk reducing measures against avalanches, rock-falls and landslides since
the 1900s, and mangrove replanting has been used as a buffer against cyclones and
storm surges, with reports of 70 to 90% reduction in energy from wind-generated waves
in coastal areas and reduction in the number of deaths from cyclones, depending on
the health and extent of the mangroves.”
