Title: Potential for Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in the Urban Landscape of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Abstract: This chapter elaborates on the potential for applying ecosystem-based solutions for urban disaster risk reduction in developing countries, based on the case study of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. The high level of mainly informal urbanization in the Kathmandu Valley has led to severe environmental problems and loss of ecosystem services. As a consequence, the livelihoods of the 2.5 million inhabitants in the almost entirely built-up Kathmandu Valley are increasingly at risk, as seen in the aftermath of the 2015 earthquakes that caused widespread damage in the urban area. Combined risks from natural hazards and unsuitable urban planning are likely to be exacerbated by climate change. Due to political instability during the past decades, the poor execution of existing plans and policies as well as the enactment of new ones remain challenging, without real signs for improvement. In addition, the complex governance system involving local, national and international actors is another challenge being faced in this urban agglomeration. Understanding of human-nature interactions, including values attached to natural assets by local communities, is crucial for the development of successful long-term strategies for risk reduction that integrate ecosystem-based solutions.
Publication Year: 2016
Publication Date: 2016-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 8
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