Project
TSU-MAB Initiative to prepare for coastal threats in the Savegre Biosphere Reserve
About the project
This initiative aimed to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities in the "Savegre Biosphere Reserve", through the development of an integrated approach to preparing for coastal threats.
More than 60 representatives of local and national institutions and organizations participate in the process and form the articulation of various actors from different levels of society, thus strengthening the governance of the Savegre Biosphere Reserve, unique in the country for its marine area- coastal. The canton of Quepos was recognized as a Tsunami Ready community by UNESCO for helping in this process.
The project's multi-hazard approach also contributed to a more robust and adaptable tsunami early warning system in Costa Rica. By calling on the DRR-biodiversity nexus, the project contributes to cross-sectoral solutions to coastal hazards, particularly by examining opportunities to implement nature-based solutions to mitigate the impacts of coastal threats. Finally, based on this pilot project, UNESCO's Tsunami Unit and MAB Program develop guidelines and guidelines to implement similar coastal hazard preparedness initiatives in other coastal Biosphere Reserves around the world.
Associated activities
Face-to-face and virtual training workshops for local actors in the care and preparation for emergencies due to coastal threats.
Training on ecosystem services and nature-based solutions in Quepos.
Preparation of flood and evacuation maps of the urban center of Quepos, the community of Manuel Antonio, and Manuel Antonio National Park.
Review and update five emergency plans and operational plans for Quepos.
Studies of bathymetry, topography, vulnerable areas, safe areas, flood-prone areas and identification of vital ecosystems for disaster mitigation.
Results
By the end of the project, the selected communities of the Savegre Biosphere Reserve have a better understanding of the coastal risks based on scientific and technical assessments; revised and improved emergency care policies and procedures; strengthened synergies between stakeholders and improved governance structures within the Savegre Biosphere Reserve. Recognition has been given to these tsunami-ready communities. Also, we saw the potential of the nature-based solutions to improve resilience to coastal hazards.
As a result, we verified the strengthening of the Local Emergency Committee of Quepos in preparing for coastal threats in the Savegre Biosphere Reserve.
We identified nature-based solutions, such as mangrove ecosystem restoration, coral reef ecosystem recovery. Also, we identified some improvements in agricultural practices in palm plantations.
