Integrating Risk Management Ecosystems and Water-Related Risks

Water-related disasters account for most disasters, with devastating environmental and economic consequences, wherein the deficit or excess of water result in a range of hazards, from drought to flood. Poor water resource and ecosystem management makes disaster risk more pronounced. There is a strong need to adopt a coherent approach to water-related risks and enhance risk knowledge and early warning (from what the weather might be, to what it may do).

The session discussed the wide range of water risk and complexity of the challenge, showcase good examples of integrated risk management and set out the key areas where substantial policy improvements and investments could be made. The session also highlighted the key policy measures across different water risks and sectors and demonstrate practical examples of replicable and scale-able ecosystem-based approaches, particularly in the water sector. Perspectives of different stakeholders, engineers, policymakers, investors and donors will be shared.

Moderator:

Monika Weber-Fahr, Executive Secretary, Global Water Partnership

Keynote speaker:

Han Seung-soo, Former Prime Minister of Republic of Korea, Chair of the High-Level Experts and Leaders Panel on Water and Disasters

Speakers:

Carlos Ortuño Yañez, Minister for Environment and Water Bolivia

Godfrey Bahiigwa, Director of Rural Economy and Agriculture at African Union Commission

Deon Nel, Chief Executive Officer Global Resilience Partnership

Jane Madgwick, Chief Executive Officer Wetlands International