Purpose of research
Photo：🄫Hiro @ Raycrew
The purpose of this research is to develop a package of adaptation measures based on NbS (Nature-based Solutions) that will realize disaster prevention and socio-economic resilience using natural and artificial infrastructure for coastal communities in Pacific atoll nations that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This research activity then aims to move towards social implementation of this NbS package with the cooperation of international organizations and others.
About NbS
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are defined as measures aimed at protecting, conserving, restoring, sustainably using and managing terrestrial, freshwater, natural or modified coastal and marine ecosystems while ensuring human well-being, ecosystem services, resilience and biodiversity benefits.
The landmasses of atoll nations are made of sediment produced by coral reefs, which protect them from ocean waves. However, the elevation of the land mass is less than 2-3 meters, making them vulnerable to rising sea levels and stronger waves caused by climate change. In addition to traditional engineering perspectives, this research project aims to implement NbS methods to make coastal communities in atoll nations sustainable and resilient, taking into account the wave-breaking effects of coral reefs and other natural mechanisms such as the production and movement of sediment.
The landmasses of atoll nations are made of sediment produced by coral reefs, which protect them from ocean waves. However, the elevation of the land mass is less than 2-3 meters, making them vulnerable to rising sea levels and stronger waves caused by climate change. In addition to traditional engineering perspectives, this research project aims to implement NbS methods to make coastal communities in atoll nations sustainable and resilient, taking into account the wave-breaking effects of coral reefs and other natural mechanisms such as the production and movement of sediment.
Applicable country
This research will target atoll nations in the Pacific region, with Majuro Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) as the model site. The results of this research will be applicable to other islands in the RMI, as well as Kiribati and Tuvalu.
Project duration
The research project will run from FY 2024 to FY2026, but it is expected that activities will continue beyond that period to implement the research results in society.
