Disaster Science, planning and response: Building resilient ecosystems and communities
Our Work
For nearly a decade we've been on the leading edge in recognizing the link between the impact of disasters on natural resources and the severity of human suffering, economic losses, and ability to rebound in the aftermath of disasters. The growing number of natural and human-induced disasters is raising the awareness of that linkage nationally and globally. Our work focuses on science, policies and direct on the ground actions in disaster planning and response. It includes working to understand these events and how to manage for them; educating all parties, mobilizing strategic and tactical teams; responding to immediate needs including debris and restoration, knowing how to mitigate and adapt, balancing the built and natural environment. Our work has included studying and responding to tsunamis, hurricanes, volcanoes and climate-change extreme events.
In January the Center with UC Davis, and Virginia Tech convened a symposium and workshop on new science and policy framework for building disaster resilient ecosystems and human communities. : January 15-16 Washington D.C. Participants from congressional representatives, US and international academia, international US programs, government agencies, NGO and private sector, convened in a cutting edge symposium and workshop that established natural resources, and balancing natural and bult environments, as part of disaster planning and response. Announcement here and Highlight summary here.
Images Above Dr Michael Ziccardi (UC Davis), Dr Deborah Brosnan, and Dr Susan Roberts (National Academy of Sciences) speakers and contributers at the disaster science symposium. Below: Workshop participants discuss perspectives, needs and recommendations.
Additional Resources: Journal Editorial: Life on the Rebound : Meadows and Brosnan: Minimizing Damange to Coral Reefs and Ecosystems: Lessons from Tsunami : Convening a science war room during disasters : Lessons and Recommendations summary of report to UN
For nearly a decade we've been on the leading edge in recognizing the link between the impact of disasters on natural resources and the severity of human suffering, economic losses, and ability to rebound in the aftermath of disasters. The growing number of natural and human-induced disasters is raising the awareness of that linkage nationally and globally. Our work focuses on science, policies and direct on the ground actions in disaster planning and response. It includes working to understand these events and how to manage for them; educating all parties, mobilizing strategic and tactical teams; responding to immediate needs including debris and restoration, knowing how to mitigate and adapt, balancing the built and natural environment. Our work has included studying and responding to tsunamis, hurricanes, volcanoes and climate-change extreme events.
In January the Center with UC Davis, and Virginia Tech convened a symposium and workshop on new science and policy framework for building disaster resilient ecosystems and human communities. : January 15-16 Washington D.C. Participants from congressional representatives, US and international academia, international US programs, government agencies, NGO and private sector, convened in a cutting edge symposium and workshop that established natural resources, and balancing natural and bult environments, as part of disaster planning and response. Announcement here and Highlight summary here.
Images Above Dr Michael Ziccardi (UC Davis), Dr Deborah Brosnan, and Dr Susan Roberts (National Academy of Sciences) speakers and contributers at the disaster science symposium. Below: Workshop participants discuss perspectives, needs and recommendations.
Additional Resources: Journal Editorial: Life on the Rebound : Meadows and Brosnan: Minimizing Damange to Coral Reefs and Ecosystems: Lessons from Tsunami : Convening a science war room during disasters : Lessons and Recommendations summary of report to UN
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Special Section; Debris.
Images Above: Fishing net dragged offshore by tsunami ends up tangled on a coral reef.
Left: Hurricane aftermath, debris strewn in coastal marshes of Louisiana
An element of our work concerns the impacts of debris and damage to natural resources and how that affects communities and ecosystems. In tsunamis and hurricanes we have dealt with the impact of debris on natural and human systems. We mobilize and coordinate scientific and technical expertise andwork with governments, NGOs and international groups, and most importantly with those communities directly impacted by these events.. Contact us for more details. Additional resources below.
NEW: Guest Opinion Special to Statesman Journal, Article by Deborah Brosnan on tsunami debris and Oregon coast.
Or view text and additional images on this site here
Human and Ecosystem Connections: DEALING WITH DEBRIS
A tragic feature of these types of catastrophes is that they damage natural resources and at the very time when people need them for food and income. Sadly it is also the time when there are few if any resources available to address ecosystem recovery and rebuilding. Among the consequences are that people are left without income and food; conflicts increase as natural resources become scarcer; remaining resources are rapidly exploited by communities in need.
The aftermath of a natural disaster is late to start planning for impacts on resources like beaches, fisheries, reserves and other ecosystems. It is also too late to begin discussions on sustainability. Communities are in crisis and do not have the time to wait. It is vitally important to begin planning for the effects on natural resources and put response plans and teams in place.
Tsunamis and hurricanes generate vast overwhelming amounts of debris. The Japan tsunami generated an estimated 29 million tons (25 million tonnes). Strewn along the coast, swept into the ocean, and piled up on the seabed, this debris hampers recovery and damages natural resources. Next to human needs, dealing with debris is one of the greatest problems. The infrastructure to deal with it is often gone- for instance incinerators and the power to run them are frequently wiped out. Dealing with debris is a multi-year and multi-skill effort. However in dealing with habitats and coastal resources, there is much that we can do ahead of time and in response.
CENTER’S BLUEPRINT: Summary
Identify ahead of time the types of debris, the likely volumes and the type of damage it may do: For instance containers of toxic chemicals are often found in urban areas. Fishing nets and gear are common in coastal fishing communities.
Identify those areas that are most likely to affected. These include vital fisheries habitats, and marine reserves (an insurance policy to ensure the future of marine resources), recreational sites along the coast etc.
Identify the types of damage. It is important to know where toxic chemical containers may end up, as they can severely damage people and wildlife. Fishing gear debris kills commercially important species.
Identify the priority areas for response and develop a safe and effective response. For instance, if fishing grounds, aquaculture ventures, and marine reserves are buried in debris or being damaged by toxins, communities lose valuable resources. The damage is not a once-off event but continues until the area has been cleaned up.
Convene the right team with the disciplines and knowledge needed for the tasks ahead. Specialists, government, and local communities and groups like fishermen, and environmentalists have unique skills to contribute and when working together make for a holistic and effective response.
Other Resources
Summary Report to UN: Key Lessons and Recommendations for Post-Tsunami Recovery and for the Aftermath of Global Natural Disasters by Deborah Brosnan (Adapted here)
D. Meadows and D. Brosnan, Lessons for Minimizing Impacts to Coral Reef and Other Ecosystems from the 2004 Tsunami. (peer reviewed publication)
Images Above: Fishing net dragged offshore by tsunami ends up tangled on a coral reef.
Left: Hurricane aftermath, debris strewn in coastal marshes of Louisiana
An element of our work concerns the impacts of debris and damage to natural resources and how that affects communities and ecosystems. In tsunamis and hurricanes we have dealt with the impact of debris on natural and human systems. We mobilize and coordinate scientific and technical expertise andwork with governments, NGOs and international groups, and most importantly with those communities directly impacted by these events.. Contact us for more details. Additional resources below.
NEW: Guest Opinion Special to Statesman Journal, Article by Deborah Brosnan on tsunami debris and Oregon coast.
Or view text and additional images on this site here
Human and Ecosystem Connections: DEALING WITH DEBRIS
A tragic feature of these types of catastrophes is that they damage natural resources and at the very time when people need them for food and income. Sadly it is also the time when there are few if any resources available to address ecosystem recovery and rebuilding. Among the consequences are that people are left without income and food; conflicts increase as natural resources become scarcer; remaining resources are rapidly exploited by communities in need.
The aftermath of a natural disaster is late to start planning for impacts on resources like beaches, fisheries, reserves and other ecosystems. It is also too late to begin discussions on sustainability. Communities are in crisis and do not have the time to wait. It is vitally important to begin planning for the effects on natural resources and put response plans and teams in place.
Tsunamis and hurricanes generate vast overwhelming amounts of debris. The Japan tsunami generated an estimated 29 million tons (25 million tonnes). Strewn along the coast, swept into the ocean, and piled up on the seabed, this debris hampers recovery and damages natural resources. Next to human needs, dealing with debris is one of the greatest problems. The infrastructure to deal with it is often gone- for instance incinerators and the power to run them are frequently wiped out. Dealing with debris is a multi-year and multi-skill effort. However in dealing with habitats and coastal resources, there is much that we can do ahead of time and in response.
CENTER’S BLUEPRINT: Summary
Identify ahead of time the types of debris, the likely volumes and the type of damage it may do: For instance containers of toxic chemicals are often found in urban areas. Fishing nets and gear are common in coastal fishing communities.
Identify those areas that are most likely to affected. These include vital fisheries habitats, and marine reserves (an insurance policy to ensure the future of marine resources), recreational sites along the coast etc.
Identify the types of damage. It is important to know where toxic chemical containers may end up, as they can severely damage people and wildlife. Fishing gear debris kills commercially important species.
Identify the priority areas for response and develop a safe and effective response. For instance, if fishing grounds, aquaculture ventures, and marine reserves are buried in debris or being damaged by toxins, communities lose valuable resources. The damage is not a once-off event but continues until the area has been cleaned up.
Convene the right team with the disciplines and knowledge needed for the tasks ahead. Specialists, government, and local communities and groups like fishermen, and environmentalists have unique skills to contribute and when working together make for a holistic and effective response.
Other Resources
Summary Report to UN: Key Lessons and Recommendations for Post-Tsunami Recovery and for the Aftermath of Global Natural Disasters by Deborah Brosnan (Adapted here)
D. Meadows and D. Brosnan, Lessons for Minimizing Impacts to Coral Reef and Other Ecosystems from the 2004 Tsunami. (peer reviewed publication)