The Use of Geo-information in Eco-DRR: From Mapping to Decision Support

Abstract

Ecosystem services can play an important role as measures for disaster risk reduction. At the same time it is important to find out where and how ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction really can make a difference. If we want to find out what will be the effect of alternative risk reduction measures, how ecosystem services can play a role in this context, and how they compare with other types of interventions, then there is a clear role for geo-information. Geographical information, such as obtained from spatial-temporal simulation modelling and spatial multi-criteria evaluation, is used for analyzing and monitoring what could be the effect of alternative development scenarios on the exposure to natural hazards, or of different combinations of engineered, ecosystem-based and other non-structural risk reduction measures. This helps to set management priorities and propose actions for risk reduction and risk-informed spatial planning. With the help of a spatial decision support system, the effect of risk reduction alternatives and their effect on risk reduction – now and in the future – can be analyzed and compared. This can support the selection of ‘best’ alternatives. The recently developed RiskChanges is presented, which is a web-based, open-source spatial decision support tool for the analysis of changing risk to natural hazards. It is envisaged that the use of the RiskChanges will support the provision of relevant geo-information about risk and changes in risk, and thus provides input for structured risk reduction-, disaster response-, and spatial development-planning.