TSU/MAB Joint Initiative on coastal hazard preparedness in the Savegre Biosphere Reserve

Project title: Tsunami Unit (UNESCO/IOC) - Man and Biosphere Programme (UNESCO) Joint Initiative: Integrated approach to coastal hazards in the Savegre Biosphere Reserve, Costa Rica: saving lives, protecting biodiversity

Organization: UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Unit (TSU) and UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB)

Start of the project: 01/07/2021

Implementation period: 18 months

Geographical scope: Savegre Biosphere Reserve, Costa Rica.

Risk scenarios covered: Tsunamis, storm surges, and inundation from heavy rainfall 

Brief Summary: This project is designed to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities in Savegre Biosphere Reserve by developing an integrated approach to coastal hazard preparedness. At the end of the project, selected communities of the Savegre Biosphere Reserve will have an improved understanding of coastal hazard risks based on sound scientific assessments; improved emergency procedures and policies; strengthened synergies between key stakeholders and enhanced governance structures within the Biosphere Reserve; recognized Tsunami Ready communities; and the inclusion of nature-based solutions to enhance resilience to coastal hazards. The multi-hazard approach of the project will also contribute to an overall stronger and more adaptable tsunami early warning system in Costa Rica. In addition, by focusing on the DRR-biodiversity nexus, the project will contribute to intersectoral solutions to coastal hazards, notably by examining opportunities for nature-based solutions to mitigate impacts. Finally, based on this pilot project, the TSU and MAB will develop guidelines for implementing coastal hazard preparedness in Biosphere Reserves to inform replication worldwide.

Project objectives

The TSU-MAB Joint Initiative has three overarching objectives:

Project implementation plan

The project will be implemented in five phases, each with their own activities and outputs.

Lead organisations

This project is a Joint Initiative between the Tsunami Unit (TSU) and the Man and Biosphere programme (MAB) which benefits from and builds on the complementary expertise and experience of both groups.

Under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the TSU supports the 150 IOC Member States in assessing tsunami risk, implementing Tsunami Early Warning Systems (EWS) and educating communities at risk about preparedness measures. The TSU has demonstrated strong capacity to coordinate and support tsunami preparedness efforts through their Tsunami Ready programme, which also provides strong foundations and processes for developing preparedness and response plans under this Joint Initiative. Four communities in Costa Rica have been recognized by IOC as Tsunami Ready, including Quepos, a bordering city of the Savegre Biosphere Reserve. 

The MAB is a scientific programme of UNESCO which supports sustainable use and conservation of biosphere resources and improvement of human-environment relationships, including through the designation of Biosphere Reserves. Management of and support to Biosphere Reserves has endowed the MAB with unique knowledge about characteristics, needs, and processes of these sites. In addition, the Ibero-American and Caribbean Network of MAB Committees and Biosphere Reserves (IberoMAB) held a symposium in 2018 on natural disasters in Biosphere Reserves which provides initial ideas and information on managing such events in Biosphere Reserves.  

For additional information about the project, please contact Celine Tiffay and/or Andres Rodriguez.