More UGM experts on their respective fields of specializations took centerstage today. Their presentation taken all together creates a wider picture of how sciences must collaborate, exchange notes, share and listen to each other’s findings and in general just have an inter-discipline conversation so efforts to implement ecosystems-based disaster risk reduction initiatives. This would result to higher community resiliency and better environment management or restoration.
The presentation on Climate Change allowed everyone to have a common understating about the topic with the various definition, projections, some international frameworks prediction models. My personal reflection is that all sectors of the “earth’s citizenry” has to do their part. The international community, as one, already have spoken through the Hyogo and Sendai conference. Now it’s time for governments, scientists, corporations and other stakeholders has to take initiatives in their own countries and contribute and, for example, lessen carbon emissions and invest in renewable energy. Emphasis must be for Corporations.
This brings us to the next lectures on volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunami, landslides and lahar. These are natural hazards which man needs to have a serious look and understand, through science, their cause and behavior so we can properly have early warning systems, preparedness activities and adaptation programs. In summary, local governments and their communities must work hand in hand to prepare for any hazard that are relevant to their area and take into serious consideration the concept of “Build with Nature” to lessen disaster impact on lives and property.
WE can see this in the presentation on Adaptation Strategies in the Forestry Sector. I just appreciate relearning about the basic concepts of Forestry and how this natural wonder contributes so much to provide for the needs of human beings. Unfortunately, man’s growing need (or greed?) has driven him to abuse and destroy our forests. Compounding the issue is man’s growing population and the pollution that goes with it. In the end, man is also harvesting, in terms of more hazards and disasters – it’s now a vicious cycle. This brings to ask the question – with all the international and national conference for the past decades – are we doing enough? Have we planted more trees? Have we lessened the pollution on rivers, lakes and the sea? Have man done enough- really?
I hope this Ecosystem-based DRR course will actually contribute, with all the countries represented – small efforts would mean so much for the next generation – our children.