Regional assessment on ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and biodiversity in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean

This document contains a regional overview of the focal countries, the most significant natural hazards and impacts, the biodiversity of ecosystems and species, an explanation of the regional and national policies about risk management, and the experiences in the region on Eco-DRR.

The region has a population of nearly 200 million people1, who depend on natural resources and ecosystem services for basic needs such as food, water and fresh air. But the region is also vulnerable to natural hazards such as hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, droughts, frosts, landslides, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. These are frequent occurrences throughout the year. On many occasions, physical, economic and social vulnerability exacerbates the impact of these natural events, causing losses worth millions in crops, infrastructure and economic activities and making them disastrous for people.

The region has policies and strategies based on the reality and current situation of each of the countries. While the level of implementation and application of these instruments sometimes fall short, the policies and strategies of the region are in continuous adaptation, providing opportunities to include new methodologies and concepts, such as Eco-DRR.