Nature positive disaster risk reduction solutions

This discussion paper was jointly prepared by Suncorp and Natural Hazards Research Australia, informed by a roundtable discussion held in September 2024. It aims to help drive a national conversation across government, research, community and corporate sectors to inform and support cross-sector dialogue about nature positive disaster risk reduction solutions. Emissions reduction and disaster risk reduction related institutions are being established – this is the crucial time to start the conversation on nature positive disaster risk reduction solutions.

Nature positive disaster risk reduction solutions (NPDRRS) have demonstrated considerable potential to help tackle multiple challenges facing Australian communities. At a systems scale these include reducing disaster risk and carbon emissions, restoring biodiversity and ecosystem health. Community co-benefits of NPDRRS include improved air and water quality, improved health and local amenities.

The need to implement NPDRRS continues to grow in urgency, with climate change increasingly overwhelming conventional infrastructure solutions and degrading existing natural environments. In Australia, this has been recognised in the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework and the associated Second National Action Plan which defines national policy provisions for nature-based solutions. However, solutions can carry ‘maladaptation’ risks such as reduced biodiversity and increased disaster risk for other hazards. There are also gaps in understanding roles and opportunities.

The urgency for NPDRRS has been matched by considerable interest in, and recognition of, the potential of nature positive solutions. It has been estimated that $700 billion per year will be required to reverse the global biodiversity crisis – with this scale of investment there are significant opportunities for secondary benefits in reducing the risks of disasters. However, many of the emergent policies and mechanisms supporting nature positive solutions, such as the nature repair market, do not yet recognise the benefits of disaster risk reduction.

This discussion paper provides a timely contribution to support thought leadership and holistic decision-making regarding future investment and partnerships. The discussion paper has been reviewed by subject matter experts and finalised with feedback from participants who were invited to a roundtable event hosted by Suncorp and Natural Hazards Research Australia (Canberra, 10 September 2024). Participants at this roundtable comprised CEOs, executives, researchers, and government and community leaders.