Workshop sheds light on nature-based solutions for post-flood reconstructions

SHILLONG, Aug 27: The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Ministry of Home Affairs, in association with Department of Geology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, organised a five-day field training-cum-implementation workshop on ‘Post-Flood Reconstruction Measures using Nature-based Solutions’.
According to a statement, the workshop, which ended here at NEHU on Saturday, was registered by over 120 participants.
“The participants comprised of students from various colleges, PG students and research scholars from NEHU, including two Russian scientists who are on a visit to NEHU viz., Lozovskii Ilia and Dr Prorokova Mariia,” the statement said.
During the workshop, the attendees were enlightened on smart natural solutions for natural hazards and disasters.
HoD of Geology, NEHU, Prof. Devesh Walia, in his address, said, “Nature-based solutions can help communities prepare for, cope with, and recover from disasters, including slow-onset events. They can also reduce the secondary impacts from non-climate-related disasters such as landslides, following an earthquake.”
As part of the workshop, the attendees were also taken for field visits to get first-hand information and learn ways to stabilise landslides with the help of Vetiver Grass Technology.
“Nature-based solutions are actions that protect, sustainably manage, or restore an ecosystem in order to address societal challenges — including disaster risk, climate change, food security, water security or human health. Nature-based solutions are increasingly being recognised as an effective and cost-efficient way of reducing disaster risks, helping people adapt to climate change and building community resilience,” the statement said.
Following the workshop, many participants pledged to plant Vetiver Grass saplings in areas around their home for further dissemination of awareness about the same.