Wetland ecosystem modelling in Sri Lanka
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has been selected to carry out a stand-alone project on wetland ecosystem modelling and economic valuation in the Kalu Oya Basin, Sri Lanka. This follows a joint open call from The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ogata Research Institute and REDAA in July 2023.
The project, which runs for one year, will focus on better understanding and communicating the current and future value of ecosystem services in the Kalu Oya wetlands in a changing climate.
Key to the research will be the inclusion of multiple and diverse values of nature (ie, going beyond economic values to include social and cultural values of nature). This will go alongside making sure any tools developed from the project are open-access, and, therefore, freely available.
A capacity-building programme will also provide training to project partners and other stakeholders working in the Kalu Oya basin to ensure current and future use of the tool.
Decent work in nature-based solutions
In 2022, REDAA supported and contributed to a report led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The report explores how investments in nature-based solutions (NbS) can foster decent work and support a just transition toward environmentally sustainable economies.
The report helps to address knowledge and advocacy gaps regarding the impact on employment of transitioning to a green economy, emphasising the role of NbS in creating jobs, particularly for vulnerable populations.
It estimates that nearly 75 million people are currently employed in NbS activities, but by tripling investment in NbS by 2030, an additional 20 million jobs could be created. The report underscores the importance of "just transition" policies to create decent work, especially in rural areas, and advocates for improved data collection, measurement frameworks and integrating NbS considerations into global initiatives for ecosystem restoration, climate action and biodiversity conservation.