Second Batch of “International Applications of Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction in Coastal Areas” Released in China – International Union for Conservation of Nature

Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through Coastal Ecosystem Restoration

Addressing Climate-Related Threats to Coastal Communities

Global climate change presents significant threats to coastal regions, including rising storm surges, intensified wave action, and accelerated erosion. These phenomena directly imperil human safety and undermine the sustainable economic development of coastal areas, challenging the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, these threats impact:

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): By increasing the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure and settlements to natural disasters.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water): By degrading marine habitats crucial for biodiversity and economic stability.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): By jeopardising marine-based economies such as fishing and tourism.

Strategic Implementation of Nature-based Solutions for Coastal Resilience

Leveraging Ecosystems for Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction

In response, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has initiated coastal protection and restoration projects that utilise Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR). By restoring and enhancing natural ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes, sandy shores, and oyster reefs, these initiatives build coastal resilience. This approach directly supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by enhancing adaptive capacity and mitigating climate impacts. These natural systems dissipate wave energy, stabilise shorelines, and protect beaches, thereby achieving co-benefits in ecological conservation and disaster risk reduction in alignment with the Sendai Framework.

Fostering Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

A series of strategic collaborations and policy milestones underscore a commitment to international cooperation, a cornerstone of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. 2023: The MNR and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) jointly released the first collection of international case studies on Eco-DRR, providing a practical framework for integrating ecological conservation with safety and economic development.
2. 2024: The “Xiamen Declaration,” adopted at the East Asian Seas (EAS) Ministerial Forum, institutionalised Eco-DRR as a framework for regional cooperation. Concurrently, Xiamen and 11 other Chinese cities launched an initiative to promote context-specific NbS.
3. 2025: The MNR and IUCN continued their partnership by publishing a second batch of nine representative Eco-DRR case studies.

Case Studies in Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR)

2025 International Case Study Selections

The nine selected case studies exemplify successful Eco-DRR implementation across diverse geographical contexts:

1. Tianjiaoshan Coast, Huludao City, Liaoning Province, China
2. Qilihai Lagoon, Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, China
3. Chaoyang Port Lagoon, Haoyunjiao, Weihai City, Shandong Province, China
4. Hua’ao lsland, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China
5. Sandy Coast in Dongtou District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
6. Qinzhou Bay, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
7. Coastal Dune Restoration and Disaster Mitigation in Taeanhaean National Park, Republic of Korea
8. Coastal Mangrove Restoration in Demak District, Indonesia
9. Beach-Dune-Lagoon Restoration and Disaster Mitigation in La Pletera, Spain

Multifaceted Contributions to Sustainable Development

These cases demonstrate a range of interventions, including the restoration of mangroves, salt marshes, and sandy coasts, alongside the ecological enhancement of seawalls. They highlight innovative models that advance multiple SDGs by:

• Mobilising private sector investment to support SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• Strengthening community participation, which is vital for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Piloting carbon accounting and trading, contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The documented co-benefits directly advance the 2030 Agenda by enhancing disaster risk reduction, restoring ecological functions for SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), and promoting sustainable socioeconomic development for local communities.

Conclusion: A Unified Approach to the 2030 Agenda

The dissemination of these case studies aims to share knowledge and build global consensus for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. This initiative reinforces the principle of “ecological priority and green development” in coastal management, calling for collective action to create resilient coasts where humanity and nature thrive in harmony, fulfilling the overarching vision of the SDGs.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues and actions that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis identifies the following relevant SDGs:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article focuses on protecting coastal areas from threats like storm surges and erosion to ensure “human safety.” The projects aim to build “more resilient and safer coasts,” which is central to making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The text explicitly states that the efforts are a response to “global climate change.” The projects and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are presented as methods for “climate adaptation and mitigation,” directly addressing the need to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: The core of the article is about the “sustainable development of the marine economy” and the implementation of “coastal protection and restoration projects.” It specifically mentions the restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass beds, and oyster reefs.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: The article discusses the restoration of coastal ecosystems like salt marshes and sandy shores, which are transitional zones between land and sea. The emphasis on the “UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration” and achieving “ecological conservation” connects the initiatives to the goal of protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The entire initiative described is built on collaboration. The article highlights the partnership between China’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), regional cooperation through the “Xiamen Declaration,” and the joint launch of an initiative by 12 Chinese cities. This demonstrates a multi-stakeholder approach to achieving sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the actions and goals described in the article, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.
   • Justification: The article’s focus on using Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) to protect against “rising storm surges, waves, and coastal erosion” directly aligns with this target of reducing the impact of water-related disasters on coastal communities.
2. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Justification: The article repeatedly emphasizes the goal of bolstering “resilience” and building “more resilient and safer coasts” as a direct response to the threats of “global climate change.” The projects are examples of strengthening adaptive capacity.
3. Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
   • Justification: The article details a series of “coastal protection and restoration projects” that leverage natural ecosystems like “mangroves, salt marshes, sandy shores, seagrass beds, and oyster reefs” to achieve ecological benefits.
4. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
   • Justification: The restoration of coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and salt marshes, which are types of wetlands, directly contributes to this target. The article’s reference to the “UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration” reinforces this connection.
5. Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.
   • Justification: The collaboration between MNR and IUCN to “share knowledge” and “build consensus” by publishing case studies is a clear example of a global partnership aimed at supporting the SDGs.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

While the article does not provide specific quantitative data, it mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Number and scope of ecosystem restoration projects: The article lists nine specific case studies (e.g., “Coastal Mangrove Restoration in Demak District, Indonesia,” “Coastal Dune Restoration… in Taeanhaean National Park, Republic of Korea”). The number of such projects and the total area of restored ecosystems (mangroves, salt marshes, dunes) serve as a direct indicator of progress towards Targets 14.2 and 15.1.
• Number of partnerships and collaborative agreements: The article explicitly mentions the collaboration between MNR and IUCN, the “Xiamen Declaration” adopted at the East Asian Seas (EAS) Ministerial Forum, and an initiative launched by 12 Chinese cities. These represent measurable indicators for Target 17.16.
• Development and dissemination of knowledge products: The joint release of two batches of “International Applications of Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction” case studies is a tangible output. The number of publications and case studies shared is an indicator of knowledge mobilization efforts under Target 17.16.
• Adoption of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Eco-DRR policies: The elevation of Eco-DRR into a “framework for regional cooperation” via the “Xiamen Declaration” implies the adoption of policies and plans. Tracking the number of cities, regions, or countries adopting these approaches would be an indicator for Targets 11.5 and 13.1.
• Mobilization of private sector investment and community participation: The article notes that the case studies highlight “innovative approaches such as mobilising private sector investment, strengthening community participation, and piloting carbon accounting and trading.” These can be measured by tracking the amount of private capital invested and the number of community members involved in projects.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: iucn.org