Be-Resilient Regional Forum: Co-generation & Implementation of ... - UNESCO

Be-Resilient Regional Forum: Co-generation & Implementation of Climate Resilience in Biosphere Reserves | UNESCO

Event

Be-Resilient Regional Forum: Co-generation & Implementation of Climate Resilience in Biosphere Reserves

• Venue: Cape Town, South Africa

About the Be-Resilient Regional Forum

Welcome to the Be-Resilient Regional Forum a pivotal UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa event dedicated to fostering knowledge exchange and cultivating strategies for enhancing community resilience and adaptation across Southern Africa. With a primary focus on Biosphere Reserves, recognized as catalysts for transformative change, this event is scheduled to take place from November 1 to 3, 2023. It will unite a diverse cohort of 100 participants representing various disciplines, all converging under the overarching theme of "Co-generation & Implementation of Climate Resilience in Biosphere Reserves."

Background

The southern African region has been experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, with water-related hazards such as flooding, landslides, and severe droughts wreaking havoc on the environment and human security. The growing number of affected individuals over the past decade underscores the urgency of implementing effective adaptation strategies. While climate change is a global phenomenon, addressing its local impacts requires region-specific solutions.

In alignment with UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) and Intergovernmental Hydrological Programmes, numerous initiatives have been launched to empower Biosphere Reserves (BRs) in the region to co-generate local solutions for resilience and adaptation. These initiatives, supported by bilateral and multilateral partners, including the Government of Flanders, the Austrian Development Agency, and the World Bank, involve researchers, local communities, and stakeholders collaborating to develop scientific tools, prioritize adaptation strategies, and integrate findings into decision-making processes.

Objectives

At the Be-Resilient Regional Forum, our primary objectives are to:

Share and discuss experiences in landscape (local) level capacity building for resilience and adaptation of communities Provide a platform for researchers to present their work related to community resilience in Biosphere Reserves and other landscapes Use the Cape Winelands Biosphere as a case study Discuss a way forward including opportunities for synergies between initiatives

Themes and Special Focus

Our forum will revolve around these key themes:

Theme 1: Community-focused flood and drought monitoring and management

Theme 2: Role of Citizen Science in Water Management

Theme 3: Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Theme 4: Use of Satellites for Rapid Assessment of Flood Response in High-Risk Areas

Theme 5: State-of-the-Art Systems for Providing Flood Early Warnings and On-Demand Mapping

Theme 6: The Impact of Climate Change on Floods: Current Trends and Future Scenarios

Theme 7: The Role of Indigenous Knowledge for Biodiversity Conservation

Theme 8: Early Intervention Strategies for Invasive Plant Species and Sustainable Crop Monitoring Technologies

The BRR Forum runs from 1-3 November 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa

Virtual Attendance

For those unable to attend in person, we are pleased to offer a virtual attendance option. Join us online and participate in all forum activities from the comfort of your home or office.

Virtual Registration: Register here: https://unesco-org.zoom.us/j/82218489493

Note: Physical attendance registration for the event has been closed.

Join us for engaging discussions, expert presentations, and collaborative sessions that aim to shape a more resilient future for our landscapes and communities.

Stay tuned for more updates, speakers, and registration details on our website. Together, we can co-generate solutions that make our Biosphere Reserves and landscapes more resilient in the face of climate change.

Visit here to learn more about the Be Resilient Regional Projects: https://en.unesco.org/be-resilient

Together, let's build a more resilient and sustainable future!