Skip to content
  • About
  • Partner with Us
  • Indonesia
  • Subscribe
  • Log In
Primary Menu
  • Home
  • Latest
  • Topics
  • News
  • Brief
  • Interview
  • Opinion
  • Figure
  • Infographic
  • Video
  • Community
  • Partner
  • Press Release
  • Youth
  • Global
  • Featured
  • Soft News

Combining Conventional and Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction for Better Tsunami Mitigation

Studies have been exploring the possibility and benefits of combining ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction with hard-engineered infrastructures to support better tsunami mitigation.
by Kresentia Madina November 11, 2024
water crashing a solid wall

Photo: Ben Wicks on Unsplash.

Although it is a relatively rare event, tsunamis cause deadly and devastating impacts when they occur. Therefore, dealing with the disaster requires robust preparedness strategies and infrastructures. To support better tsunami mitigation, studies have been exploring the possibility and benefits of combining ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction with hard-engineered infrastructures.

Urgency for Disaster Preparedness Strategies

Tsunamis are commonly triggered by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater landslides. The deadly giant waves can reach up to 30 meters above sea level and wipe out entire coastal communities once they hit the shore. Between 1998 and 2017, tsunamis caused more than 250.000 deaths globally. 

In the wake of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, many began feeling the urgency for better mitigation strategies, such as by building giant seawalls and other protective infrastructures in coastal areas to minimize the impacts of tsunamis. This hard-engineering infrastructure has been increasingly deployed to reduce tsunami impacts in many locations. 

In Japan, for instance, the government has built a 12.5-meter-high giant seawall spanning roughly 400 km after a tsunami hit the country in 2011. Despite its potential, many have expressed concerns about the high construction costs and possible environmental damages of this infrastructure.

Combining Conventional and Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction

Aside from built infrastructures, ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction can also be a viable option for tsunami mitigation. It refers to an approach that combines natural resources management with disaster risk reduction methods to create a more effective disaster prevention, mitigation, and recovery system. 

In the case of tsunamis and other coastal hazards, ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction means integrating coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, wetlands, and reefs, as a part of disaster risk reduction. Besides reducing disaster impacts, these ecosystems can also support community livelihoods, as happened with mangroves in Indonesia. However, considering the rampant ecosystem degradation today, it might take a while to restore degraded coastal ecosystems to be able to perform these functions.

Considering the limitations of each option, studies have been exploring the potential of implementing hybrid coastal protection strategies by combining the two methods. For instance, a study led by researchers from the University of Göttingen examined a case study in Palu, Indonesia, and found that establishing ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction first is critical before proceeding to implement hard-engineered structures. This hybrid strategy can lead to cost-efficient strategies with an integrated focus on biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.

Furthermore, the growing interest in both ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and hybrid methods also signifies more opportunities for innovations with wider environmental, social, and economic benefits. Harnessing all of this potential will require governments and coastal communities to be better informed about the specific conditions, challenges, and opportunities in their areas and populations.

Reducing Tsunami Risks

Improving our resiliency has never been more crucial as the planet’s weather patterns change and disasters get more extreme. For a disaster of an enormous magnitude like a tsunami, the key lies in better information and preparedness strategies. Beyond protective infrastructure, actions must also be taken to strengthen early warning systems and disaster management to ensure the safety of all.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma


Subscribe to Green Network Asia
Strengthen your personal and professional development with cross-sectoral insights on sustainability-related issues and sustainable development across the Asia Pacific and beyond.
Select Your Subscription Plan
Kresentia Madina
Kresentia Madina
Reporter at Green Network Asia | Website |  + postsBio

Madina is the Assistant Manager for Digital Publications at Green Network Asia. She graduated from Universitas Indonesia with a bachelor's degree in English Literature. She has three years of professional experience working on GNA international digital publications, programs, and partnerships particularly on social and cultural issues.

  • Kresentia Madina
    https://greennetwork.asia/author/kresentiamadina/
    Comprehensive and Participatory Drought Monitoring for Improved Disaster Mitigation
  • Kresentia Madina
    https://greennetwork.asia/author/kresentiamadina/
    The Role of Risk Communication for Better Disaster Preparedness
  • Kresentia Madina
    https://greennetwork.asia/author/kresentiamadina/
    How the City of Umeå Addresses Gender Inequality in Urban Areas
  • Kresentia Madina
    https://greennetwork.asia/author/kresentiamadina/
    Implementing Integrated Approach to Strengthen Resilience in South Africa

Continue Reading

Previous: Regulating Businesses to Reduce Plastic Usage in the Philippines
Next: How University Students Help Olive Farmers in Turkey amid Unpredictable Weather Patterns

Related Stories

Close-up of seedlings growing in pots How India’s National Agroforestry Policy Helps Tackle Land Degradation and More
  • Exclusive
  • Featured
  • Soft News

How India’s National Agroforestry Policy Helps Tackle Land Degradation and More

by Attiatul Noor June 20, 2025
The rapid development in AI technologies must be supported with AI regulation to ensure responsible usage. Establishing AI Regulation to Support Responsible Tech Usage
  • Featured
  • Soft News

Establishing AI Regulation to Support Responsible Tech Usage

by Ayu Nabilah June 19, 2025
a wilted sunflower Comprehensive and Participatory Drought Monitoring for Improved Disaster Mitigation
  • Exclusive
  • Featured
  • Soft News

Comprehensive and Participatory Drought Monitoring for Improved Disaster Mitigation

by Kresentia Madina June 18, 2025
multiple megaphones attached on a pillar The Role of Risk Communication for Better Disaster Preparedness
  • Exclusive
  • Featured
  • Soft News

The Role of Risk Communication for Better Disaster Preparedness

by Kresentia Madina June 17, 2025
two hands joining puzzle pieces Indonesia-UN Collaboration to Support Job Creation and Social Protection
  • Exclusive
  • Featured
  • Soft News

Indonesia-UN Collaboration to Support Job Creation and Social Protection

by Abul Muamar June 16, 2025
a photo of Umea town landscape. How the City of Umeå Addresses Gender Inequality in Urban Areas
  • Exclusive
  • Featured
  • Soft News

How the City of Umeå Addresses Gender Inequality in Urban Areas

by Ayu Nabilah and Kresentia Madina June 13, 2025

About Us

  • GNA Founder’s Letter
  • GNA In-House Team
  • GNA Author Network
  • GNA Press Release Guidelines
  • GNA Op-ed Article Guidelines
  • GNA Community Content Guidelines
  • GNA Internship
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
© 2021-2025 Green Network Asia