Coastal Socio-ecological Challenges and Nature-based Disaster Risk Reduction Practices

This chapter explores the multifaceted domain of nature-based disaster risk reduction (NbDRR), positioning it as a sustainable and socially inclusive alternative to infrastructure-dominated disaster management models. It begins by analysing the socio-ecological vulnerabilities of hazard-prone regions, particularly coastal zones and climate-sensitive landscapes, where ecosystem degradation intensifies exposure to risk. The discussion then foregrounds the nexus between ecological restoration, climate adaptation, and community resilience, illustrating how measures such as mangrove rehabilitation, wetland protection, and forest conservation not only reduce hazards but also secure livelihoods. A central theme is the integration of traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary scientific approaches, underscoring the need for plural, participatory epistemologies in disaster governance. Community involvement is framed not merely as instrumental to project delivery but as a process of empowerment and co-production, essential for the durability of nature-based strategies. The chapter further identifies institutional and policy imperatives for scaling NbDRR, highlighting the roles of cross-sectoral collaboration, inclusive legal frameworks, and adaptive governance systems capable of responding to dynamic risks. The significance of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is emphasised through the proposal of participatory, multi-level indicators that capture both ecological functionality and social well-being. Drawing on empirical cases and critical scholarship, the chapter acknowledges persistent challenges, including financing constraints, fragmented policies, and data gaps, while outlining future research directions in hybrid solutions, justice-centred design, and resilience planning amidst climate uncertainty. Ultimately, NbDRR is presented as a transformative pathway that interlinks ecosystems, communities, and institutions to cultivate regenerative resilience.