TIKS4DRR


 Erosion

Erosion is the removal of surface material from Earth’s crust, primarily soil and rock debris, and the transportation of the eroded materials by natural agencies (such as water or wind) from the point of removal. Erosion can be caused by various factors, such as rainfall, wind, waves, glaciers, and human activities (UNDRR, 2017).

Coastal Erosion (Wikimedia Commons)

Types of Erosion

The loss of topsoil due to water, wind, or tillage.

The loss of coastal lands due to the action of sea waves, currents, tides, and storms.

The alteration of rock or soil due to chemical reactions, such as dissolution, oxidation, or hydrolysis.

The breakdown of rock or soil due to mechanical forces, such as abrasion, frost, or biological activity (UNDRR, 2017).

Secondary hazards

Environmental Contamination

Soil erosion in China has contributed to the eutrophication and sedimentation of lakes and reservoirs.

 

Landslides

The 2014 Oso landslide in Washington, USA triggered by suspected soil saturation from heavy rainfall, killed 43 people and destroyed 49 homes.

Flooding

Jakarta’s deadly floods in 2020 were partly caused by eroded sediments from upstream that clogged the waterways.

Examples of Traditional and Indigenous knowledge

  • In India, many tribal and rural communities have developed indigenous knowledge and practices to prevent and control soil erosion, such as contour bunding, terracing, mulching, crop rotation, agroforestry, and water harvesting (Dhall) (Mahesh, 2023).  
Traditional terrace farming in Uttarakhand (Wikimedia Commons)
  • In the Andes, the indigenous Quechua and Aymara people construct stone walls along the slopes to create terraces that reduce soil erosion and increase agricultural land. These terraces also create microclimates that allow the cultivation of diverse crops and the conservation of biodiversity (BRONEN, 2011).
Traditional residential complexes in Machu Picchu (Pixinn)
  • In the Arctic, the indigenous Inuit people have adapted to the coastal erosion caused by climate change by relocating their communities to safer locations, using traditional knowledge and skills to build new homes and infrastructure, and engaging in participatory planning and decision-making with government agencies (Coggins, Ford, & al, 2021)

 

References

BRONEN, R. (2011). CLIMATE-INDUCED COMMUNITY RELOCATIONS: CREATING AN ADAPTIVE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK BASED IN HUMAN RIGHTS DOCTRINE. Retrieved from UNFCC: https://unfccc.int/files/adaptation/groups_committees/loss_and_damage_executive_committee/application/pdf/bronen_climate_induced_community_relocations_creating_an__adaptive_governance_framework_based_in_human_rights_doctrine_2011.pdf

Coggins, S., Ford, J. D., & al, e. (2021). Indigenous Peoples and Climate Justice in the Arctic. Retrieved from Georgetown Journal of International Affairs: https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2021/02/23/indigenous-peoples-and-climate-justice-in-the-arctic/

Dhall, M. (n.d.). Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainability. Retrieved from TRIBAL CULTURES OF INDIA: https://ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in/antp05/chapter/indigenous-knowledge-and-sustainability/

Mahesh, G. (2023). Communication and dissemination of India’s traditional knowledge. Retrieved from Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge: https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/62167/1/IJTK%2022%282%29%20450-457.pdf

UNDRR. (2017). Disaster Risk Reduction Terminology. Retrieved from The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Glossary: https://www.undrr.org/drr-glossary/terminology

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