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MPS Coordinator presents challenges of international development and mountains: Xian Jiaotong University, China

07.08.2019

Sustainability and how to improve the livelihoods of local peoples was the focus of Yuka Makino’s intervention at the School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) of Xian Jiaotong University in China. The MPS Coordinator attended the university from 22-26 July to present four lectures on risk management and resilient watershed management, and sustainable development in mountains. She was invited as an international development figure specializing in natural resources management, land use, land policy and urban and regional development.

Makino’s first presentation introduced key components of international development:  

“International development involves understanding the complex interaction of culture, country context, technical and financial capacity, environment and the demands and needs of stakeholders, in order to be able to come up with effective solutions.”

She also highlighted the main goals of international development:

“All actions should aim to ensure sustainability, reduce impact on the environment and improve the livelihoods of local people.”

Her second presentation focused on the importance of integrating risk into watershed and mountain management, as well as challenges that mountains currently face. The main challenges discussed included climate change, access to markets, food insecurity, poverty and outmigration.

Students participated enthusiastically throughout Makino’s presentations and expressed that they were especially interested in how risk management involves understanding the balance of hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capacity.

Some students stated: “I had never really thought about how my field is relevant to others. I realized the importance of the big picture and how interconnected everything is.”

Read Xian Jiaotong University’s full article in Chinese here

View the Flickr gallery here

Photos from FAO/Yuka Makino