2.6 PES to Achieve Eco-DRR results As discussed, in addition to a range of socio-ecological outcomes, implementing PES interventions offers significant potential for DRR. By incentivising conservation, regeneration, and sustainable management of ecosystems, PES can contribute to reducing the vulnerability of communities and the exposure of landscapes to various hazards such as floods, droughts, heat waves, cyclones, etc. In order to achieve this, the first step is to conduct locally-led disaster risk analysis and mapping of ecological assets. The next step is to establish a PES framework for action that targets outcomes tied to key disaster risks identified in step one. According to the Open Government Partnership's Practice Group on Dialogue and Deliberation, “Individual behavioural intentions and commitment to engage in DRR have to be supported by various locally defined policies. The fuel for such local policies is a set of right narratives. A shared narrative is, created together, from the bottom up, through a deliberative process” (OGP, 2023). The Eco-DRR programming process has to create spaces/platforms for stakeholders to make a deliberate effort to stand back and see the bigger picture. Some of the pertinent themes to develop local narratives in line with global narratives 12 may be seen below. 1. System literacy and stewardship: Farmers and other trade groups develop deep insights about biodiversity and its value to eventually emerge as ecosystem managers. In due course, communities adopt certain principled behaviours that heighten Eco-DRR yields. Socialising these pro-planet behaviours develops into default behaviours(culture) that help at-risk communities effortlessly use NbS to solve wide ranging problems of safety(disaster/climate-extremes) and security(food/water/nutrition/livelihoods). communities to preserve these ecosystems, which, in turn, helps reduce the frequency and impact of floods/droughts and landslides. 2. Flood/drought regulation and erosion control: At a fundamental level, floods or droughts are essentially a water management issue. Healthy ecosystems, such as wetlands, forests, and natural barriers, play a crucial role in regulating water flow and preventing erosion. A PES programme can be used to encourage landowners and communities to preserve these ecosystems, which, in turn, helps reduce the frequency and impact of floods/droughts and landslides. 3. Climate regulation and mitigation: Ecosystems like forests act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change by absorbing greenhouse gases. A PES initiative can be set up to specifically encourage forest conservation, afforestation, and reforestation efforts. This would contribute to building climate resilience and reducing the risk of climate-induced disasters. Over time, the forest would produce NTFP such as medicinal herbs, nuts, and oils. 4. Water resource management: Sustainable management of watersheds and aquifers is essential for ensuring stable and reliable water security. A PES programme can be designed to incentivise farmers and landowners to adopt practices that enhance water quality and quantity, thus reducing the risk of water scarcity and associated conflicts. 5. Biodiversity conservation: Preserving biodiversity­rich ecosystems is vital for maintaining ecosystem resilience. PES programmes can motivate conservation efforts, protect vulnerable species and maintain ecosystem services that are critical for DRR. 2. Flood/drought regulation and erosion control: At a fundamental level, floods or droughts are essentially a water management issue. Healthy ecosystems, such as wetlands, forests, and natural barriers, play a crucial role in regulating water flow and preventing erosion. A PES programme can be used to encourage landowners and ¹²Linking local and global narra ves helps leverage a range of resources including funds. Payments for Ecosystem Services 10