"Geospatial Assessment of Water-Migration

Scenarios in the Context of Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 11, and 16"

Members:
Ghenna Mae Andres
Abegail Antonio
Mikaella Asuncion
Isaac Baliton
Jesrylle Bautista
Krizel Mislang
Laura Jane Padawan
Introduction
Geospatial Assessment of water migration
scenarios refers to the application of geospatial
tools and analysis to analyze the possible
implications of water scarcity and migration on
populations, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
The key problems or the issues in this study
was how water related events directly or
indirectly triggered human migration, and
climate crisis connect with migration. The thesis
statement that summarizes with regards to this
study was the significant relationships between
water scarcity, climate change, and human
migration patterns are revealed by geospatial
evaluation of water migration scenarios.
Background
Case Study: Costa Rica’s Approach to
Sustainable Development and SDG Integration
A.Background Information and Scene Setting
Costa Rica, a small Central American country
known for its biodiversity and environmental
initiatives, has long been a pioneer in
sustainable development. The country’s
approach to sustainability has successfully
integrated several Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on SDG 13
(Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 7
(Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 12
(Responsible Consumption and Production).
Through a combination of policies,
conservation efforts, and renewable energy
initiatives, Costa Rica has become a global
example of balancing economic growth with
environmental sustainability.
Key Facts and Achievements:
•Biodiversity Hotspot: Costa Rica hosts over 6%
of the world’s biodiversity, making its
ecosystems vital to global conservation efforts.
•Forest Conservation: The country has reversed
deforestation rates, increasing forest cover
from 21% in the 1980s to over 53% today
through reforestation policies and national
parks.
•Renewable Energy Leader: Costa Rica
generates over 98% of its electricity from
renewable sources, primarily hydropower,
wind, and geothermal energy.
•Alignment with SDGs: Costa Rica’s policies
directly support multiple SDGs, aiming for
carbon neutrality and sustainable resource use
while fostering economic growth and social
development.
B.Understanding the Case and Its Problems
through Supporting Research
Costa Rica’s sustainable development model is
rooted in its unique combination of strong
environmental policies, government support,
and international partnerships. However, the
path to sustainability was shaped by addressing
several challenges:
•Environmental Degradation and
Deforestation: Costa Rica faced severe
deforestation in the 1970s and 1980s, driven by
agriculture and cattle ranching. To combat this,
the country implemented policies to encourage
reforestation and established protected areas
that now cover over a quarter of its land.
•Economic Growth vs. Environmental
Protection: The need to balance tourism and
agriculture with environmental conservation
has been a central issue. Costa Rica managed
this through eco-tourism, which promotes
sustainable practices and creates jobs while
preserving biodiversity.
•Energy Transition and Emissions Reduction:
Despite generating nearly all electricity from
renewable sources, Costa Rica still faces
challenges with emissions from transportation,
one of the largest contributors to its carbon
footprint. Recent efforts have included
investments in electric vehicles and
infrastructure to support a clean transportation
system.
Key Environmental Science and Policy Aspects:
Costa Rica’s sustainable development model
emphasizes ecological restoration, renewable
energy, and sustainable agriculture. Policies
such as Payments for Environmental Services
(PES) have incentivized private landowners to
conserve forests and practice sustainable land
use. The country’s legal framework, which
includes the Biodiversity Law and National
Decarbonization Plan, integrates scientific
research with policy, helping Costa Rica achieve
its conservation and climate goals.

Successes and Impact on Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 13 (Climate
Action): Costa Rica’s commitment to carbon
neutrality by 2050 demonstrates its leadership
in climate action. The country's emphasis on
renewable energy and sustainable land
management has significantly reduced
emissions and minimized deforestation. SDG 15
(Life on Land): With over 50% of its land under
forest cover and large portions designated as
protected areas, Costa Rica has made major
strides in conserving ecosystems, protecting
biodiversity, and restoring degraded lands. SDG
7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Costa Rica’s
clean energy strategy, largely based on
hydropower, wind, and geothermal sources,
has established a national grid that runs on
over 98% renewable energy, providing
accessible and sustainable electricity for its
citizens. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and
Production): Through policies that promote
eco-friendly tourism and agriculture, Costa Rica
fosters responsible production and
consumption, reducing environmental impact
while supporting economic development.
Lessons from Costa Rica’s Sustainable
Development Model
Costa Rica’s success provides valuable lessons
for other countries looking to integrate SDGs
into national policies and practices:
Government Commitment: Costa Rica’s political
commitment to environmental sustainability,
supported by consistent policies and laws, has
been key.
Community and Private Sector Involvement:
Initiatives like PES show that involving
communities and private landowners in
conservation efforts can create lasting
environmental and economic benefits.
International Partnerships and Support: Costa
Rica’s progress has been bolstered by support
from international organizations, providing
resources and expertise to further sustainability
goals. Costa Rica’s approach serves as a model
for how a nation can achieve economic growth
while safeguarding its natural resources,
proving that successful SDG integration is
achievable through committed policies, public-
private collaboration, and innovative
conservation programs.

Alternatives
To help with your request, here’s a breakdown
of what you might be looking for regarding
alternatives for a research study on the
geospatial assessment of water-migration
scenarios concerning SDGs 6, 11, and 16.
A.Use impact assessment models, like the
Integrated Water Resource Management
model, instead of geospatial data alone.
B. Explain Why Alternatives Were Rejected
Geographic Focus Limitations
A broader geographic focus might make the
study less precise in addressing SDG impacts,
potentially reducing actionable outcomes for
specific regions
Technological Limitations
Some advanced technologies learning could
require extensive resources, limiting feasibility
in areas with less infrastructure
Data from surveys or real-time environmental
sensors may lack the consistency and global
reach of geospatial data, limiting comparative
analysis across regions 4 Different SDG Focus
Focusing on additional SDGs like 13 (Climate
Action) may make the research scope too
broad, diluting the focus on core goals like
water access (SDG 6) and resilient cities (SDG
11).
Alternative Models
Other assessment models may not align as
closely with the study’s goal of geospatially
assessing water-migration scenarios, as they
may focus on narrower, non-geospatial data
points.

Proposed Solutions
A. One specific and realistic solution for this is
the construction of artificial wetlands along the
banks of the Damietta tributary in order to
enhance the water quality of the river.
B. By using plants and soil to absorb and
decompose pollutants, these natural filtration
sites successfully improve the quality of the
water. They may be applied gradually,
especially in places with high pollution levels,
are reasonably priced, and benefit the local
animals. This strategy promotes a healthier
environment for the surrounding populations in
addition to aiding in the restoration of cleaner
water.
C. Worldwide, artificial wetlands have shown
promising results in improving water quality
and filtering contaminants. Here are some
instances of artificial wetlands found
worldwide: United States (Arcata Marsh and
Wildlife Sanctuary, California): The Arcata
Marsh treats wastewater for Arcata by using
wetland plants and soil to filter nutrients and
contaminants, producing cleaner water and
supporting a diverse wildlife habitat. It’s a
global model for eco-friendly wastewater
treatment. China (Nanjing and Guangzhou): In
cities like Guangzhou, constructed wetlands
manage water pollution from urban runoff,
reducing harmful nitrogen and phosphorus
levels and restoring habitats previously
impacted by urbanization. Sweden (Hammarby
Sjöstad): This Stockholm eco-district uses
constructed wetlands to filter stormwater,
removing heavy metals and nutrients before it
reaches natural water bodies, which supports
local biodiversity in an urban setting. Australia
(Sydney and Melbourne): Sydney’s Olympic
Park wetlands treat and recycle stormwater,
providing an efficient alternative water source
and supporting local bird and plant life, while
helping to manage stormwater pollution.
To bridge the gap between national and global
interests and achieve sustainable development,
a multi-faceted approach is necessary:
Encouraging policymakers to adopt a long-term
perspective that considers the
intergenerational implications of decisions,
Promoting economic growth models that
prioritize social equity and environmental
sustainability and Fostering a sense of global
citizenship among citizens and policymakers,
emphasizing shared responsibility for the
planet.
Recommendations
This study reiterates the application of
geospatial platforms, multitemporal analysis
and use proxy spatial indicators such as crisis
scenarios. The geospatial indicators such as the
spatial extent of water and aquatic vegetation
serve as proxy to understand the water land
human interaction in various socio ecological
(chad, aral and the nile delta) situations. The
case studies flag need for proper and
comprehensive migration on assessment where
geospatial data can provide a cost effective way
to generate evidence and help designed
"solution oriented" support system addtionally,
the proposed frameworks (case study,
approach, proxy indicators analyzed using
geospatial data and tools) for migration
assessment can be useful to transform
empirical and synthesis work into tangible
evidence (maps, trends, etc.) such as
foundation in turn can assist jn the creation of
up-to-date data, integrated research
assignments and inclusive policy outcomes for
migration related challenges. The geospatial
analysis also showed urban sprawl growth
which aligns with the rapid urbanization
concerns voiced by global leaders and
development agencies. Over all this paper
provides a scientific scholarship to the global
challenge of migration.
References:
Geospatial Assessment of Water-Migration
Scenarios in the Context of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 11, and 16
by Nidhi Nagabhatla 1,2,*ORCID andRupal
Brahmbhatt 3
Published: 27 April 2020
Arcata Rail With Trail Connectivity Author By
Winzler and Kelly
June 30,2010
Costa Rica: A Pioneer in Sustainable
Development" by José María Figueres Olsen
(former President of Costa Rica)
Item based on information received from
Professor Yaqian Zhao of the Xi’an University of
Technology,World-first claim for Chinese
modular wetland
July 31, 2021