Summary of the impact

An engineering methodology, Management of Slope Stability in Communities (MoSSaiC), has been developed to mitigate urban landslide risk in developing countries, and has been implemented in the Eastern Caribbean. The World Bank is now including the methodology in disaster risk mitigation projects more widely in the Latin America and Caribbean regions, starting with Jamaica (September 2011-). MoSSaiC centres on the efficient management of surface water (construction of hillside drainage networks) and is delivered through a community-focussed programme with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.7:1. The impact includes:

• Hillsides of unauthorised housing, previously exhibiting landslides during rainfall events that occur once every two years, have now been successfully stabilised and, in 2010, withstood a 1 in 500 year event.
• ~800 homes in 12 vulnerable urban communities have benefitted from MoSSaiC interventions in three island states in the Caribbean.
• Indirect benefits such as rainwater harvesting, reduced water bills and the saving of community relocation costs for Governments.

In 2011, the World Bank selected 13 methodologies for an `Aid Effectiveness Showcase' exhibition at its Washington DC headquarters. Due to its effectiveness, MoSSaiC was included as the only methodology relating to landslides.

Summary of the impact

Management of Slope Stability in Communities (MoSSaiC) is a scientifically-based methodology developed at the University of Bristol to mitigate urban landslide risk in developing countries that has been adopted by the World Bank as part of its portfolio of disaster risk management tools. MoSSaiC centres on the efficient management of surface water and is distinct from other interventions in that it is delivered through a community-focussed programme that is rolled out in strategic incremental steps. MoSSaiC was first developed in 2004 and piloted in vulnerable urban communities in St Lucia. Since 2008 it has been implemented in additional communities in St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica (totalling ~800 homes in 12 communities).

A direct benefit of MoSSaiC is improved slope stability, evidenced by the absence of landslides in these communities despite the exceptional rainfall of Hurricane Tomas in 2010. Indirect benefits include rainwater harvesting and reduced water bills (one community saving an estimated EC$63,000), and savings to Government of community relocation costs. As a result MoSSaiC has led to governments and international development agencies taking a radically different and more effective approach to tackling landslide hazards in vulnerable urban communities.

Summary of the impact

Amphibian population declines are recognised as one of the largest biodiversity crises in modern history. Professor Andrew Cunningham, Institute of Zoology (IOZ) headed the team that identified a novel chytrid fungus as the major cause of amphibian population declines and species extinctions. Our work is the basis for the scientific and conservation responses to this disease, and led to the fungus being listed by the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health). We have established national surveillance programmes for the pathogen across the EU and elsewhere, identifying species at risk and developing mitigating measures to prevent pathogen introduction and species extinction.

Summary of the impact

Research by the University of Huddersfield's Centre for Applied Childhood Studies (CACS) carried out between 2008-2009 has played a major role in tackling the problem of child sex abuse in the Caribbean. A study we have undertaken which UNICEF described as a "landmark" in the field has led to government acknowledgement of the problem, growing public awareness of its effects, new policies, legislative reform, innovative child protection programmes and improvements in the capabilities of professionals and agencies. The research is also helping to shape responses to child sexual abuse in other parts of the world.

Summary of the impact

Research on the black presence in London conducted at UCL by Caroline Bressey was incorporated into the London, Sugary and Slavery Gallery (LSS), which opened at Museum of London Docklands (MoLD) in November 2007 and remains the only permanent gallery on slavery in a London museum. Developing a new narrative of London's historical relationship with enslavement, LSS has presented museums and galleries engaging with public history with a deeper and wider context through which to present their own historical narratives. Bressey's contribution embedded her unique methodological approaches in black historical geography into the gallery. In turn, LSS contributed to the creation of new discussions of London's history and new methodologies for museum practice.