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The Retreating from Risk project aims to explore how managed retreat (MR)–the strategic relocation of housing and infrastructure from high-risk areas–can be used as a proactive strategy to reduce flood risks while enhancing community well-being. The research will focus on improving socio-ecological resilience, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and advancing climate justice. 

The “Retreating from Risk (RFR): Decision-Supports for the Equitable Implementation of Retreat to Build Climate Resilience” is a four-year project valued at $2.45 million CAD. It is jointly funded by the New Frontiers Research Fund – International and the National Science Foundation. The collaborative research initiative is led by Principal Investigator Dr.  Brent Doberstein, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Environment and member of Partners for Action, Waterloo Climate Institute, and the Water Institute. The project aims to develop a decision-making framework and decision support tools for community-led managed retreat planning. The project will also provide capacity-building resources to support local MR decision-making in Canada, the United States, and Indonesia. 

The multi-disciplinary, international research partnership involves universities, non-profit organizations, and community collaborators from across the three countries. Project partners include: the Emergency Planning Secretariat, Stony Brook University, Swasaba Research Initiative, Texas Tech University, Universitas Gadjah Mada, the University of British Columbia, the University of Kansas, and the University of Waterloo. Partnership development is currently underway. Communities and organizations interested in learning more about the project are encouraged to email Dr. Doberstein at bdobest@uwaterloo.ca  

Funding for this initiative is provided by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Canada (SSHRC), with additional funds from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). In-kind project management supports have been provided by Partners for Action (P4A), a research initiative within the Faculty of Environment. Throughout the proposal development phase, the Partners for Action team has also benefited from crucial financial and administrative support from the Waterloo Climate Institute, the Water Institute, and the Office of Research.