Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EBA) work is being undertaken all over the world by many governments and civil society role-players. EBA is applicable across a wide range of geographical areas, sectors and stakeholders in both developed and developing countries. It can be incorporated into many areas including coastal defence, flood and drought management, agriculture, resource provision, urban planning, disaster risk reduction, conservation and tourism.
The involvement of policymakers and multiple stakeholders with distinct roles and responsibilities is critical to successful EbA because ecosystems typically support diverse sectors and different social groups in multiple ways. For instance a forest may provide local communities with forest goods for their livelihoods (e.g. timber, game, nuts and fruits, fibre), while at the same time supporting commercial tourism and timber harvesting. The hydrological regulation provided by these forests also benefits geographically distant sectors such as agriculture and hydroelectric plants through provision of water flow and flood regulation as well as minimization of erosion and siltation.
To learn more about EBA work around the world, and to download case studies, visit these global learning networks:
UNEP’s Global Adaptation Network
http://ganadapt.org/
The Adaptation Learning Mechanism – a partnership of GEF, UNDP, World Bank, UNFCCC, UNEP and FAO
http://www.adaptationlearning.net/
The Ecosystems and Livelihoods Adaptation Network (ELAN) – a partnership of IUCN, CARE, IIED and WWF
http://www.elanadapt.net/
