While richer nations can try to ‘buy’ protection in the form of engineered solutions, poorer people in developing countries who are bearing the brunt of the impacts urgently need a proven, accessible and affordable option. One such option already exists—conserving and managing nature.
Conserving and managing nature can help people adapt to climatic changes. Mangroves and wetlands can form physical barriers against extreme weather and help to regulate floods. These natural buffers are often less expensive to maintain and in certain cases, can be as effective as built structures such as dykes or concrete walls. Managing agricultural land using local knowledge of crop varieties and maintaining diverse landscapes can help ensure food supplies in uncertain conditions. Healthy ecosystems provide a range of other natural services that people rely on, among them, the provision of food, clean water, shelter, fire wood, fibre and medicine.
Sustainably managing, conserving and restoring ecosystems so that they continue to provide the services that allow people to adapt to climate change is known as Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA). This approach builds on traditional knowledge, generates a range of social, economic and cultural benefits and helps to conserve biodiversity.
IUCN is working to promote the inclusion of Ecosystem-based Adaptation in relevant national plans and policies related to adaptation. We are also working for the inclusion of EbA in the Adaptation Framework being discussed under the UNFCCC. We have further submitted an Action Pledge on EbA to the UNFCCC’s Nairobi Work Programme. Action pledges provide a way for Nairobi Work Programme partners to identify and commit publicly to undertaking activities towards improving assessment of impact and vulnerability to climate change and making informed decisions on practical adaptation actions to respond to climate change.
