The UN Environment Programme has produced a series of case studies on the topic of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) to encapsulate the innovative approaches and lessons learned from its extensive portfolio of climate adaptation projects.
Ecosystem-based adaptation harnesses nature-based solutions to address climate challenges, providing win-win outcomes that protect vulnerable communities from extreme weather while offering vital ecological benefits.
UNEP has supported over 75 climate change adaptation projects across more than 50 countries. These initiatives aim to benefit approximately 3.7 million people, restore 179,000 hectares of land, enhance climate adaptation knowledge among 102,000 individuals and 131 institutions, and establish over 1,100 water harvesting structures and 82 weather stations.
The case studies provide valuable insights and practical examples of how EbA can be effectively implemented across different contexts. The five projects were all funded by the Global Environment Facility, one of the world's major international backers of climate change projects. Please find them below:
Financing Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Cities: A Case Study from Mexico
Learn how UNEP is assisting cities like Xalapa in Mexico to adopt EbA through sustainable financing mechanisms such as payments for ecosystem services. For the Spanish version, visit here.
Gender-responsive Ecosystem-based Adaptation: A Case Study from El Salvador
Discover the importance of integrating gender dimensions into EbA, enhancing the resilience of women coffee producers in El Salvador against climate impacts. For the Spanish version, visit here.
Understand how adopting a watershed approach in urban planning can significantly enhance climate resilience in cities across Latin America and the Caribbean. For the Spanish version, visit here.
Restoring Climate-resilient Mangroves and Communities: A Case Study from Djibouti
See how restoring mangrove forests along Djibouti's coastlines provides natural defences against climate impacts while supporting local livelihoods.
People-centric Ecosystem-based Adaptation: A Case Study from Sudan
Explore the lessons learned from Sudan in engaging stakeholders and mainstreaming gender in EbA to build community resilience against climate change.
For more resources on climate change adaptation, visit here.
For any questions, contact UNEP-Climate-Adaptation@un.org
