The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been working with the Government of Djibouti and partners since 2010 on two climate adaptation projects, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF)’s Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF). The projects have been building the resilience of ecosystems and communities against climate change through a practice known as ‘Ecosystem-based Adaptation.
Mangrove forest represents a critical ecosystem to build resilience against climate change impacts along Djibouti’s coastal zones. Mangroves provide a natural defense against extreme weather events and buffer against sea level rise while absorbing carbon, acting as a haven for biodiversity and providing livelihood options for coastal communities. Globally, each hectare of mangrove forest provides ecosystem services worth an estimated US $33,000-$57,000 annually.
This case study examines the importance of restoring mangrove forests for building climate resilience in Djibouti, along with a set of key lessons learned.
