EBAFOSA’s mission centres on providing a framework for ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) that guarantees food security in Africa in the face of climate change impacts, and that creates livelihood opportunities while protecting the ecological base of food production. With an inclusive approach, the initiative serves as a platform for promoting low-cost adaptation solutions and technologies, while aiming to bridge gaps between science, policy and policy implementation.
EBAFOSA’s vision and pillars underscore the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices in addressing Africa’s challenges with climate change and food security. The initiative encourages a collaborative effort among diverse stakeholders, including governments, private and public sectors, educational and research institutions, civil society organisations, and individual citizens. This approach aligns with the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 17 and Section 5 of the Paris Agreement, which emphasize the importance of partnerships.
EBAFOSA was established in 2016 through a decision by environment ministers via the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN). The secretariat is jointly hosted by UNEP and the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), who are responsible for providing technical support to EBAFOSA members countries through national branches. EBAFOSA also serves as the Africa regional node for UNEP’s Global Adaptation Network.
The EBAFOSA pillars include:
- Amalgamation of clean energy development
- Policy harmonization
- Standardization
- Innovative financing
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Innovative Volunteerism is the driving force behind EBAFOSA's mission. This entails structured guidance, especially for young people who are the majority of Africa’s population, to improve, adapt, and refine their skills, talents, and interests – i.e., ‘skills retooling’ – so they can tap into opportunities arising from the application of EbA for food security through the 5 pillar areas above.
Learn more by visiting the EBAFOSA’s official website for more information.
Contacts
Dr. Richard Munang richard.munang@un.org
Tony Nzwii tony.nzwii@un.org
Oscar Ivanova oscar.ivanova@un.org
