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Harnessing Ecosystem-based Adaptation to drive progress on implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
This publication offers consolidated evidence, guidance and case studies on EbA to support the uptake of EbA across national strategies and plans for all three Rio Conventions and inform the development of revised national biodiversity and climate commitments. While the primary focus of the publication is on the CBD and UNFCCC, it also highlights links to other global frameworks, including the UNCCD and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. This is presented with tools and resources to support governments in the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of EbA in their national commitments and strategies, including, crucially, as a contribution to the implementation of KMGBF Targets 8 and 11 as related to adaptation, resilience and disaster risk reduction.
This publication offers consolidated evidence, guidance and case studies on EbA to support the uptake of EbA across national strategies and plans for all three Rio Conventions and inform the development of revised national biodiversity and climate commitments. While the primary focus of the publication is on the CBD and UNFCCC, it also highlights links to other global frameworks, including the UNCCD and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. This is presented with tools and resources to support governments in the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of EbA in their national commitments and strategies, including, crucially, as a contribution to the implementation of KMGBF Targets 8 and 11 as related to adaptation, resilience and disaster risk reduction.
Nature-based Solutions for Health: Leveraging biodiversity to create health-promoting environments
To support the growing global effort to integrate health into NbS policies and practices, the IUCN-WHO Report on Nature-based Solutions for Health provides evidence-based guidance and practical recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders. The report emphasises how NbS can enhance health outcomes, contribute to biodiversity conservation, while enhancing opportunities for climate adaptation and mitigation. It focuses on how nature-based approaches —such as ecosystem restoration, green infrastructure, and sustainable land use — can serve as preventive and adaptive strategies to reduce health risks, improve mental and physical well-being, and support resilient communities.
The report presents 10 practical recommendations for leveraging NbS to improve health outcomes, aligned with global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It features practical examples on how to effectively implement these recommendations at multiple levels — showcasing case studies and best practices across sectors, from public health to conservation and urban planning.
To support the growing global effort to integrate health into NbS policies and practices, the IUCN-WHO Report on Nature-based Solutions for Health provides evidence-based guidance and practical recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders. The report emphasises how NbS can enhance health outcomes, contribute to biodiversity conservation, while enhancing opportunities for climate adaptation and mitigation. It focuses on how nature-based approaches —such as ecosystem restoration, green infrastructure, and sustainable land use — can serve as preventive and adaptive strategies to reduce health risks, improve mental and physical well-being, and support resilient communities.
The report presents 10 practical recommendations for leveraging NbS to improve health outcomes, aligned with global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It features practical examples on how to effectively implement these recommendations at multiple levels — showcasing case studies and best practices across sectors, from public health to conservation and urban planning.
10th EbA Knowledge Day Summary Report
The 10th EbA Knowledge Day illuminated EbA action and illustrated its inherent benefits in supporting the synergistic attainment of goals under the Rio Conventions. Several sessions centred on cross-cutting topics of the Conventions were held during the EbA Knowledge Day. The purpose of these sessions was to examine current collaborative actions, identify gaps that exist, and hold an open forum to identify improvement areas. The event convened representatives from across the Rio Conventions, national policymakers, and practitioners to foster collective discourse and spur the advancement of the EbA agenda to achieve integrated climate and nature goals.
The 10th EbA Knowledge Day illuminated EbA action and illustrated its inherent benefits in supporting the synergistic attainment of goals under the Rio Conventions. Several sessions centred on cross-cutting topics of the Conventions were held during the EbA Knowledge Day. The purpose of these sessions was to examine current collaborative actions, identify gaps that exist, and hold an open forum to identify improvement areas. The event convened representatives from across the Rio Conventions, national policymakers, and practitioners to foster collective discourse and spur the advancement of the EbA agenda to achieve integrated climate and nature goals.
9th EbA Knowledge Day Briefs
A fundamental objective of the FEBA network is to amplify the collective voice of the EbA community to inform climate negotiations. In preparation for UNFCCC COP28, FEBA leveraged discussions held during the 9th EbA Knowledge Day, to create four Knowledge Briefs delving into the role of EbA within distinct global climate policy mechanisms: Loss & Damage, Global Goal on Adaptation, Global Stocktake, and National Implementation.
These Knowledge Briefs serve as comprehensive documentations of insights shared during EbA & climate policy discussion tracks at the 9th EbA Knowledge Day. They serve as knowledge products for practitioners and policymakers engaged in EbA and climate action at the global, national, and local levels.
The Briefs summarise discussions and insights that emerged during the respective sessions – highlighting the views and ideas shared by participants representing various stakeholder groups (national governments, civil society, academia, etc.) – and offers several suggestions and recommendations for activities that would contribute to the advancement EbA in climate policy and practice.
A fundamental objective of the FEBA network is to amplify the collective voice of the EbA community to inform climate negotiations. In preparation for UNFCCC COP28, FEBA leveraged discussions held during the 9th EbA Knowledge Day, to create four Knowledge Briefs delving into the role of EbA within distinct global climate policy mechanisms: Loss & Damage, Global Goal on Adaptation, Global Stocktake, and National Implementation.
These Knowledge Briefs serve as comprehensive documentations of insights shared during EbA & climate policy discussion tracks at the 9th EbA Knowledge Day. They serve as knowledge products for practitioners and policymakers engaged in EbA and climate action at the global, national, and local levels.
The Briefs summarise discussions and insights that emerged during the respective sessions – highlighting the views and ideas shared by participants representing various stakeholder groups (national governments, civil society, academia, etc.) – and offers several suggestions and recommendations for activities that would contribute to the advancement EbA in climate policy and practice.
Loss & Damage, Ecosystem Integrity and Nature-based Solutions
Loss and damage refers to the current and unavoidable impacts of climate change experienced by millions of people across the globe. Ecosystem loss and degradation, exacerbated by climate change, is a major component of loss and damage. The Friends of EbA and the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR) jointly produced an issue brief for COP27 that outlined the state of the negotiations on Loss & Damage with a focus on how ecosystem integrity and the implementation and financing of Nature-based Solutions can contribute to averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage. This issue briefly emphasises how the relationship between climate vulnerability and ecosystem health is reciprocal: while healthy ecosystems enhance climate resilience, the effects of climate change typically reduce the ability of ecosystems to provide these services.
Investment in Nature-based Solutions provides one of the most cost-effective means to create climate resilience for vulnerable and marginalised communities and the ecosystems they depend on, and offers one pathway for averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage. However, in order to maximise the success of NbS it is vital to account for climate change induced losses of ecosystems and their services, and the resulting effect on future risk reduction.
This brief was produced in partnership with PEDRR as a contribution to the ongoing negotiations on L&D under UNFCCC.
Loss and damage refers to the current and unavoidable impacts of climate change experienced by millions of people across the globe. Ecosystem loss and degradation, exacerbated by climate change, is a major component of loss and damage. The Friends of EbA and the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR) jointly produced an issue brief for COP27 that outlined the state of the negotiations on Loss & Damage with a focus on how ecosystem integrity and the implementation and financing of Nature-based Solutions can contribute to averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage. This issue briefly emphasises how the relationship between climate vulnerability and ecosystem health is reciprocal: while healthy ecosystems enhance climate resilience, the effects of climate change typically reduce the ability of ecosystems to provide these services.
Investment in Nature-based Solutions provides one of the most cost-effective means to create climate resilience for vulnerable and marginalised communities and the ecosystems they depend on, and offers one pathway for averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage. However, in order to maximise the success of NbS it is vital to account for climate change induced losses of ecosystems and their services, and the resulting effect on future risk reduction.
This brief was produced in partnership with PEDRR as a contribution to the ongoing negotiations on L&D under UNFCCC.
Nature-based Solutions and the Global Goal on Adaptation
Nature-based Solutions for adaptation – consisting of a wide range of ecosystem management activities, such as the sustainable management of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, that increase the resilience and reduce the vulnerability of people and the environment to climate change – offer a critical pathway to define and implement an effective Global Goal on Adaptation and drive and enhance countries’ adaptation actions. This FEBA issue brief, produced for COP27, focused on how NbS for adaptationoffer a critical pathway to define and implement an effective Global Goal on Adaptation and drive and enhance countries’ adaptation actions, with an emphasis on ensuring the incorporation, implementation, monitoring and financing of Nature-based Solutions within the GGA. The paper explores how current knowledge from adaptation practitioners working on NbS can be leveraged in support of both setting and achieving the Global Goal on Adaptation – across monitoring and evaluation, capacity building and technology transfer, and increasing finance.
This paper is presented by FEBA as a contribution to the ongoing negotiations on the Global Goal on Adaptation under the UNFCCC.
Nature-based Solutions for adaptation – consisting of a wide range of ecosystem management activities, such as the sustainable management of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, that increase the resilience and reduce the vulnerability of people and the environment to climate change – offer a critical pathway to define and implement an effective Global Goal on Adaptation and drive and enhance countries’ adaptation actions. This FEBA issue brief, produced for COP27, focused on how NbS for adaptationoffer a critical pathway to define and implement an effective Global Goal on Adaptation and drive and enhance countries’ adaptation actions, with an emphasis on ensuring the incorporation, implementation, monitoring and financing of Nature-based Solutions within the GGA. The paper explores how current knowledge from adaptation practitioners working on NbS can be leveraged in support of both setting and achieving the Global Goal on Adaptation – across monitoring and evaluation, capacity building and technology transfer, and increasing finance.
This paper is presented by FEBA as a contribution to the ongoing negotiations on the Global Goal on Adaptation under the UNFCCC.
Ecosystem-based Adaptation and the successful implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
Report by the FEBA EbA and SDGs Working Group
Nature-based climate solutions such as EbA have an interconnected role across sustainable development goals – from health, water and nutrition to clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and equality – with incredible potential to drive progress across the SDGs while building more equitable and resilient societies. This joint technical report, developed by the Friends of Ecosystem-based Adaptation in collaboration with SwedBio, dives into of the connections between EbA and each of the 17 SDGs, with each of the 17 sections addressing threats posed by climate change, ecosystem degradation, and/or biodiversity loss, including how these impede the achievement of a given SDG. Each section subsequently provides an overview of how an effectively implemented EbA approach can underpin successful achievement of a given SDG. The full bibliography provides context and information for expanding this knowledge base.
The EbA and SDGs Working Group of the Friends of EbA (FEBA), coordinated by SwedBio and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), launched a report at the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.
Report by the FEBA EbA and SDGs Working Group
Nature-based climate solutions such as EbA have an interconnected role across sustainable development goals – from health, water and nutrition to clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and equality – with incredible potential to drive progress across the SDGs while building more equitable and resilient societies. This joint technical report, developed by the Friends of Ecosystem-based Adaptation in collaboration with SwedBio, dives into of the connections between EbA and each of the 17 SDGs, with each of the 17 sections addressing threats posed by climate change, ecosystem degradation, and/or biodiversity loss, including how these impede the achievement of a given SDG. Each section subsequently provides an overview of how an effectively implemented EbA approach can underpin successful achievement of a given SDG. The full bibliography provides context and information for expanding this knowledge base.
The EbA and SDGs Working Group of the Friends of EbA (FEBA), coordinated by SwedBio and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), launched a report at the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.
Innovative Approaches for Strengthening Coastal and Ocean Adaptation: Integrating Technology and Nature-based Solutions
This policy brief provides an overview of the value of integrated adaptation solutions and the challenges and opportunities to increase their uptake and scaling, including through interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approaches based on partnerships; supportive policy and regulatory frameworks; sustained, innovative and accessible financing; and use of evidence-based targets. It also summarised actions and recommendations for scaling up innovative approaches to achieve multiple benefits for people and nature.
Technology Day (TD) is a series of events whose objective is to promote innovative approaches to deploy, disseminate and scale up adaptation technologies in various key sectors.
IUCN, the Friends of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (FEBA) network, and UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee (TEC), in collaboration with the UNFCCC Nairobi Work Programme (NWP) Expert Group on Oceans, co-hosted a series of sessions alongside major events throughout 2021, including the IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC), Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) chair lobby, and the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference. Learn more about each event on the FEBA and Technology Day webpages. See outcomes documents from each of the three events.
This policy brief provides an overview of the value of integrated adaptation solutions and the challenges and opportunities to increase their uptake and scaling, including through interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approaches based on partnerships; supportive policy and regulatory frameworks; sustained, innovative and accessible financing; and use of evidence-based targets. It also summarised actions and recommendations for scaling up innovative approaches to achieve multiple benefits for people and nature.
Technology Day (TD) is a series of events whose objective is to promote innovative approaches to deploy, disseminate and scale up adaptation technologies in various key sectors.
IUCN, the Friends of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (FEBA) network, and UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee (TEC), in collaboration with the UNFCCC Nairobi Work Programme (NWP) Expert Group on Oceans, co-hosted a series of sessions alongside major events throughout 2021, including the IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC), Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) chair lobby, and the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference. Learn more about each event on the FEBA and Technology Day webpages. See outcomes documents from each of the three events.
PEDRR/FEBA Recommendations based on the 1st draft of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)
In October 2020, the Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR) and FEBA released a policy brief “Promoting Nature-based Solutions in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework”. This brief aimed to clarify the terminology of Nature-based Solutions and how it relates to ecosystem-based approaches such as adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Additionally, it underpinned why incorporating NbS within the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has the potential to bring about transformational change in society’s relationship with nature, accelerate progress towards the SDGs, and ensure that, by 2050, the shared vision of living in harmony with nature is fulfilled.
PEDRR and FEBA welcome the first draft of the framework as a major step towards securing a crucial global biodiversity agreement. However, in line with PEDRR and FEBA’s aims, we provide recommendations for Member States to help ensure a final global biodiversity framework that ensures resilience of biodiversity and ecosystems in the face of climate change and increasing disaster risk.
Download the recommendations.
View the event which focused on this publication, convened by the Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR), FEBA and the Geneva Environment Network (GEN).
In October 2020, the Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR) and FEBA released a policy brief “Promoting Nature-based Solutions in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework”. This brief aimed to clarify the terminology of Nature-based Solutions and how it relates to ecosystem-based approaches such as adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Additionally, it underpinned why incorporating NbS within the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has the potential to bring about transformational change in society’s relationship with nature, accelerate progress towards the SDGs, and ensure that, by 2050, the shared vision of living in harmony with nature is fulfilled.
PEDRR and FEBA welcome the first draft of the framework as a major step towards securing a crucial global biodiversity agreement. However, in line with PEDRR and FEBA’s aims, we provide recommendations for Member States to help ensure a final global biodiversity framework that ensures resilience of biodiversity and ecosystems in the face of climate change and increasing disaster risk.
Download the recommendations.
View the event which focused on this publication, convened by the Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR), FEBA and the Geneva Environment Network (GEN).
Nature-based Solutions in Humanitarian Contexts: Key Messages
Key messages have been developed by the cross-network FEBA-PEDRR-EHAN working group on Nature-based Solutions in Humanitarian Contexts and released during UNFCCC COP26. These technical key messages emphasise the relevance of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for the humanitarian sector, particularly in the context of strengthening climate and disaster resilience.
View the key messages document, which includes key asks for stakeholders and interested parties.
Key messages have been developed by the cross-network FEBA-PEDRR-EHAN working group on Nature-based Solutions in Humanitarian Contexts and released during UNFCCC COP26. These technical key messages emphasise the relevance of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for the humanitarian sector, particularly in the context of strengthening climate and disaster resilience.
View the key messages document, which includes key asks for stakeholders and interested parties.
Guidelines for Integrating Ecosystem-based Adaptation into National Adaptation Plans
The Guidelines for Integrating Ecosystem-based Adaptation into National Adaptation Plans aim to guide adaptation practitioners at national and local levels on how to take different steps when factoring ecosystems functions and services into countries’ NAP processes and instruments. The Guidelines detail the multiple benefits as well as the challenges of adopting ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation; what information to collect and generate; what expertise to seek; and which stakeholders to engage for successfully integrating EbA into NAP formulation, implementation and review processes.
The Guidelines were developed, in collaboration with the FEBA network, under the National Adaptation Plan-Global Support Programme (NAP-GSP), implemented jointly by United Nations Environment Programme and United Nations Development Programme that supports the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in advancing their NAPs.
The Guidelines are available to download here and an accompanying web story is viewable here.
The Guidelines for Integrating Ecosystem-based Adaptation into National Adaptation Plans aim to guide adaptation practitioners at national and local levels on how to take different steps when factoring ecosystems functions and services into countries’ NAP processes and instruments. The Guidelines detail the multiple benefits as well as the challenges of adopting ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation; what information to collect and generate; what expertise to seek; and which stakeholders to engage for successfully integrating EbA into NAP formulation, implementation and review processes.
The Guidelines were developed, in collaboration with the FEBA network, under the National Adaptation Plan-Global Support Programme (NAP-GSP), implemented jointly by United Nations Environment Programme and United Nations Development Programme that supports the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in advancing their NAPs.
The Guidelines are available to download here and an accompanying web story is viewable here.
Climate justice for people and nature through urban Ecosystem-based Adaptation: A focus on the Global South
This report on behalf of the Urban EbA Working Group demonstrated practical examples of urban EbA interventions gathered through an online survey and it explores their links with seven EbA Social Principles:
- participation and inclusiveness,
- capacity building,
- fairness and equitability,
- integration of traditional/local knowledge,
- livelihood improvement,
- gender consideration and
- appropriateness of scale.
Alongside an analysis of 31 practical examples of urban EbA interventions, six in-depth case study narratives are further explored through multimedia StoryMaps. By analysing the surveyed case studies through the lens of the EbA Social Principles, this paper demonstrates the potential of EbA interventions to deliver climate-just outcomes for urban areas in the Global South.
This paper demonstrates EbA interventions’ potential to deliver climate-just outcomes for urban areas in the Global South. The technical paper is available to download here and the case study StoryMaps are viewable here.
This report on behalf of the Urban EbA Working Group demonstrated practical examples of urban EbA interventions gathered through an online survey and it explores their links with seven EbA Social Principles:
- participation and inclusiveness,
- capacity building,
- fairness and equitability,
- integration of traditional/local knowledge,
- livelihood improvement,
- gender consideration and
- appropriateness of scale.
Alongside an analysis of 31 practical examples of urban EbA interventions, six in-depth case study narratives are further explored through multimedia StoryMaps. By analysing the surveyed case studies through the lens of the EbA Social Principles, this paper demonstrates the potential of EbA interventions to deliver climate-just outcomes for urban areas in the Global South.
This paper demonstrates EbA interventions’ potential to deliver climate-just outcomes for urban areas in the Global South. The technical paper is available to download here and the case study StoryMaps are viewable here.
7th EbA Knowledge Day Documentation
This EbA Knowledge Day focused on identifying and overcoming key barriers to adaptation planning and implementation through innovation in EbA, including through reaching across sectors and highlighting new approaches and opportunities. The event included remarks by high-level officials, a panel discussion, and in-depth interactive sessions.
The event was jointly organized by GIZ & IUCN, under the Friends of EbA (FEBA). The EbA Global Project on Mainstreaming EbA is also supporting an EbA Community of Practice, with an annual EbA Community of Practice Workshop, the next which will be held in November 2021.
You can find recordings of the welcome session, and panel discussion on the EbA CoP YouTube channel. The high-level Minister remarks from the Hon. Carolina Schmidt, MOE Chile, the Hon. Gabriel Quijandria, MOE Peru, the Hon. Fernando López, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources El Salvador, the Hon. Mario Roberto Rojas Espino, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Guatemala, and the Hon. Viriato Luís Soares Cassamá, Ministry of Environment and Biodiversity Guinea Bissau are publicly available here.
Learn more about EbA on adaptationcommunity.net. View documentation on previous EbA Knowledge Days.
This EbA Knowledge Day focused on identifying and overcoming key barriers to adaptation planning and implementation through innovation in EbA, including through reaching across sectors and highlighting new approaches and opportunities. The event included remarks by high-level officials, a panel discussion, and in-depth interactive sessions.
The event was jointly organized by GIZ & IUCN, under the Friends of EbA (FEBA). The EbA Global Project on Mainstreaming EbA is also supporting an EbA Community of Practice, with an annual EbA Community of Practice Workshop, the next which will be held in November 2021.
You can find recordings of the welcome session, and panel discussion on the EbA CoP YouTube channel. The high-level Minister remarks from the Hon. Carolina Schmidt, MOE Chile, the Hon. Gabriel Quijandria, MOE Peru, the Hon. Fernando López, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources El Salvador, the Hon. Mario Roberto Rojas Espino, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Guatemala, and the Hon. Viriato Luís Soares Cassamá, Ministry of Environment and Biodiversity Guinea Bissau are publicly available here.
Learn more about EbA on adaptationcommunity.net. View documentation on previous EbA Knowledge Days.
Nature-based Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Humanitarian Contexts
The working group hosted a session on Nature-based Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Humanitarian Contexts at Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks in May 2021.
In this session, a panel discussion of participants across sectors in nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction explored the contribution of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) to developing cost-effective, novel and durable solutions within crisis-hit areas and building immediate and long-term resilience. Interactive small group discussions followed, exploring different themes and deliverables (e.g. policy briefs, a toolkit and guidance) of the working group’s learning agenda and promoting collective problem-solving and partnership.
The working group hosted a session on Nature-based Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Humanitarian Contexts at Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks in May 2021.
In this session, a panel discussion of participants across sectors in nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction explored the contribution of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) to developing cost-effective, novel and durable solutions within crisis-hit areas and building immediate and long-term resilience. Interactive small group discussions followed, exploring different themes and deliverables (e.g. policy briefs, a toolkit and guidance) of the working group’s learning agenda and promoting collective problem-solving and partnership.
Building Resilience With Nature: Maximizing Ecosystem-based Adaptation through National Adaptation Plan Processes
As part of the EbA & NAPs FEBA Working Group, the guidance note Building Resilience With Nature: Maximizing Ecosystem-based Adaptation through National Adaptation Plan Processes was launched in early 2021.
Ecosystem-based Adaptation has the potential to generate economic returns and provide multiple benefits, such as improved health, biodiversity protection, food security, and alternative livelihood opportunities, all of which can build resilience to climate change. With over 10 years of application in global and local contexts, EbA has emerged as an essential approach to adaptation that is effective in building ecological, social, and economic resilience. To fully maximize and deliver EbA at the scale and pace needed, it must be put at the heart of countries’ national development and climate strategies. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process provides an opening to do just this. By enabling countries to strategically integrate adaptation into their decision making, planning, and budgeting, the NAP process strives to make adaptation part of standard development practice. Produced with IISD and the NAP Global Network, the guidance note is available for download here.
As part of the EbA & NAPs FEBA Working Group, the guidance note Building Resilience With Nature: Maximizing Ecosystem-based Adaptation through National Adaptation Plan Processes was launched in early 2021.
Ecosystem-based Adaptation has the potential to generate economic returns and provide multiple benefits, such as improved health, biodiversity protection, food security, and alternative livelihood opportunities, all of which can build resilience to climate change. With over 10 years of application in global and local contexts, EbA has emerged as an essential approach to adaptation that is effective in building ecological, social, and economic resilience. To fully maximize and deliver EbA at the scale and pace needed, it must be put at the heart of countries’ national development and climate strategies. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process provides an opening to do just this. By enabling countries to strategically integrate adaptation into their decision making, planning, and budgeting, the NAP process strives to make adaptation part of standard development practice. Produced with IISD and the NAP Global Network, the guidance note is available for download here.
Practical Guide to Implementing Green-Gray Infrastructure
A hybrid green-gray approach to infrastructure — one that combines “green” ecosystem conservation and restoration with “gray” conventional engineering — can generate more benefits and climate resilience for people and nature than either strategy applied alone.
The Practical Guide to Implementing Green-Gray Infrastructure is a tool for identifying, funding, planning, designing, constructing, and monitoring green-gray infrastructure projects, to increase the resilience of vulnerable cities, communities, and assets around the world. The Guide includes 35 case studies from around the world, identifies key challenges a practitioner may seek to resolve, and where green-gray solutions can meet project goals and integrate into different land use types.
This is a living document that will continue to be improved and updated as new information is discovered and as design techniques evolve. Learn more about the Green-Gray Community of Practice. The brief is available for download here.
A hybrid green-gray approach to infrastructure — one that combines “green” ecosystem conservation and restoration with “gray” conventional engineering — can generate more benefits and climate resilience for people and nature than either strategy applied alone.
The Practical Guide to Implementing Green-Gray Infrastructure is a tool for identifying, funding, planning, designing, constructing, and monitoring green-gray infrastructure projects, to increase the resilience of vulnerable cities, communities, and assets around the world. The Guide includes 35 case studies from around the world, identifies key challenges a practitioner may seek to resolve, and where green-gray solutions can meet project goals and integrate into different land use types.
This is a living document that will continue to be improved and updated as new information is discovered and as design techniques evolve. Learn more about the Green-Gray Community of Practice. The brief is available for download here.
Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Green Recovery: Building Back Better from COVID-19
In this new Friends of EbA (FEBA) multimedia story, entitled Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Green Recovery: Building back better from COVID-19, experiences are documented from communities around the world who are bearing the brunt of the impact of the pandemic, thus, showcasing the potential of EbA for building resilience to complex crises: including COVID-19. These lived, front-line experiences demonstrate the ability of EbA to both provide green work and economic recovery to communities in the short term, as well as reduce the vulnerabilities of ecosystems and communities for their health, livelihoods and well-being in the long term.
The multimedia story Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Green Recovery: Building back better from COVID-19 is available here and a news story with key messages is available here.
In this new Friends of EbA (FEBA) multimedia story, entitled Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Green Recovery: Building back better from COVID-19, experiences are documented from communities around the world who are bearing the brunt of the impact of the pandemic, thus, showcasing the potential of EbA for building resilience to complex crises: including COVID-19. These lived, front-line experiences demonstrate the ability of EbA to both provide green work and economic recovery to communities in the short term, as well as reduce the vulnerabilities of ecosystems and communities for their health, livelihoods and well-being in the long term.
The multimedia story Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Green Recovery: Building back better from COVID-19 is available here and a news story with key messages is available here.
Promoting Nature-based Solutions in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
This joint FEBA-PEDRR paper serves as input to the evolving deliberations on the post-2020 GBF under the Convention on Biological Diversity. NbS as an overarching concept can be used to support communication and mainstreaming of different subsets across international, multilateral agreements/global frameworks and their audiences. This brief provides clarity around the terminology of NbS, EbA, and Eco-DRR, and offers concrete suggestions for the inclusion of these approaches in the GBF. The brief is available for download here, and a news story with key messages is available here.
This joint FEBA-PEDRR paper serves as input to the evolving deliberations on the post-2020 GBF under the Convention on Biological Diversity. NbS as an overarching concept can be used to support communication and mainstreaming of different subsets across international, multilateral agreements/global frameworks and their audiences. This brief provides clarity around the terminology of NbS, EbA, and Eco-DRR, and offers concrete suggestions for the inclusion of these approaches in the GBF. The brief is available for download here, and a news story with key messages is available here.
Guidebook for Monitoring and Evaluating Ecosystem-based Adaptation Interventions
Effective monitoring and evaluation of EbA outcomes is essential to learn from best practices and reduce uncertainties about efficacy and long-term impacts. Acknowledging this need, FEBA partners came together to produce the Guidebook for Monitoring and Evaluating Ecosystem-based Adaptation Interventions. Drawing from FEBA’s wide network of practice-based experience, the Guidebook provides practitioners and planners with a clear process for developing and operationalizing effective M&E for EbA. The Guidebook is a joint publication by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the FEBA Working Group on Monitoring & Evaluation. Also available in Spanish and Portuguese.
Effective monitoring and evaluation of EbA outcomes is essential to learn from best practices and reduce uncertainties about efficacy and long-term impacts. Acknowledging this need, FEBA partners came together to produce the Guidebook for Monitoring and Evaluating Ecosystem-based Adaptation Interventions. Drawing from FEBA’s wide network of practice-based experience, the Guidebook provides practitioners and planners with a clear process for developing and operationalizing effective M&E for EbA. The Guidebook is a joint publication by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the FEBA Working Group on Monitoring & Evaluation. Also available in Spanish and Portuguese.
Scaling Up Nature-based Solutions in Humanitarian Contexts Session – 2024 Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week in Geneva
We are pleased to share with you the summary reports and presentations from our Workshop and Panel Discussion. If you missed the event, you can also watch the recording on Sphere’s YouTube channel here.
And don’t forget you can also download the Sphere Unpacked Guide to Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience in Humanitarian Action. We believe these resources will provide valuable insights and help you further explore the topics discussed during the event.
We also take this opportunity to highlight the reconvening of the FEBA working group on “Nature-based Solutions in the Humanitarian Contexts” on 27th June 2024. For more information about the Working Group please see visit its dedicated webpage.
We are pleased to share with you the summary reports and presentations from our Workshop and Panel Discussion. If you missed the event, you can also watch the recording on Sphere’s YouTube channel here.
And don’t forget you can also download the Sphere Unpacked Guide to Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience in Humanitarian Action. We believe these resources will provide valuable insights and help you further explore the topics discussed during the event.
We also take this opportunity to highlight the reconvening of the FEBA working group on “Nature-based Solutions in the Humanitarian Contexts” on 27th June 2024. For more information about the Working Group please see visit its dedicated webpage.
Designing Nature-Based Solutions For Human Health
The interconnected and interdependent connection between human health and a healthy environment is becoming increasingly clear. An unhealthy environment can result in a myriad of significant negative health outcomes for humans and given this fluid and symbiotic relationship between the two, cross-sectoral cooperation, as well as the dismantling of the barriers between the conservation and public health sectors, should be encouraged to attain healthier ecosystems and healthier people.
Acknowledging that human health and a healthy environment are interconnected and interdependent, the concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can act as a way to bridge the gaps between conservation and public health for holistic approaches. Adopting NbS as a means to tackle human health issues derived from an unhealthy environment aligns with One Health, an integrated approach that recognises the interdependence of animal, ecosystem and human health.
To advance the integration of NbS and health, WHO and IUCN are set to publish a report in 2024. The objective of this report is to dismantle the silos between the conservation, climate, and health sectors and delve into the intricate relationship between biodiversity conservation and global public health – emphasising the reciprocal benefits that can be derived from the implementation of NbS.
A highlights brief of the report, encompassing ten key recommendations, is presently accessible ahead of the full release scheduled for 2024.
The interconnected and interdependent connection between human health and a healthy environment is becoming increasingly clear. An unhealthy environment can result in a myriad of significant negative health outcomes for humans and given this fluid and symbiotic relationship between the two, cross-sectoral cooperation, as well as the dismantling of the barriers between the conservation and public health sectors, should be encouraged to attain healthier ecosystems and healthier people.
Acknowledging that human health and a healthy environment are interconnected and interdependent, the concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can act as a way to bridge the gaps between conservation and public health for holistic approaches. Adopting NbS as a means to tackle human health issues derived from an unhealthy environment aligns with One Health, an integrated approach that recognises the interdependence of animal, ecosystem and human health.
To advance the integration of NbS and health, WHO and IUCN are set to publish a report in 2024. The objective of this report is to dismantle the silos between the conservation, climate, and health sectors and delve into the intricate relationship between biodiversity conservation and global public health – emphasising the reciprocal benefits that can be derived from the implementation of NbS.
A highlights brief of the report, encompassing ten key recommendations, is presently accessible ahead of the full release scheduled for 2024.
Making Ecosystem-based Adaptation Effective – A Framework for Defining Qualification Criteria and Quality Standards
Adaptation planning, implementation and evaluation addressing ecosystems and areas such as water resources
This synthesis report, Adaptation planning, implementation and evaluation addressing ecosystems and areas such as water resources, was prepared under the Nairobi Work Programme (NWP) on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in collaboration with members of Friends of EbA. Information in 45 submissions served as primary inputs. Read more.
This synthesis report, Adaptation planning, implementation and evaluation addressing ecosystems and areas such as water resources, was prepared under the Nairobi Work Programme (NWP) on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in collaboration with members of Friends of EbA. Information in 45 submissions served as primary inputs. Read more.
Shared goals – joined up approaches?
This FEBA Technical Discussion Paper, Shared goals – joined up approaches?, discusses how action under the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011 – 2020 needs to come together at the landscape level. Read more.
This FEBA Technical Discussion Paper, Shared goals – joined up approaches?, discusses how action under the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011 – 2020 needs to come together at the landscape level. Read more.
Nature Based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation – Knowledge Gaps
An analysis of current and prevailing knowledge gaps, needs and barriers concerning climate change adaptation in general, and ecosystem-based adaptation in particular. Read more.
An analysis of current and prevailing knowledge gaps, needs and barriers concerning climate change adaptation in general, and ecosystem-based adaptation in particular. Read more.
Ecosystem-based Adaptation Monitoring and Evaluation – Indicators
There is a need to develop a set of context and ecosystem specific adaptation criteria and indicators to define, assess and monitor the effectiveness of EbA initiatives. Read more.
There is a need to develop a set of context and ecosystem specific adaptation criteria and indicators to define, assess and monitor the effectiveness of EbA initiatives. Read more.
Inventory of tools and methodologies for the assessment of climate change vulnerability and adaptation
Tools are defined as a means or instrument employed to accomplish a specific task, whereas methodologies or approaches are a complete framework that prescribes an entire process for the assessment of vulnerability and adaptation and offers a broad strategic approach. In some instances methodologies consist of varies methods and toolkits to support the process. Read more.
Tools are defined as a means or instrument employed to accomplish a specific task, whereas methodologies or approaches are a complete framework that prescribes an entire process for the assessment of vulnerability and adaptation and offers a broad strategic approach. In some instances methodologies consist of varies methods and toolkits to support the process. Read more.
Learning from Participatory Vulnerability Assessments – key to identifying Ecosystem based Adaptation options
Participatory planning combines the involvement of field experts and local community members in order to obtain reliable information on the ecosystem(s) and communities of focus. Community perceptions of local climate related problems allow communities, practitioners and policy makers, to directly address community impacts, through the process of vulnerability assessments. Read more.
Participatory planning combines the involvement of field experts and local community members in order to obtain reliable information on the ecosystem(s) and communities of focus. Community perceptions of local climate related problems allow communities, practitioners and policy makers, to directly address community impacts, through the process of vulnerability assessments. Read more.