What is Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA)?

What is Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA)?

Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change (CBD, 2009 & 2010).

How does EbA fit into the larger scheme of Nature-based Solutions (NbS)?

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) – defined as actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits – are crucial for sustainable development (IUCN Global Standard for NbS, 2020). The sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of NbS make them one of the best tools available to ensure the necessary transformative change to mitigate climate change.

As an umbrella term, NbS encompasses approaches of working with nature, such as ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and ecosystem-based mitigation (EbM). NbS as an overarching concept can be used to support communication and mainstreaming of these different subsets across international, multilateral agreements/global frameworks and their audiences. Bringing clarity to the terminology is critical to mainstream understanding and ensure the incorporation of NbS approaches worldwide.