Ecosystem-based Adaptation Research Articles

Building Climate Resilience in Coastal City Living Labs Using Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: A Systematic Review

Climate change leads to an unequivocal rise in the intensity and frequency of natural disasters. This necessitates mainstreaming of climate adaptation strategies in the global movement on climate action. Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA) has become popular as an effective means of climate adaptation, which can be resilient and flexible compared to hard engineering-based measures. However, ecosystem-based approaches in disaster risk reduction still remain under-researched despite their growing popularity. This study delves into the utility of EBA in the context of the living lab, using a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) based Systematic Literature Review. A living lab (LL) is a participatory tool invented to foster innovation through real-life testing environments, such as individual cities. This study focuses on European coastal regions, as these are both highly populated and vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea-level rise, storms, flooding and erosion. This study identified multiple synergies between the EBA concepts, living lab and disaster-risk reduction and concludes that EBA schemes can be highly effective in the living lab set-up. It also demonstrates that increased stakeholder engagement and the consideration of socio-economic co-benefits as part of the EBA-LL model can lead to successful disaster risk reduction.

Exploring wildlife disservices and conservation in the context of ecosystem-based adaptation: A case study in the Mt. Elgon region, Uganda

Ecosystem-based adaptation programs seek to use ecosystem services to help vulnerable human communities adapt to climate change impacts. Proponents of these programs cite biodiversity conservation as a critical co-benefit, however to date, limited studies examine the outcomes of ecosystem-based adaptation interventions, particularly in terms of implications for wildlife. This case study applies the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services framework to examine an ecosystem-based adaptation program in the Mt. Elgon region of Uganda. Participant interviews within communities previously enrolled in an ecosystem-based adaptation project are used to explore how these programs change local community members’ perceived relationships with nature, in the context of environmental change, and the potential implications for wildlife both within and outside of nearby Mt. Elgon National Park. Results indicate that ecosystem-based adaptation programs positively influenced participants’ reported conservation values, perceptions, and behaviors; however, wildlife disservices emerged as a significant factor influencing adaptation outcomes and biodiversity conservation co-benefits. This study underscores the importance of incorporating disservices into ecosystem-based adaptation to address factors that may undermine climate resilience gains, particularly as these and other nature-based climate solutions are implemented globally.

Ecosystem-based Adaptation and the successful implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

Ecosystem-based Adaptation and the successful implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

Community Resilience to Address Urban Vulnerabilities: A Case Study of Flood-prone Communities

Urban vulnerability is a priority concern and communities must build resiliency to respond to disasters and mitigate its negative impacts. This is a case study on the 2011 Matina flash flood affecting thousands of families in the following barangays: Matina Crossing, Matina Pangi and Matina Aplaya. The study areas are heavily populated, with business, and institutional establishments. Using the qualitative method, this paper highlights the vulnerabilities of the community and examined the role of risk communication and social capital that enable communities, groups and institutions respond quickly to the hazards of flooding. Review of literatures reveals that Davao City is a flood prone area, major tributaries drain towards the Davao Gulf. Affected families in these areas comprised 61.57% of the total affected families of the 2011 flash floods. The average number of households per family is 4.3, while the total number of casualties reached 29 – majority are women and children. Results of the study revealed that despite the lack of communication management protocols, there is a strong sense of social capital exhibited by communities, institutions and various groups involved in the emergency response. Inter-governmental, and cross boundary efforts for climate change adaptation initiatives to reduce vulnerabilities among communities must be factored in given the nature of ecosystems and river systems draining towards Davao Gulf. Further it is recommended that ecosystem-based and community-based adaptation be explored to build more resilient communities who able to with stand and reduce vulnerabilities during natural hazards such as flooding.

Engaging Fisherfolk Organizations in Conservation-Based Alternative Livelihoods and Conservation of the Habitats of Irrawaddy Dolphins in Negros Occidental

The coastal waters of Bago City and Pulupandan are core habitats of the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), and the establishment of a marine protected area (MPA) is seen as a crucial strategy in ensuring their conservation. However, the sustainability of the MPA depends on the participation of those who have greater stakes as resource users, the fisherfolk communities. This paper describes and assays the experiences and issues on how fisherfolk organizations were engaged in conservation-based alternative livelihood and protection of the habitats of Irrawaddy dolphins. Using qualitative methods, rapid community appraisal, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and workshops were conducted involving eight fisherfolk organizations. A conservation-based alternative livelihood framework was adopted in engaging the fisherfolk communities, which was drawn from the concepts of the sustainable alternative livelihoods approach (SALA) and the ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA). Community organizing processes and development principles were observed, such as ensuring that activities are undertaken to be participatory and community-based in approaches. The experiences in engaging fisherfolk organizations yielded some issues and lessons: poverty remains a barrier to conservation; how to contend with the strong dole-out mentality among members; community building as an organizing approach was short-lived; the support of local government units; and the vital role of women in conservation and community development. The study suggests a shift in the community organizing approach towards consensus organizing because environmental conservation necessitates the involvement of various stakeholders.

Mainstreaming ecotourism as an ecosystem-based adaptation in Vietnam: insights from three different value chain models

Mainstreaming ecotourism as an ecosystem-based adaptation in Vietnam: insights from three different value chain models

Ecosystem-based adaptation for increased agricultural productivity by smallholder farmers in Nepal.

The impacts of climate change are evident in the agriculture sector globally. These impacts are more severe and pronounced in a mountainous country like Nepal due to the high reliance on agro-economy and subsistence-based livelihoods by smallholder farmers that increase vulnerability and risks. Several ecosystem-based adaptation measures have proved to build the adaptive capacity of both agro-ecosystems and smallholder farmers by offering simple and affordable technologies however, these are yet to be prioritized by policy and programs for scaling. In this paper, we provide science-based evidence to traditionally used practices, such as jholmal (locally prepared bio-fertilizer and pesticides) and straw mulching by comparing their efficacy in terms of yield and reduction in disease pest infestation. The study was conducted in Kavre district of Nepal during 2017 and 2018 using participatory on-farm field trials for jholmal and straw mulching designed separately with Randomized Complete Block Design for selected vegetable crops like bitter gourd and tomato. The application of jholmal showed significant increase in bitter gourd yield both at the foothill and hilltop sites compared to the farmer’s business usual practice (in 2017 and 2018, bitter gourd yield increased by 30.5% and 31.1% in foothill, while 26.6% and 28.7% in hilltops respectively). Further, a significant reduction on fruit infestation was observed in jholmal treated plots. Similarly, there was increase in tomato yield when straw mulch was used compared to the non-mulched trials (in 2017 and 2018, tomato yield increased by 16.5% and 20.3% respectively). These findings suggest that traditionally used practices have scientific basis and offer simple, affordable and climate friendly practices to improve the health of agro-ecosystem while supporting smallholder farmers to adapt to adverse impacts of climate change and build socio-ecological resilience. These practices can be also customized depending on the local context for wider adoption and scaling across Nepal and elsewhere as ecosystem-based adaptation measures for smallholder farmers.

Rediscovering South Africa: Flood disaster risk management through ecosystem-based adaptation

The emergence of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) has created a shift from the conventional adaptation approaches often accompanied by high costs, including conflicting interests associated with the dense urban fabric and inflexibility. Therefore, EbA presents a potential for more comprehensive, cost-efficient, multifunctional and multidimensional measures in flood disaster risk management. Essentially, EbA integrates biodiversity and ecosystem services as an approach to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. This study adopts descriptive and exploratory analytical approaches aimed at assessing the trends of flood events in South Africa and their potential risk management through EbA. The study reveals that between 1959 and 2019, several major floods have occurred, resulting in losses of life and livelihoods and significant infrastructure damages among others. Recovery has taken years and needed continuous investment. Unfortunately, many communities have not been able to “bounce back/bounce forward”, despite all these efforts. This study revealed that EbA strategies can be instituted regionally and nationally to offer efficient flood disaster adaptation or mitigation in flood-prone areas. In general, utilising EbA can stabilise or reduce flood impacts, minimise environmental impacts and damages associated with flood disasters by developing innovative EbA strategies. Therefore, the study recommends an increased awareness of EbA strategies to enhance universal adoption in ameliorating flood risk.

Riverscapes as natural infrastructure: Meeting challenges of climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration

Rivers have been diminished, simplified, and degraded globally by the concentration of agriculture, transportation, and development in valley bottoms over decades and centuries, substantially limiting their ecological health and value. More recently, climate change is steadily increasing stress on aging traditional, gray infrastructure. Recent trends in river management present an opportunity to address both the ecological degradation and climate stress. A strategic focus on riverscapes as critical natural infrastructure can serve as ecosystem-based adaptation to improve resilience to climate change and restore river ecosystem health. As traditional, gray infrastructure ages and fails under increasing climate stress, there is opportunity to rebuild with improved understanding of the value of the ecosystem services that healthy riverscapes provide. River valley bottoms, including source-water wetlands and riverscape floodplains, are the critical natural infrastructure areas deserving of protection and restoration to build resilience to increased frequency and severity of fires, floods and droughts associated with climate change. Since healthy riverscapes need space and water, the long-standing focus on restoring natural flow regimes makes sense. Equally crucial to restoring river health is to give rivers space and freedom to exercise (i.e., flood and adjust their channels).

Diversity and Diversification: Ecosystem Services Derived From Underutilized Crops and Their Co-benefits for Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes and Resilient Food Systems in Africa.

There are growing calls to adopt more sustainable forms of agriculture that balance the need to increase production with environmental, human health, and wellbeing concerns. Part of this conversation has included a debate on promoting and mainstreaming neglected and underutilized crop species (NUS) because they represent a more ecologically friendly type of agriculture. We conducted a systematic review to determine the ecosystem services derived from NUS and assess their potential to promote functional ecological diversity, food and nutritional security, and transition to more equitable, inclusive, sustainable and resilient agricultural landscapes and food systems in Africa. Our literature search yielded 35 articles for further analysis. The review showed that NUS provide various provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting ecosystem services and several environmental and health co-benefits, dietary diversity, income, sustainable livelihood outcomes, and economic empowerment, especially for women. Importantly, NUS address the three pillars of sustainable development-ecological, social, and economic. Thus, NUS may provide a sustainable, fit-for-purpose transformative ecosystem-based adaptation solution for Africa to transition to more sustainable, healthy, equitable, and resilient agricultural landscapes and food systems.

Eco-agritourism as an Ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) against climate change impacts for the Vietnamese Mekong Delta: a viewpoint

The sustainable development of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) is constantly challenged by many natural disasters, especially the recent intensification of sea-level rise and salinity intrusion. Instead of trying to train the environment, the VMD farmers have adopted new adaptive livelihood models that promote more harmonious strategies to live with nature, seeking the compromising point between generating income and restoring the environmental benefits. The focus of this paper is one such approach, the ecological shrimp farming model of Ben Tre province. Presented herewith is the authors’ viewpoint regarding the barriers and opportunities to develop the eco-agritourism model based on the ecological shrimp farming model in the VMD. We took note of the standing challenges for the farmers in sustaining their farms, both technically and financially. From the follow-up PRA, we contributed the evaluation of the potentials in incorporating ecotourism into the existing ecological shrimp farms. The findings are non-exhaustive, however, are significant to both decision-makers and scientific communities. As for the former, tourism development lies within the socio-economic development plan of Ben Tre province; this paper will be useful to communicate with policy planners of a note-worthy emerging ecotourism model. We also remarked on the community needs and expectations for the government. We also discussed the possibility of upscaling the eco-agritourism model via the channel of EBA research and development schemes while contributing to multiple SDGs. In addition, we also contributed a novel interpretation of eco-agritourism that are relevant to the community-based adaption strategies against climate change impacts.

생태계 기반 적응 사례 조사를 통한 기후변화 대응 정책에서의 활용 전략 연구

Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) reduces risk or creates a buffer from the impact of climate change and has positive social and economic benefits on local communities. In this study, EbA was defined through case study, and a list of policies and technologies that can be applied for climate change adaptation policies in Korea was created. Previous studies EbA defined as ‘Using the ecosystem to reduce the impact of climate change, to establish, protect and manage mutually complementary relationships for social and economic sustainability and sustainable ecosystems of local communities’. Based on case study, we proposed EbA measures that can be applied to forest and grassland ecosystems, freshwater and wetland ecosystems, marine and coastal ecosystems, and urban ecosystems and are applicable to local communities and related organizations. The significance of this study is that the concept of EbA can be applied to South Korea and can classify technologies and policies for ecological restoration by ecosystem. In addition, this study provided a framework that can be used to establish site-specific EbAs depending on size.

MAINSTREAMING OF ECO-DRR TO IMPLEMENT INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN INDONESIA

Science to policy of ecosystem based adaptation to manage disaster risk reduction in the context of IWRM is very important in sustainability science concept. It will explain how the science and evidence-base of ecosystem based disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) could more effectively inform and influence development decisions. Sustainability Science can be defined as understanding the fundamental character of interactions between nature and society. In brief definition, a sustainable development as the ’ability to make development sustainable—to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. Understanding core concept related to ecosystems, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, resilience and sustainable development is very important, because: it linkages between ecosystems, disaster risk reduction, and resilience; (2) it linkages between climate change, disasters and ecosystem-based adaptation; (3) ecosystem management approaches/tools in reducing disaster risk and adapting to climate change impact; and (4) mainstreaming Eco-DRR/CCA into development policy, plans and strategies. The paper was also to remind us that ecosystem-based DRR/CCA is often under valued and under-appreciated as part of a comprehensive approach to risk reduction.

Do habitat compensation schemes to offset losses from sea level rise and coastal squeeze represent a robust climate change adaptation response?

Habitat compensation schemes aim to offset unavoidable development-related losses at one site with replacement habitat elsewhere. They have become prominent policy tools used to address coastal squeeze of intertidal habitats occurring from sea-level rise and ‘hold-the-line’ management approaches. This policy development is evaluated against scientific evidence and its broader ethical dimensions regarding conservation of the natural environment. A case study is provided from the UK (England) where the National Habitat Compensation Programme aims to continue conservation obligations consistent with the EU Habitats Directive and Natura 2000. Progress is also referenced against Shoreline Management Plans and aspirations for a greater proportion of the coast to shift to managed realignment in response to sea level rise. Important barriers are identified, and issues of monitoring, transparency, and robustness are highlighted regarding habitat compensation and general coastal policy. At present, habitat compensation is based upon a simple area-based balance sheet approach which overlooks key uncertainties and gives a misleading indication of progress. Climate change adaptation planning needs to include more flexibility based upon alternative scenarios and response pathways, especially regarding recent evidence for higher future sea-level rises. Robust responses also require more emphasis on improved interpretation of ecological functioning, integrity, and coherence, as essential concepts to facilitate ecosystem-based adaptation consistent with international conventions and application of the precautionary principle.

Community perceptions of climate change and ecosystem-based adaptation in the mangrove ecosystem of the Rufiji Delta, Tanzania

ABSTRACT Mangroves are increasingly recognized for their role in supporting adaptation to climate change and variability. However, knowledge about how climate change and variability affect mangrove ecosystem services (MES) and their role in supporting coastal communities to adaption is limited in Tanzania. We used participatory rural appraisal methods and field observations to explore local communities' perceptions of climate change and variability, and ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) strategies in the mangroves of the Rufiji Delta, Tanzania. Decrease in rainfall, increased temperatures, coastal flooding, and the incidence of sea level rise were identified as key variables associated with a changing climate in the delta. Perceived climatic stresses included damaged fish breeding sites, altered climate regulation and a decrease in coastal protection and flood control. Decline in crop, fish and honey production were perceived as the main impacts on community livelihoods, although there were significant differences across occupational groups. Dependence on MES in times of shocks, such as when agriculture production fails, switching of occupation, crop diversification, fishing in deep waters and migration to other areas provided potential adaptation options. Although the reported perceptions related to climate change or variability are not explicit, they both have negative consequences to mangrove dependent communities' livelihoods.

Farmers’ Strategies to Climate Change and Urbanization: Potential of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in Rural Chengdu, Southwest China

Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) is emerging as a cost-effective approach for helping people adapt to climate and non-climate changes. Nowadays, climate change and urbanization have affected agricultural systems, but it is not clear how rural communities have responded or adapted to those changes. Here, we chose two typical villages in the Chengdu Plain, southwest China, through sociological surveys on 90 local farmers with a semi-structured questionnaire, participatory observation, geospatial analysis of land use and land cover, and a literature review, to explore the local people’s perception of changes or disturbances and their adaptation strategies from the perspective of EbA. The results showed that climate change and urbanization had impacted agricultural systems dramatically in the last 40 years. In two case-study sites, climate change and urbanization were perceived by most local farmers as the main drivers impacting on agricultural production, but various resource-use models containing abundant traditional knowledge or practices as well as modern tools, such as information communication technology (ICT), were applied to adapt to these changes. Moreover, culture service through the adaptive decoration of rural landscapes is becoming a new perspective for implementing an EbA strategy. Finally, our findings highlighted the potential value of an EbA strategy for sustaining urban-rural integrated development and enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems.

Impact of climate change on domestic water accessibility in Bamenda III Sub-Division, North West region, Cameroon

The effects of climate change are felt most at the household level, when taps and springs run dry for several weeks or months, forcing people to access potable water from doubtful sources. There has been an increase in the population of Bamenda III without a proportionate increase in the water supply capacity. This has resulted in severe water crises, even though Bamenda III municipality has water supplies from the Council, Community, CAMWATER, natural springs and streams, wells and boreholes. Household data on water accessibility against a backdrop of a changing climate was collected using 269 questionnaires to assess perceptions on the state of water resources and climate. Rainfall data were collected from 1963-2019 and results revealed that mean annual rainfall is at 182.52 mm, with a standard deviation of 29.16 and a Coefficient of Variation of 15.69%, while the mean Standardized Precipitation Index is -0.07 (mild dryness), and rainfall has reduced by -2.07 mm from 1963-2019. The population attributed problems of water accessibility to climate change, urbanization and poor water governance. It is recommended that sustainable water management through Nature-based Solutions and Ecosystem-based Adaptation should be implemented from the watershed to the community level.

São Paulo’s strategic master plan and the challenges of sustainable urban transformation

Cities play an essential role in the challenge of sustainability, and urban planning is one of the main tools for guiding urban transformation processes. This paper analyses the São Paulo Master Plan 2014, considering the principles and guidelines on compact cities, sustainable adaptation and ecosystem-based adaptation. An urban development model within sustainable parameters, however, involves conflict dynamics. In this sense, the views and demands of the main stakeholders seeking to influence the regulatory arena of São Paulo's urban policy are mapped. The analysis focuses on attempts to change the zoning law that would affect several of the definitions agreed in the Master Plan, prioritising mainly the interests of real estate developers.

Using an inverted funnel analogy to develop a theory of change supporting resilient ecosystem-based adaptation in the Great Lakes Basin: a case study of Lincoln, Ontario, Canada

Communities in coastal areas of Canada, including the Great Lakes, face a number of challenges, including increased water level variability and extreme weather events, causing flooding and localized erosion. To effectively respond to these coastal risks requires structured, deliberative approaches with the aim of fostering resilience and contributing to sustainability. A collaborative engagement process was used to explore community challenges. This included a project launch, key informant interviews, meetings, focus groups (agriculture, tourism, youth), and on-line methods (shoreline residents). Participatory social network analysis and theory of change were used for overall sense-making. As a result, community members identified six impact pathways moving forward with climate action: partnerships and collaboration; strategic engagement; water and watersheds; ecosystem-based adaptation; shoreline protection; and education. These themes are consistent with current theory on sustainability and theory of change development.

Vulnerability and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in the Farming Communities of Droughtprone Northwest Bangladesh

Vulnerability and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in the Farming Communities of Droughtprone Northwest Bangladesh