Ecosystem-based
Adaptation

Working with nature to adapt
to a changing climate

EbA in practice

The implementation of EbA measures can be based on either a certain ecosystem service (e.g. water retention), part of an ecosystem or on one or several ecosystems. In general, the type and state of the ecosystem as well as the intended outcome determine the measures to choose. One focus of EbA for instance is “green infrastructure”, which can complement or substitute hard, or “grey”, infrastructural measures such as dykes, dams, river stabilisation structures or man-made water reservoirs.

EbA measures can cover:

  • technical measures (such as mangrove restoration),
  • policy & governance measures (enhancing cross-sectoral cooperation or multi-stakeholder participation)
  • capacity development (train authorities in applying mainstreaming tools)
  • research (create a better understanding of the values of ecosystem services)

                                                           Source: GIZ / Th. Amend, 2019

The following table gives an overview of ecosystems, the hazards and measures that can be applied as well as the environmental, adaptation and socio-economic benefits they may achieve.

More proven and replicable EbA solutions examples from different regions and ecosystems are available on PANORAMA Solutions for a Healthy Planet

Further sources for application examples include:

If you are looking for tools to support the planning and implementation of EbA measures, please use the EbA Tools Navigator, which is a database of tools that can help your implement EbA measures.