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Home > Ecosystem-based Adaptation​ > EbA mainstreaming cycle > Step 3: Identify EbA options

Step 3: Identify EbA options

Reducing exposure and sensitivity, increasing adaptive capacity

Based on the information generated through the risk assessment in Step 2, Ecosystem-based Adaptation options can now be identified. These should aim to reduce exposure and sensitivity or increase adaptive capacity as well as maintain or enhance ecosystem services supply. If an impact chain approach was applied to assess risk, the impact chains can be used to structure an initial brainstorming on potential adaptation measures. Most measures applied for EbA will not be new measures. In fact, there are numerous well known approaches from e.g. integrated watershed-, sustainable land-, forest- or coastal zone management that can be applied in the climate change and EbA context. Here, particular attention is paid to nature-based solutions that support the restoration, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems. With regards to e.g. infrastructure, “grey” (infrastructural)measures are equally relevant and can often be used in combination with “green” (ecosystem-based) measures (hybrid adaptation) – for instance to protect infrastructure from climate change related hazards.

Suggested sources

For an overview of different categories of EbA options, please see the EbA in Practice page. The following databases and inventories provide an additional source of information on Ecosystem-Based Adaptation options and measures (adapted from the Voluntary guidelines for the design and effective implementation of ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (CBD, 2018).

Eba2019 Tools Orginasations
PANORAMA – Solutions for a healthy planet Ecosystems Restoration Opportunity Mapping Addressing Slow-Onset Events EU Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM) Implementing nature-based-flood protection Options for EbA in coastal environments Database on ecosystem-based approaches to Adaptation Selection of nature-based solutions Moving from Principles to Practice River restoration and biodiversity Building with Nature / Ecoshape Flood and coastal erosion risk management Greening the Grey Local investments for climate change adaptation

PANORAMA – Solutions for a healthy planet

  • Hands-on examples of successful NbS, EbA and Eco-by regions, ecosystems, specific thematic areas, governance and challenges addressed
  • Useful for replication through clear outline of success factors

For more information, please visit this link.

Ecosystems Restoration Opportunity Mapping

  • Mapping of areas where ecosystems can reduce disaster risk
  • Enables prioritisation of protection and restoration areas for ecosystems

For more information, please visit this link.

Addressing Slow-Onset Events

  • Inventory of nature-based projects implemented in the BAC
  • Organised into three sections – rivers, coasts and cities

For more information, please visit this link.

EU Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM)

  • Sector-specific NWRMs
  • Contains comprehensive but non-prescriptive range of measures

For more information, please visit this link.

Implementing nature-based-flood protection

Five principles and implementation guidance for planning of NbS for flood risk management.

For more information, please visit this link.

Options for EbA in coastal environments

  • Online guide, website and decision-support tool
  • Helps environmental decision-makers in choosing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and adaptively managing coastal EbA

For more information, please visit this link.

Database on ecosystem-based approaches to Adaptation

Examples of ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation

For more information, please visit this link.

Selection of nature-based solutions

  • Inventory of nature-based projects implemented in the BAC
  • Organised into three sections – rivers, coasts and cities

For more information, please visit this link.

Moving from Principles to Practice

  • Description of opportunities, limitations and contexts for EbA
  • Aligns EbA measures and traditional adaptation technologies to ecosystem services for profiling of adaptation technologies

For more information, please visit this link.

River restoration and biodiversity

  • Describes importance of rivers for nature conservation
  • Summarises damage of river habitats
  • Discusses how river habitat restoration can bring benefits for both wildlife and humans

For more information, please visit this link.

Building with Nature / Ecoshape

New approach to hydraulic engineering that harnesses forces of nature to benefit environment, economy and society.

For more information, please visit this link.

Flood and coastal erosion risk management

  • Explains natural processes in flood and coastal risk management
  • Source for achieving greater working with natural processes

For more information, please visit this link.

Greening the Grey

Highlights innovations in green-grey infrastructure from academia and practice such as bridges, street furniture, coastal engineering structures.

For more information, please visit this link.

Local investments for climate change adaptation

  • Options for adaptation activities that use employment intensive approaches
  • Focus on inclusive local practices for environmental sustainability

For more information, please visit this link.

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