This study aims to identify entry points for EbA mainstreaming for selected partner countries and provides a targeted information for policy makers and practitioners on how to successfully make the case for EbA and promote uptake by stakeholders at different levels. The study defines “entry points” as windows for opportunity to influence decision-making that may occur at all levels of governance as well as situations or processes that help gain the interest of policy makers, important stakeholders or the broader public for mainstreaming EbA.
Due to its geographic location and development patterns, the Philippines is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world. The main hazards affecting the population are rise in sea levels, extreme rainfall events, extreme heating events, increased ocean temperatures, and disturbed water budget. Although the term EbA is fairly new to the Philippines, practitioners in the field of environment conservation and protection as well as advocates for climate change adaptation are very familiar with the concept. Stemming from conservation efforts, the Philippines has several policies and climate change and conservation frameworks on which EbA efforts can build. There is, however, a need to further analyse and harmonize these regulatory documents.
Five entry points were identified that pose immediate opportunity for mainstreaming EbA: 1) land use planning process, 2) Sustainable Integrated Area Development Strategy (SIAD), 3) Climate Change Cluster on Adaptation and MitigationDisaster Risk Reduction (CCCAM-DRR) agenda, 4) protected area management, and the 5) National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process including the revision of the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan.