Ecosystem-based adaptation

Definition

Ecosystem-based adaptation refers to the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall strategy to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. This approach recognizes that healthy ecosystems can provide essential services like flood protection, crop pollination, and clean water, which contribute to community resilience. By managing and restoring ecosystems, this strategy not only helps mitigate climate impacts but also promotes sustainable development and enhances the well-being of local communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ecosystem-based adaptation strategies are cost-effective and can provide multiple benefits beyond just climate resilience, including improved livelihoods and enhanced biodiversity.
2. These strategies can involve restoring degraded ecosystems, implementing sustainable land management practices, and conserving natural habitats.
3. Ecosystem-based adaptation can be integrated with other forms of adaptation, like infrastructure improvements or community planning, for a more comprehensive approach.
4. Community involvement is essential in ecosystem-based adaptation, as local knowledge and participation lead to more effective and culturally appropriate solutions.
5. Ecosystem-based adaptation aligns with the goals of international agreements on climate change and biodiversity conservation, making it a pivotal strategy for achieving global sustainability objectives.

Review Questions

• How does ecosystem-based adaptation utilize biodiversity to support climate resilience in communities?
  • Ecosystem-based adaptation leverages biodiversity by enhancing the resilience of ecosystems, which in turn supports human communities against climate impacts. Healthy ecosystems provide vital services such as flood regulation and pollination, which are crucial during extreme weather events. By protecting and restoring these ecosystems, communities not only safeguard their immediate environment but also ensure access to resources that sustain their livelihoods. This interconnectedness illustrates how preserving biodiversity is key to successful adaptation strategies.
• Evaluate the role of community participation in the success of ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives.
  • Community participation plays a critical role in the effectiveness of ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives because local stakeholders possess valuable knowledge about their environment and its challenges. When communities are actively involved in the planning and implementation phases, the strategies developed are more likely to be relevant, culturally appropriate, and widely accepted. Furthermore, engaging communities fosters a sense of ownership over local resources, which can lead to better stewardship and long-term sustainability of the ecosystems that support their livelihoods.
• Synthesize how ecosystem-based adaptation strategies can be integrated with traditional infrastructure approaches to enhance overall resilience against climate change.
  • Integrating ecosystem-based adaptation strategies with traditional infrastructure approaches creates a holistic framework for addressing climate change impacts. For instance, instead of solely constructing seawalls for coastal protection, combining these with wetland restoration can enhance natural flood defenses while providing additional ecosystem services like habitat for wildlife. This dual approach not only strengthens resilience by diversifying protective measures but also ensures that communities benefit from both engineered solutions and natural systems. Such integration ultimately leads to more robust and sustainable adaptation outcomes in the face of ongoing environmental changes.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, encompassing different species and genetic variations, crucial for ecosystem resilience.

Ecosystem Services:

The benefits that humans derive from natural ecosystems, including provisioning (like food), regulating (like climate regulation), cultural (like recreation), and supporting services (like nutrient cycling).

Climate Resilience: The ability of a community or ecosystem to withstand and recover from climate-related stresses and disturbances.