Ecosystem-based adaptation

Definition

Ecosystem-based adaptation is a strategy that uses biodiversity and ecosystem services to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. This approach emphasizes the importance of healthy ecosystems in providing natural solutions to climate challenges, such as floods and droughts, while also promoting sustainable development. By integrating ecosystem management into adaptation plans, communities can enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate-related impacts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ecosystem-based adaptation strategies often involve restoring natural habitats, such as wetlands or forests, which can buffer against climate impacts like flooding and erosion.
2. This approach can also create co-benefits for local communities, including enhanced food security and improved water quality.
3. Ecosystem-based adaptation promotes collaboration among different stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and environmental organizations.
4. Incorporating traditional ecological knowledge can strengthen ecosystem-based adaptation efforts by aligning them with local practices and cultural values.
5. Funding for ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives is increasingly being integrated into climate finance mechanisms to support sustainable development goals.

Review Questions

• How does ecosystem-based adaptation leverage biodiversity to address climate change impacts?
  • Ecosystem-based adaptation leverages biodiversity by utilizing healthy ecosystems to provide natural defenses against climate change impacts. For example, diverse plant and animal species can enhance the stability and resilience of an ecosystem, which helps buffer against events like floods and droughts. This approach not only reduces vulnerability but also maintains the ecological balance necessary for sustaining local livelihoods.
• Evaluate the role of ecosystem services in supporting ecosystem-based adaptation strategies.
  • Ecosystem services play a crucial role in supporting ecosystem-based adaptation strategies by providing essential benefits that enhance resilience to climate change. Services such as water filtration, flood regulation, and carbon sequestration help mitigate the effects of extreme weather events. By protecting and restoring ecosystems that deliver these services, communities can improve their adaptive capacity while fostering sustainable economic development.
• Discuss how integrating traditional ecological knowledge can enhance the effectiveness of ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives.
  • Integrating traditional ecological knowledge into ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives enhances their effectiveness by ensuring that strategies are culturally relevant and context-specific. Local communities possess invaluable insights into their ecosystems that have been developed over generations. By incorporating this knowledge into planning and implementation processes, adaptation efforts can be more resilient and better aligned with community needs, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes in combating climate change.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which contributes to ecosystem resilience and stability.

Ecosystem services: The benefits humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning services like food and water, regulating services like climate regulation, and cultural services like recreational opportunities.

Climate resilience: The ability of a community or ecosystem to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to climate-related hazards and stresses.