Adapting Proactively: Progressing Ecosystem-driven Resilience in a Time of Instability
The 11th Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Knowledge Day, held in Bonn, Germany, brought together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss strategies for scaling EbA and building a climate-resilient future.
Ali Raza Rizvi, Director of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Climate Change and Energy Transition Team, was among the speakers at the event. He emphasised the need for EbA to respond to political, environmental, and financial uncertainties to remain effective.
A significant focus of the event was on building momentum for scaling EbA. Four breakout groups identified actionable recommendations for the EbA community, including shifting from short-term, project-based work to programmatic, adaptive strategies that integrate EbA into finance, development, and planning systems.
Greater inclusivity and the use of tangible co-benefits were recommended to gain buy-in from resistant stakeholders. Visual tools and local networks were suggested to help convey EbA messages in accessible, actionable ways.
Networks like ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability are helping local governments implement EbA, while the FEBA network, a key driver of knowledge exchange and coordinated action across sectors, was highlighted for its role in this endeavour.
Robust monitoring and evaluation are vital for measuring EbA success and guiding adaptive implementation. A shared vision, flexible indicators, and long-term funding were identified as core elements of scalable M&E systems. Institutional learning platforms were recommended to capture lessons and ensure continuity in M&E systems.
Community-driven, locally adapted nature-based responses that integrate traditional and Indigenous knowledge were showcased at the event. The Billion Minds Institute and the World Resources Institute are championing psychological resilience in EbA, with the working group "Psychological Resilience and EbA" leading the way.
Strategies for private sector engagement include building tailored mechanisms to attract diverse investors, using blended finance to de-risk early action, and positioning EbA as a smart, future-proof investment. Increasing integration of EbA in national adaptation plans (NAPs) requires decision-makers' buy-in.
Overcoming fragmented planning and inaccessible technical language is key to bridging policy and practice. Inclusive governance recommendations include integrating rights-based approaches, Indigenous knowledge, gender equity, intergenerational justice into national policy, and long-term funding that respects free, prior, and informed consent.
Participants were encouraged to stay engaged through FEBA working groups, policy dialogues, and collaborative efforts for a climate-resilient future. They were invited to engage with existing FEBA groups or propose new ones to support FEBA's mission of advancing ecosystem-based solutions for resilient development.
The International Climate Initiative (IKI) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) emphasised the need for faster, more inclusive implementation of EbA. Breaking silos, building trust, and crafting solutions that are not only evidence-based, but also inclusive and scalable is crucial for long-term success.
In conclusion, the 11th EbA Knowledge Day provided valuable insights into the future of EbA, emphasising the importance of inclusivity, scalability, and long-term funding in achieving climate resilience through ecosystem-based adaptation.
