The Synthesis Report on Experiences with Ecosystem-based Approaches to Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction,’ includes findings from a CBD technical workshop on ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation (EbA) and to disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR), which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 28 September to 2 October 2016. The report explains that trade-offs or unintended consequences when implementing EbA and Eco-DRR should be considered throughout risk assessment, scenario planning and adaptive management processes. It calls for increased engagement between the scientific and development communities and for effective engagement and coordination of multiple stakeholders, as both EbA and Eco-DRR are cross-disciplinary fields. It also recognizes that implementation guidelines for EbA and Eco-DRR at the local and sectoral levels would be helpful.
The Synthesis Report recommends: implementing EbA and Eco-DRR options based on guidance from vulnerability assessments that consider underlying drivers of change, existing policies and community perceptions; considering frameworks and concepts that recognize the linkages between people and ecosystems as integrated socioecological systems; mainstreaming EbA and Eco-DRR into policies and practices in a manner that converges top-down and bottom-up approaches, and engages indigenous peoples and local communities; building EbA and Eco-DRR capacity building for different stakeholders at all levels; and establishing institutional arrangements and structures to enhance coordination across sectors.
In addition, the Synthesis Report identifies the contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities, including traditional and local knowledge systems, and calls for processes that ensure prior and informed consent, support consultation and ensure community engagement on projects. It also calls for gender mainstreaming and capacity building to understand gender issues.
