Rizvi, Ali Raza

Nature-based solutions (NbS) -- centred on the protection, restoration and sustainable management of the world's ecosystems -- have a vitally important role to play in addressing both the causes and consequences of climate change. As countries revise or prepare new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in support of the Paris Agreement in the run-up to 2020, there is a major opportunity to increase global ambition on climate change through strengthening the role of these natural solutions.

This study entailed extensive literature review of linkages between adaptation and mitigation at the global policy level, through analysis of relevant policies and protocols in the context of climate change in general and forest landscape restoration (FLR) in particular. This was followed by literature review regarding the current discourse and understanding of adaptation and mitigation options and the synergies between the two, specifically in the context of FLR.

L'adaptation basée sur les ecosystèmes (AbE) intègre la biodiversité et les services écosystémiques dans un stratégie d'adaptation au changement climatique. La communauté de la conservation et du développement durable considère l'AbE comme une solide méthode de lutte contre le changement climatique et les défis qui y sont associés. Cependant, les décideurs politiques ont encore tendance à mettre en oeuvre des solutions d'adaptation basées sur l'ingénierie traditionelles plutôt que d'investir dans l'AbE.

Ecosystem-based adaptation (Eba) uses biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of a larger adaptation strategy to climate change. While the conservation and sustainable development community considers EbA to be a strong method of addressing climate change and its associated challenges, there is still a tendency for policy makers to implement traditional engineering solutions for adapation, rather than investing in EbA.

The purpose of the current report is to provide baseline information to the project staff and partners, to facilitate subsequent working steps, such as stakeholder consultations, climate risk and vulnerability assessments, and the prioritisation of adaptation options. The report has been compiled based on accessible secondary data. In depth stakeholders’ consultations and firsthand data collection were not undertaken as part of the report preparation. It is thus a living document which will be updated throughout the project implementation phase.

Vulnerability to natural disasters continues to increase, severely compromising the achievement of poverty alleviation goals in many developing countries. A more effective approach is needed to reduce the impacts of these disasters. This publication proposes an approach that integrates ecosystem management, development planning and risk reduction strategies to reduce disaster impacts and improve both livelihoods and biodiversity outcomes.