The adoption of ecosystem-based adaptation in the international climate agenda

Abstract

There is a growing recognition of the role that healthy ecosystems play in helping people to adapt to climate change through the delivery of ecosystem services. • Ecosystem-based Adaptation promotes the sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services to adapt to climate change. • Ecosystem-based Adaptation is emerging on the international agenda but more evidence from the field is needed to understand the potential range of benefits. • Examples of Ecosystem-based Adaptation show that these measures have been successfully implemented and can be cost-effective alternatives and/or complements to more traditional adaptation options. • Challenges and future needs are discussed in order to incorporate Ecosystem-based Adaptation into national and regional adaptation policies.