Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is globally recognised as an effective response to climate change. Studies further underline that, as a nature-based solution, EbA can provide almost 40% of the climate mitigation needed until 2030, with a multitude of other co-benefits. Harnessing the full potential of nature to address the climate crisis is not only feasible, but vital.

The continuous degradation of ecosystems undermines the achievement of global targets related to sustainability, biodiversity and climate. Despite the multiple co-benefits that EbA can generate, the persistent gap in funding poses a major challenge to effective implementation at large scale. Delving into the underlying reasons for this continuing lack of traction reveals a fundamental “divide” that inhibits greater acceptance of the EbA concept. While environmentalists increasingly push for EbA, including as part of the Covid-19 recovery packages, actors outside of the broader “nature” community are yet to embrace ecosystem-approaches into their day-to-day business.

A first step towards seizing the full potential of EbA, therefore, is to build broader alliances among actors involved in fostering sustainable development. The open conversation about how to achieve inclusive and sustainable development is a prerequisite for initiating ways to implement EbA more broadly. 

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