UNEP and IUCN to launch new €20m programme on ecosystem-based adaptation

UNEP and the International Unit for Conservation of Nature are jointly launching the Global Fund for Ecosystem-based Adaptation, which aims to provide targeted and rapid support mechanisms through seed capital for innovative approaches to eco-system based adaptation (EbA).

During the last Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC held in Madrid in December, the Federal Environment Ministry of Germany (BMU) announced that it would provide 20 million euros for the new UNEP-IUCN programme, which is officially titled “Support for the Implementation and Upscaling of Ecosystem-based adaptation”.

Ecosystem-based adaptation refers to the set of approaches that involve the management of ecosystems to reduce the vulnerability of human communities to climate change. The restoration of mangroves and coral reefs, for example, protects coastal areas from the impacts of rising sea levels, while planting and restoring vegetation on hillsides and mountains prevents erosion and landslides during extreme rainfall.

EbA is a key pillar of the movement to promote ecosystem-based or nature-based, measures for climate change adaptation, which have gained scientific and policy interest over the past few years due to their multiple benefits for people and the planet.

“Nature-based solutions are increasingly recognized as integral to global climate action,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “With this new programme, we are using the power of ecosystems to help societies adapt to climate change. Ecosystem-based adaptation is now being undertaken by more and more Governments and organizations all over the world.”

UNEP and IUCN will be supporting target countries in implementing EbA measures to meet their global plans and commitments. The measures funded by this programme will be supported by specific expertise- and capacity-building, while strengthening information, knowledge and political will for nature-based solutions to adaptation. To do so, IUCN and UNEP will draw on their extensive existing networks, tools and expertise, including Friends of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (FEBA), supported by IUCN, and the Global Adaptation Network, supported by UNEP.

For more information please visit: https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/press-release/unep-iucn-launch-new-eu20m-programme-ecosystem-based-adaptation