Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Agricultural Sectors: Context, approaches and

lessons learned

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Agricultural Sectors: An Introduction

Selvaraju Ramasamy, Climate and Environment Division, FAO

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

1. Ecosystems and agricultural livelihoods

2. Climate change impacts on ecosystems

3. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in agricultural sectors

4. EbA related priorities in (I)NDCs

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Mountain Ecosystems

Extent and livelihoods:

•22 percent of the world’s land surface

•Home to some 915 million people

•Livelihoods for 12% of global population

•60 - 80% water flows from mountains

(FA0 2015)

Climate change impacts:

• Shifts in plant species distribution

• Shrinking glaciers and reduced water holding capacity

• Reduced supply of water downstream

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Forest Ecosystems

Extent and livelihoods:

• 30.6% of global land area

• 1.6 billion people

• More than 20% of world population rely on forest resources

(FAO 2015)

Climate change impacts:

• Pest outbreaks and dieback

• Forest fires

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Cultivated Ecosystems

Extent and livelihoods:

• 37.7% of global land area

• 500 million small-holder farmers in rural areas (FAO 2017)

Climate change impacts:

• Variable and unpredictable rainfall

• Loss of production

• Pests and disease outbreaks

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Freshwater Ecosystems

Climate change impacts:

• Altered flow regimes

• Saltwater intrusion

• Water quality deterioration

• Drying out of wetlands

Extent and livelihoods:

• 70% of freshwater withdrawal for agricultural use

• 40% food production is from irrigated areas

FAO (2015)

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Dryland Ecosystems

Climate change impacts :

• Highly variable rainfall patterns

• Aridity and high frequency of droughts

• Reduced grazing potential

• Soil erosion and land degradation

Extent and livelihoods:

•47% of the earth’s land

•50% of the livestock population

•44% of food production

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

Extent and livelihoods:

•Fisheries and aquaculture support 10-12% of world’s population

•Provide 3 billion people with about 20% animal protein intake per capita (HLPE 2015)

Climate change impacts:

• Sea level rise and warming

• Acidification and coral bleaching

• Damage to fisheries assets

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Agriculture

• Use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change (CBD, 2009 & IPCC, 2014)

• EbA in agricultural sectors:

Sustainable management

Conservation

Restoration

…. of natural resources and ecosystems that support agricultural livelihoods

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in agriculture

Multiple Benefits:

1. Sustainable food production and water availability

2. Enhanced buffering capacities against extreme events (e.g. floods, droughts, landslides etc.)

3. Climate change mitigation co-benefits

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Ecosystem-based Adaptation – (I)NDC analysis

• Ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation – 23 countries • Ecosystems and biodiversity – 132 countries

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Ecosystem based Approaches – (I)NDC priorities

• Crops: Sustainable management of agricultural land and water and livelihood diversification

• Livestock: Improved rangeland management

• Fisheries and Aquaculture: Improved management, conservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems

• Forests: Conservation and restoration of forest biodiversity; sustainable forest management

Introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the agricultural sectors: Context, approaches and lessons22 November, 2017

Scaling-up Adaptation in Agricultural Sectors (SAAS)

Thank You