From watershed development to ecosystem-based adaptation: A journey to systemic resilience

This report is an assessment of the outcomes of two ecosystem-based adaptation projects from these programmes in Purushwadi and Bhojdari villages. The report shows how EbA can help build systemic resilience in ecosystems and communities. The climate crisis is particularly acute in India. The latest research predicts a rise in average temperatures of 2.4–4.4 °C by the end of the century. Increase in average temperature is associated with greater occurrence of heatwaves, longer and more frequent droughts, and heavy irregular rainfall. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is one example of a nature-based solution for adaptation. It is a systemic approach that focuses on increasing people’s adaptive capacity through the sustainable use, conservation and restoration of ecosystems, their services, and biodiversity. It also aims for inclusive governance and improved coordination at different policy levels to create a sustainable development model. Further, EbA is regarded as a low-cost and no-regret option. Studies show that it can be used as an effective pro-poor approach in rural development, given its social cobenefits such as food security and poverty reduction.

This report concludes with six key messages, including: 

1. EbA strengthens community resilience while preserving ecosystems.
2. An EbA approach to sustainable land management, watershed development and sectorial programmes can increase the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change while strengthening food and nutrition security.
3. EbA must be economically viable.
4. Human well-being depends on healthy ecosystems. 
5. Locally led EbA implementation requires strengthening the capacities of communities, fostering village-level democratic processes and institutions, and pooling different types of knowledge.
6. Effective management of ecosystems needs strong collaboration between local communities, civil society organisations, private sector, government and funding agencies, from village to state levels.