Enabling upscaling of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation

Time to take action

Ecosystem-based Adaptation has increasingly attracted attention as sustainable solution in the long term to adapt and enhance the resilience of coastal systems. The ‘Enabling Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Climate Adaptation’ workshop focused on drivers from the perspectives of biophysical, governance and legal dimensions to enable upscaling Ecosystem-based Adaptation.

Interdisciplinary perspectives

An interdisciplinary group of academia, practitioners and policy makers joined us at the Social Impact Factory in Utrecht and on Zoom during this hybrid workshop on 13 October 2021. Already early in the workshop it became clear that the participants agreed on the potential of Ecosystem-based Adaptation as a sustainable solution to tackle climate change and societal issues.

A hand scrolling on a phone and a wordle

One minute left...

We started the workshop with presentations on the drivers of global coastal change in the "Setting the Scene" session. Next, we had two in-depth sessions on two specific environments: (1) estuaries and muddy coasts and (2) sandy coasts with cases of research and practical projects in the Netherlands and internationally (Suriname, Indonesia, Vietnam, India). With a seven-minute pitch, the speakers shared their experiences from research and practice and their vision on what are the most important knowledge gaps for upscaling Ecosystem-based Adaptation and the first steps that need be taken to further enable its implementation.

people at a conference listening to a speaker

We have to act now

During the panel discussion and at the end of the workshop, we asked the panel members and participants about the next steps to take to make Ecosystem-based Adaptation a success. Communication and education to raise public awareness and acceptance, thinking in opportunities rather than barriers, a strong and coherent story, setting clear goals and increase engagement with locals were mentioned as key points. Additionally, many notes emphasized the necessities to take actions immediately while we should create an enabling environment to implement measures, be transparent and not postpone actions to wait for major law reforms. It was also highlighted that an integrated approach that connects insights from all relevant disciplines (including governance and laws) is needed in early stage of formulation and planning of projects to ensure the feasibility of implementation of the ecosystem-based adaptation measures.

Connect to insights from other disciplines

At the end of the workshop, everyone was inspired by the experiences of others, gained new perspectives on from other disciplines and was motivated to take action. It was an inspiring workshop and we were very happy to meet each other in person again!

people chatting at the end of a workshop session

Programme

You can download the programme by clicking on the link below:

Presentations

You can download the presentations by clicking on the link:

The workshop was a joint effort of the Water, Climate and Future Deltas hub of Utrecht University and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research.