This guide is intended to assist researchers in developing a plan for a research study on Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA). EbA is part of an overall adaptation strategy that relies on biodiversity and ecosystem services (e.g. food, water, building material, and storm protection provided by forests, wetlands, or other ecosystems) to help people and communities adapt to the harmful effects of climate change. While many governments prefer to invest in traditional “hard” engineering solutions, such as coastal defenses, these may prove to be unsustainable in the long-term, are usually costly, and do not provide the same range of services as fully-functioning ecosystems. The role of ecosystems in adaptation strategies is increasingly being acknowledged, but there are still questions regarding the conceptual framework shaping EbA components (e.g. social, ecological, economic, governance) and processes (e.g. planning, implementing, monitoring). To encourage EbA application, it is important to make the case for the benefits and cost-effectiveness of the approach compared to other types of adaptation measures and to advance the scientific evidence for EbA.
The objectives of this guide are to strengthen the understanding of EbA core concepts, identify current and prevailing knowledge gaps and research needs for EbA, and provide insights on where potential research should be focused for future knowledge generation. It also highlights considerations with regards to selecting an appropriate research approach and provides an inventory of EbA-relevant tools, journals, conferences, and funding opportunities.