31 October 2013: A Regional Network Coordination Workshop that focused on linking networks and mainstreaming Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) was hosted by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)-China project on ‘Enhancing capacity, knowledge and technology support to build climate resilience of vulnerable developing countries.’

According to the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention), which participated in the workshop, participants discussed the existing EbA initiatives of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), including: work on implementation of the Ramsar Convention in the Pacific; the formation of a non-exclusive inter-regional working group to build EbA capacity in existing regional networks; and the provision of technical support and transfer of EbA technology. EbA promotes the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services to help people adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change.

Participants agreed on elements of a draft strategy and workplan for integrating EbA into existing networks, and commented on a draft EbA manual/resource book compiled by UNEP experts and the China Ecosystem Research Network (CERN).

The workshop took place in Beijing, China, from 16-19 October 2013, and brought together representatives from Nepal, Mauritania and Seychelles, the three pilot countries for the project, as well as from Iran, Benin and China. Participants also included the Head of the Adaptation Programme of the UNFCCC Secretariat, and members of the UNEP International Ecosystem Management Partnership (UNEP-IEMP), as well as representatives from the UN Development Programme (UNDP), UNEP EbA Programme, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP), IUCN and WWF. The UNEP-China project ‘Enhancing capacity, knowledge and technology support to build climate resilience of vulnerable developing countries’ is funded by the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) of the GEF. [Ramsar Press Release]