10 May 2013: The UNFCCC Secretariat has published a report on the technical workshop on ecosystem-based approaches for adaptation to climate change (FCC/SBSTA/2013/2), which was held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 21-23 March 2013. The workshop sought to enhance parties’ and expert organizations’ understanding of ecosystem-based approaches for adaptation, share best practices and lessons learned, and identify areas for further work.

Issues addressed during the workshop included: the role of ecosystems, including forests, in adaptation; ecosystems vulnerabilities and impacts in ecosystems; and implementation of and benefits from ecosystem-based approaches for adaptation. On the integration of ecosystem-based approaches into adaptation policies and programmes, participants identified priority areas for follow-up and further consideration, including: the establishment of ecosystem principles as a criteria for adaptation-specific funding; consideration of the functions of ecosystems when conducting climate change vulnerability or risk assessments; and integration of traditional and indigenous knowledge into adaptation policies and strategies.

On ways to enhance synergies across the Rio Conventions, participants identified, inter alia: consideration of multilevel indicators, more holistic and programmatic planning; and a process for harmonizing goals and indicators across the three Rio Conventions. Other issues that participants addressed for possible future action included: enhancement of knowledge management and stakeholder engagement; and improvement of understanding of methodological, technical and scientific related aspects. Moreover, participants highlighted issues for further consideration under the Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change (NWP). [Publication: Ecosystem Based Approaches Workshop’s Report] [IISD RS Story on the Workshop] [UNFCCC Information on the Workshop]