Nature-based solutions to development and climate change challenges: Understanding ecosystem-based adaptation approaches

This Working Paper focuses on nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation, also known as Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA). It provides an overview of selected lessons learnt from EbA in the context of development cooperation, with a particular emphasis on the opportunities and risks regarding poverty alleviation and rights. This Working Paper is based on a desk study of selected academic literature and policy- and project-related publications and reports. It seeks to generate learning for Danish development cooperation, including future programming under Denmark’s 2021 development strategy, in which NbS approaches are emphasised. The paper then provides a synthesis of lessons learned from PES and REDD+ schemes that are of relevance to EbA. It also outlines the overall challenges to EbA identified in the literature before going on to discuss the key success factors. Finally, it provides a list of recommendations and possible entry points for Danish Development Cooperation in the use of EbA.