Asia-Pacific EbA Grantees Convene, Highlight Long-Term Commitment to Ecosystem-Based Adaptation
Bangkok, thailand – Representatives from across the Asia-pacific region gathered recently to share insights and strategize on scaling up Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) initiatives, underscoring the critical need for sustained, inclusive engagement with communities and stakeholders. The workshop, hosted by the Global EbA Fund, brought together grantees to exchange lessons learned and explore pathways to unlock further financing for projects that leverage healthy ecosystems to bolster climate resilience.
A key takeaway from the meeting was the recognition that successful EbA isn’t a short-term fix, but a long-term process. Participants emphasized the importance of inclusivity beginning before project initiation and continuing throughout the project lifecycle and beyond. EbA, fundamentally, relies on thriving ecosystems to help people adapt to the impacts of climate change, necessitating collaboration with diverse actors - from local communities to representatives from various sectors - each with potentially differing priorities.
“Effective implementation of EbA takes time as it entails a paradigm shift to overcome ‘business as usual’ thus challenging existing approaches, beliefs and practices in service of more sustainable solutions,” a workshop summary noted.
The need to build a strong evidence base for EbA’s effectiveness emerged as a central challenge and a crucial step towards attracting increased investment. Documenting learnings and demonstrating tangible results are vital for unlocking new funding opportunities and expanding the reach of these interventions.
The workshop culminated in a field visit to the Mangrove Forest Nature School in samut Songkram province, Thailand. participants witnessed firsthand the power of collective action in restoring a degraded coastal ecosystem. The project, spearheaded by community leader Mr. wisurt nuamsiri, demonstrates how community buy-in is essential for success. Thru collaborative efforts,the community has revitalized mangrove forests,enhancing protection against flooding and natural disasters,creating livelihood opportunities,and fostering biodiversity.The community is now focused on engaging future generations to ensure the long-term resilience of thier ecosystem.
Anke Wolff, from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), closed the workshop with a call for continued collaboration and knowledge sharing. “one small project may be just a drop on a hot stone, but collectively through scaling we have the potential to create a greater impact for people, ecosystems, and the climate,” she stated.
Those seeking further data about the Global EbA Fund and its initiatives can contact [email protected].
[Image of man in mangrove forest – https://iucn.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/mrdaeng_mangroveforestnatureschool-1024×681.jpg]
