Ecosystem-based Adaptation: Working with nature to adapt to a changing climate from edX

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Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA); also known as nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation is increasingly gaining policy support and being implemented by diverse actors around the world. EbA is defined as “the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.” It involves the conservation, sustainable management, and restoration of ecosystems, thereby enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and communities to climate-related risks. EbA has broad applications across diverse sectors in fostering sustainable development and can help achieve multiple benefits for nature and human well-being.

While EbA guidebooks, case studies, and principles have contributed to standardising the EbA approach, there is a clear need for further training opportunities to strengthen EbA implementation across diverse sectors while ensuring that rights-based approaches, gender equity, and better outcomes for biodiversity and ecosystems are achieved.

This EbA course, developed for a global audience, will equip learners with transferable and replicable skills in designing and implementing EbA initiatives by offering targeted training on key principles, risk assessments, monitoring, and governance. A key aim of the course is to increase EbA knowledge outside of the environmental conservation community, helping participants integrate EbA solutions into other sectors—including infrastructure, water, agriculture, public works, and social development—to better link research and science with practice.

The course targets decision-makers in public and private organisations; professionals who may not be familiar with EbA but who work in a related field (development, infrastructure, agriculture, integrated water resources management); civil society organisations; actors at community, national, and global scales; early-career EbA professionals, current students, and university faculty; and EbA practitioners from both the Global North and Global South.

The EbA MOOC is the product of a collaboration between Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), with financial support from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), Global Affairs Canada as part of the Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative funded by the Government of Canada, and the Global EbA Fund. Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) assisted in the Spanish edition of the course.

It builds on a decade of research, experience, and strong partnerships in implementing EbA.

What's inside

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, participants will:
Understand the role of eba within an overall climate change adaptation strategy.
Be able to plan eba activities in a logical order and apply eba best practices.

Consider and integrate social aspects, such as gender, livelihoods, and traditional knowledge, into eba projects.
Understand how to mainstream eba across sectors.

By the end of the course, participants will:
Understand the role of eba within an overall climate change adaptation strategy.
Be able to plan eba activities in a logical order and apply eba best practices.
Consider and integrate social aspects, such as gender, livelihoods, and traditional knowledge, into eba projects.
Understand how to mainstream eba across sectors.

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to the Course

A brief introduction and rationale for the course.

Module 2: What is EbA?

Introduces the concept of EbA and its basic elements and provides an overview of common terms used in the EbA realm.

2.1 Terminology and concepts

2.2 What is EbA?

2.3 EbA helps people adapt to climate change

2.4 EbA makes use of biodiversity and ecosystem services

2.5 EbA is part of an overall adaptation strategy

2.6 EbA in the context of sustainable development

Module 2 Case Study: Restoring mangroves, Mexico

Module 3: The EbA Mainstreaming Framework

Presents a framework for developing and mainstreaming an EbA project and highlights five cross-cutting topics of EbA.

3.1 Mainstreaming an EbA project

3.2 Conceptualising an EbA project

3.3 Climate justice

3.4 Governance

3.5 Gender

3.6 Traditional knowledge and Indigenous and local knowledge

3.7 Communications

Module 3 Case Study: Forest resilience and livelihoods, Nepal

Module 4: Assessing Climate Risks

Guidance on the process of preparing a climate risk assessment and its importance in identifying potential EbA actions.

4.1 Assessing climate risks

4.2 Preparing a climate risk assessment

4.3 Identifying and adding indicators

4.4 Identifying EbA options

Module 4 Case Study: Flood risk assessment, Togo and Benin

Module 5: EbA Valuation

Focuses on the valuation process of EbA, including its costs, benefits and impacts. The ability of valuation to prioritise EbA actions is also discussed.

5.1 What is EbA valuation and why is it importance?

5.2 The basic elements of EbA value

5.3 Valuation in the EbA Mainstreaming Framework

Module 5 Case Study: Cost-benefit analysis, Vanuatu

Module 6: From Theory to Practice: Implementing EbA

Highlights the importance of aligning EbA with relevant policies, and provides examples from different ecosystems and sectors.

6.1 Learning objectives

6.2 Stakeholder analysis

6.3 Reviewing the policy context

6.4 EbA in action: Examples from different ecosystems

6.5 EbA in action: Examples from different sectors

6.6 Funding for EbA

Module 6 Case Study: Land restoration, Inner Mongolia

Module 7: Tracking the Progress of EbA Implementation: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Discusses a four-step process for monitoring and evaluation in EbA projects and its importance in EbA.

7.1 Introduction to monitoring and evaluation

7.2 Developing a results framework

7.3 Defining indicators, baselines, and targets

7.4 Operationalising monitoring and evaluation

7.5 Using and communicating results

Module 7 Case Study: Monitoring and evaluation, South Africa

Module 8: Cross-cutting Inisghts

Allows participants to progress through four insight units, which offer further information on the cross-cutting themes of governance, gender, Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous and Local Knowledge, and biodiversity.

8.1 EbA and Governance

8.2 EbA and Gender

8.3 EbA and Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK)

8.4 EbA and Biodiversity

Module 9: Sectoral Insights

An option to select additional sector-specific insight units from any combination of the following topics: EbA and agriculture, EbA and water, and urban EbA.

9.1 EbA and Agriculture

9.2 EbA and Water

9.3 Urban EbA

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Investigates a growing approach to climate change adaptation that gains policy support and implementation globally

Taught by 11 instructors with expertise in various related disciplines, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded learning experience

Developed by a collaboration between reputed organizations involved in climate change adaptation research and implementation

Offers transferable and replicable skills in designing and implementing EbA initiatives, enhancing practical application

Covers key principles, risk assessments, monitoring, and governance, providing a comprehensive understanding of EbA

Aims to increase EbA knowledge outside of the environmental conservation community, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration

Provides insights into integrating EbA solutions into diverse sectors, fostering sustainable development and addressing multiple challenges

Offers a cross-sectoral approach, allowing learners to explore EbA applications in various fields such as infrastructure, agriculture, and water management

Focuses on social aspects, including gender, livelihoods, and traditional knowledge, ensuring inclusive and equitable outcomes

Emphasizes a rights-based approach, highlighting the importance of respecting the rights of local communities and Indigenous peoples in EbA implementation

Developed with a decade of research and experience in implementing EbA, ensuring practical relevance and evidence-based learning

Supported by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, demonstrating governmental recognition and support

Collaborates with partners such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the International Institute for Sustainable Development, leveraging expertise and resources

May assume prior knowledge in climate change adaptation or environmental conservation, which could pose a barrier for learners new to these concepts

Career center

Learners who complete Ecosystem-based Adaptation: Working with nature to adapt to a changing climate will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Development Program Manager

Development Program Managers manage the implementation and performance of programs and projects, applying an understanding of ecosystem principles and climate change adaptation strategies. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may help build a foundation in EbA principles, risk assessment, monitoring, and governance, which would support the effective management of EbA programs and projects.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts research, develop, and implement environmental policies and regulations, often specializing in climate change adaptation. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course can help provide a comprehensive understanding of EbA approaches and their integration into policy frameworks, enabling Environmental Policy Analysts to make informed decisions and advocate for EbA solutions.

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Climate Adaptation Specialist

Climate Adaptation Specialists develop and implement strategies to help communities and ecosystems adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may provide valuable insights into EbA principles, risk assessment, monitoring, and evaluation techniques, enhancing the ability of Climate Adaptation Specialists to design and implement effective adaptation measures.

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Ecosystem Restoration Specialist

Ecosystem Restoration Specialists plan and implement projects to restore degraded ecosystems, often using nature-based solutions. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course can provide a foundation in EbA principles, including the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services for adaptation, which would support the development and implementation of effective ecosystem restoration projects.

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Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists study and work to protect wildlife and ecosystems. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may be useful for Conservation Scientists who want to incorporate EbA approaches into their conservation strategies, as it provides insights into the role of biodiversity and ecosystem services in climate change adaptation.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and implement plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may be useful for Urban Planners who want to incorporate EbA principles into their planning processes, as it provides guidance on mainstreaming EbA across sectors, including urban planning.

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Water Resources Manager

Water Resources Managers plan, develop, and manage water resources, including water supply, water quality, and flood control. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may provide valuable insights into using EbA approaches to manage water resources sustainably and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

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Disaster Risk Management Specialist

Disaster Risk Management Specialists develop and implement plans to reduce the risk of disasters and prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may provide useful knowledge on using EbA approaches for disaster risk reduction, as it covers topics such as climate risk assessment and the role of ecosystems in mitigating climate-related hazards.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, including climate change adaptation. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may provide a foundation in EbA principles and techniques, which would support the development and implementation of environmentally sustainable and resilient infrastructure and systems.

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Climate Change Researcher

Climate Change Researchers study the causes and impacts of climate change and develop adaptation and mitigation strategies. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may provide valuable insights into EbA approaches for climate change adaptation, as it covers topics such as climate risk assessment, EbA valuation, and monitoring and evaluation.

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Sustainable Development Specialist

Sustainable Development Specialists work to promote sustainable development practices and policies. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may provide useful knowledge on using EbA approaches for sustainable development, as it covers topics such as the integration of EbA into various sectors and the consideration of social aspects in EbA projects.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice and guidance on environmental issues to businesses, governments, and organizations. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may provide valuable knowledge on EbA principles and practices, which would support the provision of informed advice on climate change adaptation and sustainability.

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Climate Resilience Officer

Climate Resilience Officers develop and implement strategies to enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems to climate change. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may be useful for Climate Resilience Officers who want to incorporate EbA approaches into their work, as it provides insights into the use of natural solutions for climate change adaptation.

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Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach and promote environmental awareness and stewardship. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may be useful for Environmental Educators who want to incorporate EbA concepts into their educational programs, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of EbA principles, applications, and benefits.

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Environmental Journalist

Environmental Journalists report on environmental issues and events, often specializing in climate change and sustainability. The Ecosystem-based Adaptation course may be useful for Environmental Journalists who want to gain a deeper understanding of EbA approaches and their role in climate change adaptation, enabling them to provide informed and accurate reporting.

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