Addressing Climate Change Through Ecosystems-based Adaptation (Webinar 4)

Under the umbrella of the UN Decade, The UNEP Regional Office for West Asia and the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa are pleased to present a series of webinars in partnership with Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI). The webinars cover multiple topics related to Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration, with the following objectives: to raise awareness on the need for solutions to common problems of degradation and destruction of ecosystems in the Middle East and North Africa region; to strengthen knowledge dissemination by sharing and exchanging best restoration practices; to enhance capacities; and to build a community of practice in the region over the Decade and beyond. They are presented and hosted by conservation and restoration experts and specialists.

Climate change is already affecting the function and composition of ecosystems. At the same time forest and landscape restoration can support climate change mitigation and adaptation actions. As per the Convention on Biological Diversity, ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) is 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. Ecosystem restoration can provide natural protection against climate extremes, reduce vulnerability by enhancing livelihoods, and improve health by regenerating ecosystem services.

This webinar highlights the role of ecosystems approaches for addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. It highlights case studies and lessons learnt in developing and implementing ecosystems approaches towards climate change mitigation and adaptation in the Arab region. The webinar will highlight tools for improving the quality of data and sharing of best practices in the restoration of forest and other landscapes, and in drylands management.

Objectives of the webinar:

The webinar aims to guide participants towards an understanding of:

• What is EbA? What are some examples of successful application of such approaches in the region?
• What are some barriers to the uptake of EbA? How have these barriers been overcome?
• What are some practical steps in developing and implementing ecosystem-based approaches for addressing climate change?