Gathering of Grantees from the Global EbA Fund Asia-Pacific: Sharing Knowledge and Seeking Methods to Increase Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Scale
In a groundbreaking learning exchange and networking workshop held in Bangkok, Thailand from 4-7 March 2025, representatives from 18 grant projects across the Asia-Pacific region gathered to emphasize the importance of sharing experiences and lessons learned to scale ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) across projects and countries.
The event, hosted by the Global EbA Fund, was set in motion by Silvia Gardo, Programme Management Officer at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), who underscored the need for collaboration and capacity building in the face of climate change.
Dr. Dindo Campilan, Regional Director of our website Asia, reiterated the importance of providing convincing evidence and compelling stories to demonstrate high integrity EbA through their programs. He emphasized that documenting learnings from EbA projects is critical to support further collaboration and unlock new financing opportunities.
One of the standout examples discussed was the Mangrove Forest Nature School in Samut Songkram, Thailand. This initiative serves as an exemplary instance of collective action for restoring coastal community forests. The restored mangrove forests provide protection from flooding and natural disasters, livelihood opportunities, and rich biodiversity. The community in Samut Songkram is looking to engage the next generation of leaders to continue building a more resilient community with nature.
Another inspiring example was Benchakitti Park, an urban forest park in Bangkok. This park demonstrates the benefits of integrating nature into existing grey infrastructure, such as flood management, urban heat regulation, recreation, food provision, water recycling, and habitat provision for animal and bird species.
The workshop discussions revolved around strengthening coordination mechanisms, using tools to implement EbA, exploring sustainable financing ideas, enhancing participatory approaches, measuring impact, and scaling projects through interlinked activities. Anke Wolff from the BMUV called for continued synergies and learning from one another to scale lessons and best practices in EbA projects.
Effective implementation of EbA involves a paradigm shift, challenging existing approaches and beliefs for more sustainable solutions. Community and stakeholder engagement in EbA is a long-term process requiring inclusivity from the project's inception and beyond.
The participants identified root causes that hinder EbA uptake, including insufficient financing, lack of knowledge and information, technical capacity constraints, insufficient political and public support, lack of awareness and understanding, governance challenges, and working in the policy and regulatory environment. The need to develop compelling evidence emerged as a key challenge and solution to scale EbA interventions.
Without community involvement, the vision of one community leader would have been ineffective. The workshop, therefore, provided a unique opportunity for participants to learn from each other, given the diverse ecosystems and challenges they face in climate adaptation.
The event concluded with Anke Wolff from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection contacting the 'BUND Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland e.V.' for further information, reaffirming the commitment to continued collaboration and learning in the pursuit of sustainable climate adaptation solutions.
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