Ecosystem-based Adaptation and the successful implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

At the nexus of sustainable development, human rights, climate action, and nature conservation, Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) recognises the symbiotic connections between people and ecosystems. By creating more resilient populations, such approaches can have far-reaching benefits in improving the capacity of humans to withstand not only climate hazards, but also economic shocks and stressors. These nature-based climate solutions have an interconnected role across sustainable development goals – from health, water and nutrition to clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and equality – with incredible potential to drive progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while building more equitable and resilient societies.

This joint technical report, developed by the Friends of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (FEBA), dives into of the connections between EbA and each of the 17 SDGs, with each of the 17 sections addressing threats posed by climate change, ecosystem degradation, and/or biodiversity loss, including how these impede the achievement of a given SDG. Each section subsequently provides an overview of how an effectively implemented EbA approach can underpin successful achievement of a given SDG. The full bibliography provides context and information for expanding this knowledge base.