Agroforestry and Adaptation to Climate Change

Policy Briefing #27 (v2) noted that  Agroforestry was mentioned in the Adaptation Strategy or Adaptation Plan of ONLY 11 Member States, despite extensive scientific literature on using agroforestry systems to help adapt agriculture and forestry to climate change. There is also a FAO guide on how to include both forestry and agroforestry in National Adaptation Plans.  EURAF suggested that the Adaptation Plans of Czechia, France, Italy and Slovakia were examples of good practice, and show to other countries how agroforestry measures can contribute to nine pillars of:  i) improved carbon sequestration; ii) reduced soil erosion, increased fertility and resource use efficiency; iii)  greater resistance to droughts and floods; iv) diversified landscapes and biodiversity; v) reduced pest and disease pressure; vi) maintained crop yields and animal welfare; vii) increased resilience to extreme events - including wildfires and storms; viii) improved economic diversity and benefits; and ix) reduced groundwater and air pollution. 

EURAF is submitting a report to the EU Consulation on Climate Resilience and Risk Management which updates the analysis in thie Briefing of the Adaptation Strategies and Plans of Member States and responds to the six speficic questions in the Consultation: a) can climate resilience be designed? b) what legislative framework is neeed? c) what decision support tools are available? d) how can local action be supported? e) how can competiveness be supported? f) how to include climate change in finance and insurance decisions?.  It is available HERE.