Scientific evidence shows that ecosystems are under unprecedented pressure, threatening prospects for sustainable development. While the challenges are daunting, they also provide opportunities for local communities, business and government to innovate for the benefit of communities, economies and the global environment. However, in order to secure the environmental conditions for prosperity, stability and equity, timely responses that are proportionate to the scale of the environmental challenges will be required. In creating such responses, governments, the international community, the private sector, civil society and the general public all have an important role to play. As the environmental programme of the United Nations, UNEP is working to articulate, facilitate and support appropriate responses.

The Social Dimension of Ecosystem-based Adaptation

Policy series No 12, 2013

An important feature of Ecosystem-based Adaptation to climate change (EbA), besides environmental and adaptation benefits, is the pursuit of social benefits for local communities including vulnerable groups, such as women, youth and indigenous people (e.g. increases in income, diversification of jobs, educational opportunities and gender equality). While EbA can target specific social or environmental impacts, one of its strengths is in the ability to simultaneously maximize synergies between multiple environmental, economic and social goals.

With regards to social benefits, properly implemented EbA projects have the potential to deliver benefits for local communities including food security, shelter, risk reduction, freshwater and medicine supply, and local climate regulation.

This issue of the UNEP Policy Series on Ecosystem Management highlights the importance of the social dimension in developing and implementing ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation through supportive policies and policy instruments.

To read more download the Policy Series here

Restoring the natural foundation to sustain a Green Economy

60 years of paradigm shift in China, change of policies and practices on to Ecosystem Management

Originally posted here:

UNEP Ecosystem Management