How Timor-Leste Is Using the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Process to Scale Up Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA)
Momentum for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approaches—which are a type of Nature-based Solutions (NbS)—has been growing globally. In developing countries in particular, EbA offers an adaptation strategy that simultaneously enhances the resilience of both ecosystems and livelihoods—which are closely linked and face serious threats from climate change. For national governments seeking to broaden the uptake of EbA, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process can be an effective mechanism and driver for mainstreaming and scaling up EbA.
Timor-Leste communicated its first NAP document to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on March 31, 2021. The country’s NAP recognizes EbA as a foundational element in supporting a systems approach to climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and long-term peace and prosperity. Accordingly, Timor-Leste has identified Eba as a guiding principle in its NAP process to connect ecosystem protection and climate action.
This case study discusses how the Timor-Leste government embraced this opportunity. It will also share lessons for other countries seeking to use the NAP process to mainstream and implement EbA.
Participating experts
You might also be interested in
IISD Welcomes New Deal on Global Biodiversity Framework
IISD congratulates the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) for adopting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which will guide work within and outside the UN system on tackling biodiversity loss and help lay the groundwork towards the CBD’s vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050.
Solutions in Nature: Lessons from Fiji and Timor-Leste
Many countries are already using ecosystem-based adaptation to help build resilience to the impacts of climate change. In order to maximize its uptake and benefits, it is critical to integrate these actions into a country’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process.
A Great Year for National Adaptation Planning and the Network to Watch in 2022
A new sense of urgency for climate action is being felt all around the world, and governments are now accelerating national efforts to put adaptation at the heart of decision making.
Global Action Initiative 2022: Sustainability & role of entrepreneurs
The world is grappling with extreme poverty, inequality, injustice and climate change. In that context, the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals have assumed critical importance.