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.