Ecosystem-based Adaptation in South African Coastal Cities

This research paper examines the potential for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in South African coastal cities, specifically Durban and Cape Town. It argues that EbA provides a triple benefit of biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and socio-economic development. The authors identify significant barriers to implementation, including a reliance on 'grey' infrastructure, lack of promulgated Coastal Management Lines (CMLs), and constrained municipal budgets. The paper recommends integrating EbA into local government planning tools, fostering cross-sectoral partnerships, and exploring innovative financing such as payments for ecosystem services and insurance-industry partnerships.

• Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is defined as a sustainable development approach that simultaneously achieves three outcomes: biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation (reducing risk and vulnerability), and socio-economic benefits. It differs from other strategies, such as community-based adaptation or climate change integrated land use strategies, by integrating all three of these spheres rather than only two.
• Coastal ecosystems provide significant economic value to South African cities. For example, an economic assessment of Cape Town indicated that its coastline contributes approximately ZAR 18.40 billion (roughly $2.6 billion) annually, representing about 10.7% of the city's gross domestic product.

APA

SWANEPOEL, E., & SAUKA, S. (2019). Ecosystem-based Adaptation in South African Coastal Cities. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Occasional-Paper-297-swanepoel-sauka-002.pdf

Chicago

SWANEPOEL, ERNESTA, and SIYASANGA SAUKA. Ecosystem-based Adaptation in South African Coastal Cities. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2019. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Occasional-Paper-297-swanepoel-sauka-002.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=SWANEPOEL |first1=ERNESTA |last2=SAUKA |first2=SIYASANGA |title=Ecosystem-based Adaptation in South African Coastal Cities |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=May 2019 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Occasional-Paper-297-swanepoel-sauka-002.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{swanepoel2019ecosystembased, author = {SWANEPOEL, ERNESTA and SAUKA, SIYASANGA}, title = {{Ecosystem-based Adaptation in South African Coastal Cities}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2019}, month = may, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Occasional-Paper-297-swanepoel-sauka-002.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }