Centring Human Rights in Ecosystem-based Adaptation

The research paper advocates for centering human rights in ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) by aligning implementation with Section C of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). It highlights that while EbA can be more cost-effective and equitable than top-down approaches, it requires a human rights-based approach (HRBA) to avoid maladaptation and the displacement of communities. Through case studies in Benin (sacred forest protection) and Kenya (rangeland restoration in Mount Marsabit), the document illustrates how integrating Indigenous knowledge and participatory governance enhances resilience. The author recommends establishing national coordination mechanisms to track EbA across sectors and leveraging global networks to scale rights-based evidence, noting that currently less than 0.2% of climate finance specifically targets locally led outcomes.

• Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) can outperform conventional top-down climate adaptation in terms of cost-effectiveness, scalability, and equity under specific climatic and socio-economic conditions.
• The application of a human rights-based approach (HRBA) is essential to prevent EbA from entrenching inequalities, such as displacing communities or diverting investments from the most vulnerable.
• In Benin, the integration of Indigenous knowledge regarding sacred forests into formal biodiversity policy and district development plans helps safeguard biodiversity and local livelihoods.
• In the Mount Marsabit region of Kenya, the use of the 'ramat' (stewardship) model and the Herder Conservation Network (HCN) has enabled the restoration of 600 hectares of degraded land through traditional pastoralist practices.
• There is a significant gap in climate finance for local action, with less than 0.2% of such funding specifically targeting locally led outcomes.
• Effective EbA requires the establishment of national coordination mechanisms to align biodiversity and climate efforts across different ministries and national development objectives, as exemplified by Kenya's 2024 National Biodiversity Coordination Mechanism.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (2026). Centring Human Rights in Ecosystem-based Adaptation. https://saiia.org.za/research/centring-human-rights-ecosystem-based-adaptation/

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. Centring Human Rights in Ecosystem-based Adaptation. 2026. https://saiia.org.za/research/centring-human-rights-ecosystem-based-adaptation/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=Centring Human Rights in Ecosystem-based Adaptation |date=12 June 2026 |url=https://saiia.org.za/research/centring-human-rights-ecosystem-based-adaptation/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairs2026centring, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{Centring Human Rights in Ecosystem-based Adaptation}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2026}, month = jun, url = {https://saiia.org.za/research/centring-human-rights-ecosystem-based-adaptation/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }