Adopting a Human Rights-based Approach to Ecosystem-based Adaptation: A Contribution to Sustainable Development

Human rights-based approaches (HRBAs) seek to analyse inequalities that lie at the heart of development problems, and redress discriminatory practices and unjust distributions of power that impede development progress. Many developing countries and marginalized populations are experiencing disproportionately severe effects from climate change on their economies, livelihoods, and cultures.

Climate adaptation approaches that can contribute to poverty eradication and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an equitable, environmentally sustainable manner have never been more urgent. This publication examines the potential of Ecosystem-based Adaptation – the use of nature-based solutions to build climate resilience – to meet sustainable development and human rights-based goals, drawing out lessons from UNEP’s experience to enhance and scale up EbA implementation. The report identifies seven types of human rights-based approaches adopted to varying degrees by UNEP and partners that further the inclusion of human dimensions into ecosystem-based adaptation practices.