Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) for Water

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON ECOSYSTEM-BASED ADAPTATION (EBA) FOR WATER

COURSE BACKGROUND

Climate change is fundamentally altering the global hydrological cycle, leading to more frequent and intense droughts, floods, and changes in water availability and quality. Traditional engineering-based solutions for water management, while effective in some contexts, are often expensive, ecologically impactful, and may not fully address the complex and dynamic nature of climate risks. Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) offers a powerful, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative or complement by leveraging the inherent functions of healthy ecosystems to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience to climate change impacts on water resources. This approach, often referred to as Nature-based Solutions (NbS), recognizes that healthy ecosystems like forests, wetlands, rivers, and grasslands provide vital services such as water regulation, purification, erosion control, and natural flood defenses. In regions like East Africa, where communities are heavily reliant on natural resources and face significant climate vulnerabilities, integrating EbA into water resource management and climate adaptation strategies is paramount for long-term water security and sustainable development.

ECAS Institute offers this “Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) for Water” course to equip water resource managers, environmental practitioners, climate change adaptation specialists, conservationists, policymakers, and community leaders with the knowledge and practical skills to understand, design, implement, and monitor EbA interventions that enhance water security and resilience. This program will emphasize the ecological principles, practical applications, and socio-economic co-benefits of EbA in managing water-related climate risks.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the concepts of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) and its role in addressing climate change impacts on water resources.
Identify and assess the ecosystem services vital for water security (e.g., water regulation, purification, disaster risk reduction).
Design and implement specific EbA measures for different water-related challenges (e.g., watershed restoration for water quality, wetland rehabilitation for flood control).
Understand the co-benefits of EbA interventions for biodiversity, livelihoods, and carbon sequestration.
Apply participatory approaches to engage communities and stakeholders in EbA planning and implementation.
Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of EbA initiatives.
Integrate EbA principles into national and local water and climate policies and plans, relevant to the East African context.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to harness nature’s power for water management and climate adaptation. You will learn to:

Analyze the nexus between climate change, ecosystems, and water resources.
Conduct ecosystem assessments to identify degraded areas and prioritize EbA interventions for water.
Identify appropriate EbA solutions for various water-related challenges such as water scarcity, water quality degradation, floods, and droughts.
Develop strategies for watershed protection and restoration (e.g., afforestation, reforestation, agroforestry, sustainable land management).
Implement wetland restoration techniques for natural water purification, groundwater recharge, and flood attenuation.
Manage riparian zones to reduce erosion, filter pollutants, and stabilize riverbanks.
Assess the economic and social value of ecosystem services for water.
Engage diverse stakeholders in planning and implementing EbA projects, ensuring local ownership and benefit sharing.
Integrate EbA into existing policy frameworks like National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and water resource management strategies (e.g., in line with Kenya’s Climate Change Act).
Develop proposals and secure financing for EbA initiatives in the water sector.

DURATION AND PROGRAM

This is a structured training course designed to be highly interactive and practical. The program will feature a blend of expert-led lectures, in-depth case studies (with a strong focus on successful EbA for water initiatives in Kenya and the broader East African region, such as the Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund, or wetland restoration projects), interactive group exercises, and potentially virtual field visits or discussions with practitioners. Participants will engage in collaborative problem-solving, applying EbA principles to real-world water management scenarios. The detailed program schedule, including specific session timings and learning activities, will be communicated upon registration.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course is crucial for professionals and practitioners dedicated to sustainable water management and climate resilience, seeking to integrate nature-based solutions into their work. It is highly beneficial for:

Water Resource Managers and Planners
Environmental Scientists and Ecologists
Climate Change Adaptation Specialists
Conservation Practitioners
Hydrologists and Land Use Planners
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Specialists
Forestry and Agricultural Sector Professionals (especially those working on watershed management).
Local Government Officials (e.g., county environmental and water departments).
NGO and Community-Based Organization (CBO) Staff working on climate change, water, and conservation.
Policymakers and Regulators in environmental and water ministries.
Academics and Researchers interested in nature-based solutions.

TRAINING MODULES

The course is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for water resources:

No	Module	Details
1.	Climate Change Impacts on Water and the EbA Concept	This module introduces the critical links between climate change, water resources, and ecosystems, establishing the need for EbA. Key Topics: Observed and projected climate change impacts on water quantity and quality (e.g., altered rainfall, extreme events). Limitations of conventional “grey” infrastructure for climate adaptation. Defining Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) and Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The co-benefits of EbA (biodiversity, livelihoods, carbon sequestration, disaster risk reduction).
2.	Ecosystem Services for Water Security	This module delves into the specific ways healthy ecosystems provide essential services for water resources. Key Topics: Overview of key ecosystem services related to water (e.g., water regulation, purification, groundwater recharge, erosion control, flood moderation). Understanding hydrological processes within different ecosystems (forests, wetlands, grasslands, rivers). Assessing the value (ecological, economic, social) of water-related ecosystem services. Threats to water-providing ecosystems (deforestation, pollution, degradation of wetlands).
3.	EbA Measures for Watershed Management and Water Quality	This module focuses on practical EbA interventions at the watershed level to enhance water availability and quality. Key Topics: Watershed management planning for climate resilience. Reforestation, afforestation, and sustainable forest management for water retention and quality. Agroforestry and sustainable agricultural practices (e.g., conservation agriculture, terracing) to reduce runoff and erosion. Riparian zone restoration and management for stream health and water filtration. Constructed wetlands and bio-filtration systems for wastewater treatment and storm water management.
4.	EbA for Flood and Drought Risk Reduction	This module explores how natural systems can be leveraged to mitigate the impacts of extreme hydrological events. Key Topics: Restoration of natural floodplains and riverine ecosystems for flood attenuation. Wetland conservation and rehabilitation for natural water storage and flood buffering. Rangeland management and soil conservation for improved infiltration and drought resilience. Green infrastructure in urban areas (e.g., permeable surfaces, rain gardens) for stormwater management. Drought-resilient ecosystems and their role in sustaining baseflows.
5.	Planning and Implementing EbA for Water	This module provides a step-by-step guide to designing, implementing, and managing EbA projects. Key Topics: Climate vulnerability and risk assessment for EbA planning. Participatory planning and stakeholder engagement (e.g., identifying local needs, traditional knowledge). Site selection and design considerations for EbA interventions. Monitoring and evaluation of EbA effectiveness (ecological, social, hydrological indicators). Financing mechanisms for EbA (e.g., Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes, climate finance).
6.	Governance, Policy, and Mainstreaming EbA	This module examines the institutional and policy landscape necessary for scaling up EbA for water. Key Topics: Integrating EbA into national climate change policies and strategies (e.g., National Adaptation Plans, Nationally Determined Contributions – NDCs). Policy frameworks for water resources management that support EbA (e.g., IWRM principles). Institutional coordination across sectors (water, environment, agriculture, planning). Legal and regulatory aspects supporting ecosystem conservation and restoration. Case studies on mainstreaming EbA into development planning in Africa.
7.	Challenges, Opportunities, and Case Studies in East Africa	This module addresses common challenges in EbA implementation and showcases successful examples from the region. Key Topics: Challenges in implementing EbA: land tenure, conflicting interests, capacity gaps, funding. Opportunities for scaling up EbA for water in East Africa (e.g., community-based initiatives, youth engagement). In-depth case studies: The Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund (Kenya), restoration of degraded wetlands, sustainable rangeland management in ASALs. Tools and resources for EbA implementation. Future directions and research needs in EbA for water.

TRAINING STYLE

The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.

The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.

The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.

GENERAL NOTES

Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.