Background Paper Number 2: The Potential for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in the Pacific Islands.

This report examines the role of the ecosystem services in reducing the vulnerability of the people of the Pacific Islands to climate change. Specifically, it describes the decision-making frameworks and the current state of knowledge of specific ecosystem-service/development relationships that are relevant to EbA. The primary objective of this work will inform broader recommendations on improving the integration of ecosystems, biodiversity and climate change adaptation under the Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Climate Change in the Pacific - Analysis and Needs Assessment Project(The Project) which is part of a collaboration between the Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and Conservation International and was undertaken from January to July 2011. This report should be considered as a companion volume to the other 3 background reports produced under the Project: Climate Change Adaptation Options for Species and Ecosystems in the Pacific: Background Paper #1; Need Analysis for Information on Ecosystem, Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation in the Pacific Islands Countries and Territories; Background Paper #3; Report on the Results Workshop from Nadi, 12-13 May 2011; Background Paper #4. The findings of each of these reports will be synthesized into a single, shorter volume that targets decision-makers in planning, agriculture, environment, fisheries and disaster management institutions in the Pacific. However, the audience for this EbA report (Background Paper #2) is technical staff in these institutions as it explores the next level of detail on EbA potential and practicalities of implementation.