The role of ecosystem-based adaptation in the Swiss mountains

Abstract

Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) to climate change addresses the links between ecosystem services, climate change adaptation and sustainable resource management. This study explores the role of EbA in the mountain areas of Switzerland by looking at existing and potential EbA interventions, their effectiveness, opportunities and challenges. It analyses the Swiss policy context and how this can be conductive to EbA. EbA interventions in the Swiss mountains are identified in the area of disaster risk management, water management and agriculture. The research highlights some characteristics of these interventions. Challenges and opportunities of EbA are attributed in general to knowledge, acceptance and socio-economic factors. The Swiss policy context appears to be poorly conductive to EbA, with the Swiss adaptation strategy promoting sectoral approaches at the expense of more integrative interventions. The role of new cross-sectoral institutions in the form of boundary organisations is suggested as a way to better integrate EbA into Swiss policy and practice.