Key Terms & Concepts — UPSC Mains
Ecosystem-based Adaptation
"Using the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems to help people adapt to climate change"
Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall strategy to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. Rather than relying solely on engineered or 'grey' infrastructure such as seawalls and embankments, EbA harnesses natural or 'green' systems, such as mangroves, wetlands, forests and reefs, that provide protection while also delivering co-benefits like carbon storage, livelihoods and biodiversity. It is typically cheaper over its lifecycle and more resilient than grey alternatives.
EbA is central to debates such as mangroves versus seawalls for coastal defence and wetlands as flood buffers, both prominent around World Environment Day 2026. UPSC tests it under GS3 (environment, climate adaptation, disaster management). A key policy barrier is that EbA is often not classified as eligible 'adaptation' under international climate finance, biasing spending toward grey infrastructure.
- 1 Uses natural ecosystems (mangroves, wetlands, forests, reefs) to help communities adapt to climate impacts
- 2 An alternative or complement to engineered 'grey' infrastructure such as seawalls
- 3 [object Object]
- 4 Often cheaper over its lifecycle and more resilient than grey infrastructure
- 5 A barrier is that EbA is frequently not classified as eligible 'adaptation' for climate finance
- 6 Best practice is hybrid 'grey-green' defences combining ecosystems and engineering where needed
