1. Forests for adaptation
Topic 3, Section B
Forests for adaptation

2. Learning outcomes In this presentation you will
learn how ecosystem services
contribute to human well-being.
You will also learn about the links between ecosystem services and adaptation to climate change, and ways to mainstream forests into adaptation policies.
Narration: Ecosystems make important contributions to human well being. In this presentation you will learn about the links between ecosystem services and adaptation to climate change. You will also learn how to mainstream forests into adaptation policies.
In this presentation you will learn how ecosystem services contribute to human well being. You will also learn about the links between ecosystem services and adaptation to climate change. Finally, you will learn how to propose ways to mainstream forests into adaptation policies.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 2 of 32

3. Outline Ecosystem services and human well-being
Forests for the adaptation of society
Mainstreaming forests into adaptation policies
Narration: The presentation is divided into three sections. Click on the part you would like to learn about.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 3 of 32

4. 1. Ecosystem services and human well-being
Ecosystem services are benefits that people obtain from ecosystems. Three types directly contribute to human well-being:
Provisioning services (also called ecosystem goods), such as food and fuel wood
Regulating services, such as regulation of water, climate or erosion
Cultural services, such as recreational, spiritual or religious services
Supporting services are necessary for the production of other services, such as primary production, nutrient cycling and soil formation
Narration: Ecosystem services as the benefits people obtain from ecosystems. Three types of services directly contribute to human well-being: provisioning services (also called ecosystem goods), such as food and fuel wood; regulating services, such as regulation of water, climate or erosion; and cultural services, such as recreational, spiritual or religious services.
Supporting services are necessary for the production of other services, such as primary production, nutrient cycling and soil formation.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2003) defines ecosystem services as the benefits people obtain from ecosystems. Three types of services directly contribute to human well-being: provisioning services (also called ecosystem goods), such as food and fuel wood; regulating services, such as regulation of water, climate or erosion; and cultural services, such as recreational, spiritual or religious services. Supporting services represent a fourth type of service necessary for the production of other services, such as primary production, nutrient cycling and soil formation.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 4 of 32

5. Ecosystem services
Narration: Tropical forests cover less than 10 per cent of the world’s land area, but are very important providers of ecosystem services at various levels. For example, at the local level, they provide non-timber forest products, pollination and scenic beauty. At the regional level, they provide hydrological services. Globally, ecosystem services provide carbon sequestration. The biological richness of tropical forests, which represent 50 per cent to 90 per cent of Earth’s terrestrial species, contributes to the supply of many ecosystem services.
Tropical forests cover less than 10 per cent of the world’s land area, but are very important providers of ecosystem services at various levels. Here are some examples:
At the local level, they provide non-timber forest products, pollination and scenic beauty.
At the regional level, they provide hydrological services.
Globally, ecosystem services provide carbon sequestration.
The biological richness of tropical forests, which represent 50 per cent to 90 per cent of Earth’s terrestrial species, contributes to the supply of many ecosystem services.
Sources: Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2003; 2005; WRI et al. 1992
Topic 3, Section B, slide 5 of 32

6. Provisioning services
Ecosystems produce diverse goods for local people
Wood is an important economic forest commodity for many tropical countries. Fuel wood meets about 15% of energy demand in developing countries - more than 90% in 13 countries
Non-wood forest products are extremely diverse, from fodder for animals and food for people to medicines and cosmetics
The livelihoods of 250 million to 1billion people depend on these products
Edible forest products include bushmeat, fish and plants
Traditional medicines and the development of modern medicines
Narration: Ecosystems produce diverse goods for local people, as documented for tropical forests in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Wood is currently an important economic forest commodity for many tropical countries. Fuel wood is also important, especially in developing countries where it meets about 15 per cent of energy demand - and more than 90 per cent in 13 countries (Shvidenko et al. 2005). Non-wood forest products are extremely diverse, from fodder for animals and food for people, to medicines and cosmetics. The livelihoods of 250 million to 1 billion people depend on these products (Byron and Arnold 1999). Edible forest products are of utmost importance in developing countries; for example, bushmeat and fish, which are major sources of protein for local people (Nasi et al. 2008). Tropical forests also produce traditional medicines, widely used locally in developing countries and for the development of modern medicines.
Topic 3, Section B slide 6 of 32

7. Regulating services Ecosystems provide global services
They regulate the global climate and store carbon
They also provide local or regional services
Purification of water, mitigation of floods and drought, detoxification and decomposition of wastes, generation and renewal of soil, pollination of crops and natural vegetation, control of agricultural pests, dispersal of seeds, and moderation of temperature extremes and the force of winds and waves
Of particular importance in the context of climate change is the role forests play in regulating water volumes and
quality
Narration: Ecosystems provide many regulating services. For example, tropical forests play an important role in regulating the global climate as they store a large amount of carbon.
Other regulating services are local or regional. The role of forests for regulating water volumes and quality is particularly important in the context of climate change.
Ecosystems provide many regulating services. For example, tropical forests play an important role in regulating the global climate as they store a large amount of carbon:
212 gigatonnes in the vegetation, which is 45 per cent of the carbon stored in the world’s vegetation
216 gigatonnes in the soils down to a depth of 1 metre, which is 11 per cent of the carbon in the world’s soils
Other regulating services are local or regional, such as the purification of water, the mitigation of floods and drought, detoxification and decomposition of wastes, generation and renewal of soil, pollination of crops and natural vegetation, control of agricultural pests, dispersal of seeds, and moderation of temperature extremes and the force of winds and waves. The role of forests for regulating water volumes and quality is particularly important in the context of climate change. Even if forests are not a panacea for all water-related problems, such as drought in dry areas or large-scale flooding, their contribution to the conservation of baseflow, the reduction of stormflow, the preservation of water quality, and the reduction of sediment load have been demonstrated in many places.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 7 of 32

8. Cultural services
For many local communities, ecosystems have spiritual and religious value
Ecosystem changes can affect cultural identity and social stability
Other services, such as aesthetic, recreation and heritage, are enjoyed by local people, visitors and those for whom the ecosystem has a symbolic importance
Narration: For many local communities, tropical forests have a spiritual and religious value. Ecosystem changes can affect cultural identity and social stability. Other services, such as aesthetic, recreation and heritage, are enjoyed by local people, visitors and those for whom the ecosystem has a symbolic importance.
For many local communities, tropical forests have a spiritual and religious value, and ecosystem changes can affect cultural identity and social stability. Other services, such as aesthetic, recreation and heritage, are enjoyed by local people, visitors and those for whom the ecosystem has a symbolic importance.
Sources: De Groot and Ramakrishnan 2005; Ramakrishnan 2007
Topic 3, Section B, slide 8 of 32

9. Ecosystems and human well-being
Narration: Ecosystem services influence all aspects of human well-being.
Ecosystem services influence all aspects of human well-being.
Source: Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005
Topic 3, Section B, slide 9 of 32

10. Ecosystems and human well-being
Ecosystem services influence all aspects of well-being by:
Increasing the security of people living in the vicinity, for example through the protective role played by regulating services against natural disasters
Determining incomes, food security and water availability - the basic materials for life
Preserving human health
Influencing social relations, for example by offering people the aesthetic and recreational activities and and to express cultural values if they are linked to some habitats or species
Providing freedom - the ability to decide on the kind of life to lead
Narration: Ecosystem services increase the security of people living in the vicinity, for example through the protective role played by regulating services against natural disasters. Ecosystem services are directly linked to incomes, food security and water availability that are basic materials for life. Human health is also linked to ecosystems. Social relations also depend on ecosystems by offering people the ability aesthetic and recreational activities and to express cultural values if they are linked to some habitats or species. Ecosystem services are also linked to freedom - the ability to decide on the kind of life to lead.
Ecosystem services increase the security of people living in the vicinity, for example through the protective role played by regulating services against natural disasters. Ecosystem services are directly linked to incomes, food security and water availability that are basic materials for life. Human health is also linked to ecosystems, as many case studies and syntheses have shown. Social relations also depend on ecosystems by offering people the ability aesthetic and recreational activities and to express cultural values if they are linked to some habitats or species. Ecosystem services are also linked to freedom - the ability to decide on the kind of life to lead. For example, the degradation of hydrological services or fuel wood resources can increase the time spent by local communities in collecting sources of energy and water, resulting in less time for education, employment or leisure.
Sources: Levy et al. 2005; Colfer et al. 2006; Colfer 2008
Topic 3, Section B, slide 10 of 32

11. Vulnerability of ecosystem services
Ecosystems are threatened by various human-induced
pressures other than climate change
Other pressures include land use change, landscape fragmentation, degradation of habitats, over-extraction of resources, pollution, nitrogen deposition and invasive species
Climate change will increase these pressures over the coming decades
This is a major concern for sustainable development
Households, local communities, local businesses and national and international organisations are all affected by the loss of ecosystem services
Narration: Ecosystem services are threatened by various human-induced pressures other than climate change, including land use change, landscape fragmentation, degradation of habitats, over-extraction of resources, pollution, nitrogen deposition and invasive species. Climate change will increase these pressures over the coming decades. Current climate change trends will have an impact on species and ecosystems and will result in declining ecosystem services. The loss of ecosystem services will reduce human well-being at all levels.
Increasing degradation of ecosystems is a major concern for sustainable development. This concern will become more pressing in the future as human demands on ecosystem services increase. Households, local communities, local businesses, and national and international organisations are all affected by the loss of ecosystem services. Because of the role ecosystems play in the regulation of the global climate, international organisations are increasingly looking for solutions to reduce deforestation and forest degradation .
Ecosystem services are threatened by various human-induced pressures other than climate change, such as land use change, landscape fragmentation, degradation of habitats, over-extraction of resources, pollution, nitrogen deposition and invasive species. Climate change will increase these pressures over the coming decades. Current climate change trends will impact species and ecosystems and will result in declining ecosystem services. The loss of ecosystem services will reduce human well-being at all levels.
Increasing degradation of ecosystems is a major concern for sustainable development. This concern will become more pressing in the future as human demands on ecosystem services increase. The links between forests and the alleviation of poverty should be emphasised in development programmes. There is an urgent need to include ecosystem services in planning and prioritisation for meeting different conservation objectives and focusing on human well-being. Households, local communities, local businesses, and national and international organisations are all affected by the loss of ecosystem services. Because of the role ecosystems play in the regulation of the global climate, international organisations are increasingly looking for solutions to reduce deforestation and forest degradation
Sources: Fischlin et al. 2007; Mäler 2008; Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005; Angelsen and Wunder 2003; Innes and Hickey 2006; Egoh et al. 2007; Hein et al. 2006
Topic 3, Section B, slide 11 of 32

12. Levels of ecosystem services
Narration: Ecosystem services are delivered at different ecological levels. For example, carbon storage is a global service, hydrological services are delivered regionally in the watershed, and pollination is local. For this reason, the institutions in charge of managing and regulating ecosystems should be a different levels. For example, the Kyoto Protocol is international, but payment for hydrological services is at the local level. Many studies have shown the high value of ecosystem services at different levels.
Ecosystem services are delivered at different ecological levels. For example, carbon storage is a global service, hydrological services are delivered regionally in the watershed, and pollination is local. For this reason, the institutions in charge of managing and regulating ecosystems should be a different levels. For example, the Kyoto Protocol is international, but payment for hydrological services is at the local level. Many studies have tried to calculate an economic value to ecosystem services - even when they have no market price - by using a wide array of methods. These studies have shown the high value of ecosystem services at different levels.
Source: Hein et al., 2006
Ecosystem services are delivered at different ecological levels. For example, carbon storage is a global service, while pollination is local. For this reason, they must be managed at different institutional levels.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 12 of 32

13. 2. Forests for the adaptation of society
Narration: It is very important to understand to understand the links between ecosystem services and human well-being. As you can see from this diagram, many aspects of well-being can be interpreted as dimensions of vulnerability to climate change. For instance, personal safety and security is clearly related to human vulnerability to disasters. Adequate livelihoods and good health may also determine the sensitivity and adaptive capacity of a population facing a climate-related threat.
Some criteria often used in quantitative studies of social vulnerability are related to income or wealth, education, health, social capital and networks, safety nets, or access to water. These criteria of sensitivity or adaptive capacity of households, communities or countries are clearly linked to ecosystem services.
In the conceptual framework for understanding the links between ecosystem services and human well-being, many aspects of well-being can be interpreted as dimensions of vulnerability to climate change. For instance, personal safety and security is clearly related to human vulnerability to disasters. Adequate livelihoods and good health may also determine the sensitivity and adaptive capacity of a population facing a climate-related threat.
Some criteria often used in quantitative studies of social vulnerability are related to income or wealth, education, health, social capital and networks, safety nets, or access to water. These criteria of sensitivity or adaptive capacity of households, communities or countries are clearly linked to ecosystem services
Sources: Cutter et al. 2003; Eakin and Bojórquez-Tapia 2008; Sullivan and Meigh 2005; Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2003, 2005
Many aspects of well-being can be interpreted as dimensions of vulnerability to climate change
Topic 3, Section B, slide 13 of 32

14. Provisioning services
Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem Services
Components of Vulnerability to Climate Change (Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive Capacity)
Ecosystem
Society
Exposure
(climate change)
Adaptive capacity of the ecosystem (e.g., ability of the ecosystem to conserve its integrity in a changing climate)
Ecological sensitivity (e.g., effects of climate change on flooding or the emergence of diseases)
Adaptive capacity of the society (e.g., capacity to prevent damages from flooding or diseases)
Societal sensitivity (e.g., effects of flooding or diseases on society)
Vulnerability of a coupled human–environment system
Supporting services
Regulating services
Disease regulation
Water regulation
Water purification
Climate regulation
Cultural services
Provisioning services
Narration: In addition to the similarities between vulnerability indicators and aspects of well-being demonstrated in the previous slide, ecosystem services and vulnerability to climate change can be linked using the components of vulnerability defined by the International Panel on Climate Change. These are exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Ecosystem services may contribute to reducing exposure, sensitivity or vulnerability of coupled human–environmental systems in various ways.
In addition to the similarities between vulnerability indicators and aspects of well-being demonstrated in the previous slide, ecosystem services and vulnerability to climate change can be linked using the components of vulnerability defined by the International Panel on Climate Change: exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Ecosystem services may contribute to reducing exposure, sensitivity or vulnerability of coupled human–environmental systems in various ways.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 14 of 32

15. Provisioning services
Ecosystem Services
Components of Vulnerability to Climate Change (Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive Capacity)
Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem
Society
Exposure
(climate change)
Adaptive capacity of the ecosystem (e.g., ability of the ecosystem to conserve its integrity in a changing climate)
Ecological sensitivity (e.g., effects of climate change on flooding or the emergence of diseases)
Adaptive capacity of the society (e.g., capacity to prevent damages from flooding or diseases)
Societal sensitivity (e.g., effects of flooding or diseases on society)
Vulnerability of a coupled human–environment system
Supporting services
Regulating services
Disease regulation
Water regulation
Water purification
Climate regulation
Cultural services
Provisioning services
Vulnerability of a coupled human–environment system
Ecosystem
Society
Narration: The exposure of a system to climate change can be reduced by mitigation policies where the ecosystem regulating service of carbon sequestration has a role to play. However, local practices of carbon sequestration will not have a measurable impact on the exposure of the locality to climate change because carbon sequestration activities should be conducted at a global scale to make real impacts on mitigation.
The exposure of a system to climate change can be reduced by mitigation policies where the ecosystem service of carbon sequestration has a role to play. However, local practices of carbon sequestration will not have a measurable impact on the exposure of the locality to climate change because carbon sequestration activities should be conducted at a global scale to make real impacts on mitigation.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 15 of 32

16. Provisioning services
Ecosystem services
Components of Vulnerability to Climate Change (Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive Capacity)
Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem
Society
Exposure
(climate change)
Adaptive capacity of the ecosystem (e.g., ability of the ecosystem to conserve its integrity in a changing climate)
Ecological sensitivity (e.g., effects of climate change on flooding or the emergence of diseases)
Adaptive capacity of the society (e.g., capacity to prevent damages from flooding or diseases)
Societal sensitivity (e.g., effects of flooding or diseases on society)
Vulnerability of a coupled human–environment system
Supporting services
Regulating services
Disease regulation
Water regulation
Water purification
Climate regulation
Cultural services
Provisioning services
Narration: Local or regional ecosystem services are more relevant for adaptation. Supporting services contribute to the adaptive capacity of an ecosystem because nutrient cycling and primary production are important components of the ecosystem’s functioning, resistance and resilience.
Local or regional ecosystem services are more relevant for adaptation. Supporting services contribute to the adaptive capacity of an ecosystem because nutrient cycling and primary production are important components of the ecosystem’s functioning, resistance and resilience.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 16 of 32

17. Provisioning services
Ecosystem services
Ecosystem services
Ecosystem services
Components of Vulnerability to Climate Change (Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive Capacity)
Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem
Society
Exposure
(climate change)
Adaptive capacity of the ecosystem (e.g., ability of the ecosystem to conserve its integrity in a changing climate)
Ecological sensitivity (e.g., effects of climate change on flooding or the emergence of diseases)
Adaptive capacity of the society (e.g., capacity to prevent damages from flooding or diseases)
Societal sensitivity (e.g., effects of flooding or diseases on society)
Vulnerability of a coupled human–environment system
Supporting services
Regulating services
Disease regulation
Water regulation
Water purification
Climate regulation
Cultural services
Provisioning services
Narration: Regulating services can decrease the sensitivity of a coupled human–environment system; for example, the water regulation services provided by a forest determine the response of a watershed to rainfall.
Regulating services can decrease the sensitivity of a coupled human–environment system; for example, the water regulation services provided by a forest determine the response of a watershed to rainfall.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 17 of 32

18. Provisioning services
Ecosystem services
Components of Vulnerability to Climate Change (Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive Capacity)
Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem
Society
Exposure
(climate change)
Adaptive capacity of the ecosystem (e.g., ability of the ecosystem to conserve its integrity in a changing climate)
Ecological sensitivity (e.g., effects of climate change on flooding or the emergence of diseases)
Adaptive capacity of the society (e.g., capacity to prevent damages from flooding or diseases)
Societal sensitivity (e.g., effects of flooding or diseases on society)
Vulnerability of a coupled human–environment system
Supporting services
Regulating services
Disease regulation
Water regulation
Water purification
Climate regulation
Cultural services
Provisioning services
Narration: The vulnerability of the social system is also linked to provisioning and cultural services. Nutrition, access to goods, health and social cohesion contribute to sensitivity and adaptive capacity.
The vulnerability of the social system is also linked to provisioning and cultural services. Nutrition, access to goods, health and social cohesion contribute to sensitivity and adaptive capacity.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 18 of 32

19. All sectors vulnerable to climate change benefit from ecosystem services
WATER
ECO- SYSTEMS
FOOD
COASTAL AREAS
HEALTH
Ecosystem Services
Vulnerable Sectors
Narration: All sectors described as vulnerable to climate change by the International Panel on Climate Change benefit from diverse ecosystem services.
All sectors described as vulnerable to climate change by the International Panel on Climate Change benefit from diverse ecosystem services.
Sources: Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005; IPCC, 2007; Parry et al. 2007
Topic 3, Section B, slide 19 of 32

20. Exercise For the country where you are currently working:
Identify five specific examples of ecosystem services provided by forests or trees
How do those services contribute to human-wellbeing and reduce human vulnerability to climate change?
Narration: This is an exercise to help you better understand how forests can help society adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 20 of 32

21. Examples of relevant ecosystem services for vulnerable sectors
Narration: This chart shows examples of relevant ecosystem services for vulnerable sectors. Consider examples of hydrological services and why they are important. Freshwater resources can be impacted by soil erosion, degradation of water quality, and reduction of dry season flows. Ecosystems can be impacted by flooding, reduction of dry season flows, or erosion. Agricultural production can be also impacted by flooding, reduction of dry season flows, or erosion. Settlements and roads can be also impacted by flooding, which destroys roads, and erosion resulting in landslides. Health can be affected by flooding, degradation of water quality, and reduction of dry season flows.
Other examples of ecosystem services that are important for agriculture and natural ecosystems include, pollination of crops and ecosystems, control of pests, and dispersal of seeds. Ecosystem services also deliver products that are important for food security, industry and health.
This chart shows examples of relevant ecosystem services for vulnerable sectors. Here are some examples demonstrating how hydrological services are important:
Freshwater resources can be impacted by soil erosion, degradation of water quality, and reduction of dry season flows .
Ecosystems can be impacted by flooding, reduction of dry season flows (in the case of an aquatic ecosystem), or erosion (in the case of a coral reef).
Agricultural production can be also impacted by flooding (as in the destruction of crops), reduction of dry season flows (resulting in no water for irrigation), or erosion (bringing with it siltation of irrigation channels.)
Settlements and roads can be also impacted by flooding (which destroys of roads), and erosion (resulting in landslides).
Health can be affected by flooding (resulting in death), degradation of water quality (which often causes disease), and reduction of dry season flows (which means insufficient available water to meet human needs).
Other examples of ecosystem services that are important for agriculture and natural ecosystems include, pollination of crops and ecosystems, control of pests, and dispersal of seeds. Ecosystem services also deliver products that are important for food security, and industry (such as wood and genetic resources), and health (such as medicinal plants).
Source: Locatelli et al. 2008
Topic 3, Section B, slide 21 of 32

22. Assessing vulnerability of coupled human and environment systems
The vulnerability of economic sectors depends on the vulnerability of the ecosystems they rely on
Most vulnerability assessments use a sectoral approach, which overlooks the linkages between sectors and ecosystems.
Vulnerability assessments should:
Deal with the vulnerabilities of both human and environment systems at the same time
Consider the linkages between them
Narration: The vulnerability of economic sectors depends on the vulnerability of the ecosystems they rely on. However, most vulnerability assessments use a sectoral approach, which overlooks the linkages between sectors. However, if ecosystem services are relevant for a given sector, the vulnerability assessment should deal with the vulnerabilities of both natural and human systems at the same time and consider the linkages between them.
The vulnerability of economic sectors depends on the vulnerability of the ecosystems they rely on. However, most vulnerability assessments use a sectoral approach, which overlooks the linkages between sectors. However, if ecosystem services are relevant for a given sector, the vulnerability assessment should deal with the vulnerabilities of both natural and human systems at the same time and consider the linkages between them.
For example, the ATEAM project (Advanced Terrestrial Ecosystem Analysis and Modelling), developed an approach to assess where people or sectors may be vulnerable to the loss of ecosystem services as a result of climate and land use change. This approach highlights that the societal vulnerability to global change also results from impacts on ecosystems and the services they provide (Source: Metzger et al., 2005, 2006.) Website:
The Research and Assessment Systems for Sustainability Program developed a vulnerability framework for the assessment of coupled human and environment systems. Some essential elements considered in the framework are the linkages between human and biophysical vulnerability and the complex dynamics of human and environment systems. (Source: Turner et al., 2003.) Website:
Topic 3, Section B, slide 22 of 32

23. Assessing vulnerability of coupled human and environment systems
Vulnerability of ecosystem services to climate change and other threats
Human system and its vulnerability to the loss of ecosystem services
Capacity of human systems to reduce the loss of ecosystem services
Exposure 3 1 2
Climate change
Other drivers of change
Vulnerability of a coupled human and environment system to the loss of ecosystem services
Ecosystem Services
Management
Adaptive capacity
Society
Ecosystem
Sensitivity
Narration: Vulnerability assessments provide critical information for policymakers to prioritise adaptation efforts. Participative multi-criteria assessments enable policymakers and local stakeholders to be engaged in the definition and valuation of criteria. General frameworks can facilitate the development of criteria and indicators.
An example is given in this diagram. This conceptual framework emphasises the role of ecosystem services for society. The three main criteria are defined - see the circles in the diagram. The first deals with the vulnerability of ecosystem services to climate change or variability and other threats. The second deals with the human system and its vulnerability to the loss of ecosystem services. The third considers the adaptive capacity of the system as a whole. It refers to the capacity of the human systems to reduce the loss of ecosystem services.
Vulnerability assessments provide critical information for policymakers to prioritise adaptation efforts. Participative multi-criteria assessments are effective in terms of policy impacts as they enable policymakers and local stakeholders to be engaged in the definition and valuation of criteria. General frameworks can facilitate the development of criteria and indicators.
An example is given in this diagram. This conceptual framework emphasises the role of ecosystem services for society. The three main criteria are defined - see the circles in the diagram.
The first deals with the vulnerability of ecosystem services to climate change or variability and other threats. It can be described by indicators related to exposure and sensitivity to climate change or variability. It also refers to ecosystem adaptive capacity as a function of current degradation or other pressures.
2. The second deals with the human system and its vulnerability to the loss of ecosystem services. The sensitivity of the system, for example dependence on non-timber forest products or clean water, is one indicator. Its adaptive capacity, for example the availability of substitutes for the lost services), is another indicator. External drivers of changes must also be taken into account, for example macroeconomic policies or energy prices.
3. The third considers the adaptive capacity of the system as a whole. It refers to the capacity of the human systems to reduce the loss of ecosystem services. Indicators can refer to the capacity of reducing maladaptation practices, for example eliminating practices that increase pressures on ecosystems. Indicators also refer to the capacity to implement forest adaptation
Source: Turner et al. 2003; Metzger et al. 2005
Topic 3, Section B, slide 23 of 32

24. Exercise
Considering a concrete example, answer the following questions:
Who benefits from ecosystem services?
Which ecosystem services are more important for people?
Which ecosystems deliver these services?
How does people’s vulnerability depend on these services?
How could ecosystem changes affect people?
What to do?
Topic 3, Section B, slide 24 of 32

25. 3. Mainstreaming forests into adaptation policies
In addition to mainstreaming adaptation into development, projects and programmes should include forests in adaptation strategies using two complementary approaches:
Adaptation for forests
Designing adaptation policies that encourage the adaptive management of forests
Forests for adaptation
Recognising the role of forests in reducing societal vulnerability and encouraging the sectors that benefit from forest ecosystem services to participate in forest adaptation.
Narration: Adaptation policies are needed to facilitate the adaptation of forests and enhance the role of forests for the adaptation of society. The mainstreaming of forests in adaptation policies should follow two objectives. First, they should promote adaptation for forests by encouraging the adaptive management of forests. Second, they should promote forests for adaptation, by linking forests with the sectors that benefit from forest ecosystem services.
Adaptation policies are needed to facilitate the adaptation of tropical forests and enhance the role of forests for the adaptation of society. The mainstreaming of forests in adaptation policies should follow two objectives:
First, they should promote adaptation for forests, by encouraging the adaptive management of forests
Second, they should promote forests for adaptation, by linking forests with the sectors that benefit from forest ecosystem services
Topic 3, Section B, slide 25 of 32

26. Mainstreaming adaptation into forest policies
Bring adaptation into the forest arena by:
Integrate adaptation in National Forest Programmes
Forest policies
Adaptation policies
Bring forests into the adaptation arena by:
Forests should be included in National Adaptation Programmes of Action
Forests should be included in the Adaptation Fund and other financing schemes
Narration: In many countries, there is no link between adaptation and forest policies. There are two complementary ways to link these policies. First, by mainstreaming adaptation into forest policies. An example of this is to include integrating adaptation into National Forest Programmes. Second, by mainstreaming forests into adaptation policies. An example of this is to include forests in National Adaptation Programmes of Action and in projects or programmes funded by the Adaptation Fund and other financing schemes.
In many countries, there is no link between adaptation and forest policies. Two complementary ways to link these policies are:
Mainstreaming adaptation into forest policies, for example by including integrating adaptation into National Forest Programmes
Mainstreaming forests into adaptation policies, for example by bringing forests into the adaptation arena. Forests should be included in National Adaptation Programmes of Action and in projects or programmes funded by the Adaptation Fund and other financing schemes.
Mainstreaming forests into adaptation policies
Topic 3, Section B, slide 26 of 32

27. Current place of forests in adaptation policies
Forests play a secondary role - if any role at all - in adaptation policies, despite their importance.
Forests are not usually a priority in National Adaptation Programmes of Action or in National Communications.
National adaptation policies propose traditional instruments without analysing the “lessons learned” of past failures in the forest sector
There has been no success so far in mainstreaming adaptation and integrating forests
There are no linkages between adaptation and political issues such as land tenure reforms and property rights
There is a lack of horizontal and vertical institutional coordination
Innovative policy approaches are needed for adaptive management of forests and for engaging other sectors that benefit from forest ecosystem services in forest adaptation.
Narration: Forests play a secondary role - if any role at all - in adaptation policies, despite their importance for livelihoods and their linkages with other sectors. In most cases, forests and forestry are not a priority in National Adaptation Programmes of Action. But there are examples of adaptation strategies that do include forestry, such as reducing climate change hazards through coastal afforestation in Bangladesh, forest fire prevention in Samoa, catchment conservation with reforestation in Haiti, and several examples in West Africa.
National adaptation policies propose traditional policy instruments and measures without analysing the “lessons learned” of past failures in the forest sector. Other factors may explain why national adaptation policies are not yet successful in mainstreaming adaptation and integrating forests. Linkages are rarely made between adaptation policies and other ongoing political processes and issues of high political relevance.
Horizontal and vertical coordination is lacking among the institutions involved in the design of adaptation policies, often disconnected from the local level where adaptation should take place. Innovative policy approaches are needed for adaptive management of forests and for engaging other sectors that benefit from forest ecosystem services in forest adaptation.
Forests play a secondary role - if any role at all - in adaptation policies, despite their importance for livelihoods and their linkages with other sectors. In most cases, forests and forestry are not a priority in the National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs). However, there are examples of adaptation strategies that do include forestry, such as reducing climate change hazards through coastal afforestation in Bangladesh, forest fire prevention in Samoa, catchment conservation with reforestation in Haiti, and several examples in West Africa.
In NAPAs and National Communications submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the identified adaptation needs in the forest sector are related to technical adaptation, for example information systems for forest inventories. They are also related to societal adaptation, for example capacity building for community and state bodies. A policy mix is proposed in NAPAs and National communications with an emphasis on two types of instruments:
Regulatory instruments, for example revising existing forest laws, and enforcing laws for the protection and conservation of forests.
Information-based instruments, for example capacity building activities for state bodies and forest users.
However, national adaptation policies propose traditional policy instruments and measures without analysing the “lessons learned” of past failures in the forest sector. Other factors may explain why national adaptation policies are not yet successful in mainstreaming adaptation and integrating forests, despite efforts made in NAPAs and National Communications:
Linkages are rarely made between adaptation policies and other ongoing political processes and issues of high political relevance, such as land tenure reforms, property rights and access to natural resources,
Horizontal and vertical coordination is lacking among the institutions involved in the design of adaptation policies, often disconnected from the local level where adaptation should take place.
Innovative policy approaches are needed for adaptive management of forests and for engaging other sectors that benefit from forest ecosystem services in forest adaptation.
Source: Source: Locatelli et al. 2008
Topic 3, Section B, slide 27 of 32

28. Promoting adaptation for forests
National policies should be designed to:
Reduce non-climatic threats to forests
Encourage large-scale decision making
Consider climate change threats in conservation policies
Promote information sharing and monitoring
Promote partnerships in the forestry sector
Strengthen local institutions by capacity building and funding
Narration: In promoting adaptation for forests national policies should be designed to:
Reduce non-climatic threats to forests
Encourage large-scale decision making
Consider climate change threats in conservation policies
Promote information sharing and monitoring
Promote partnerships in the forestry sector
Strengthen local institutions by capacity building and funding
Climate change can be a catalyst for achieving better forest management or conservation.
National policies that aim to promote the adaptation of forests to climate change should be designed to:
Reduce non-climatic threats to forests; for example, land use change, fragmentation or degradation by unsustainable harvesting practices. Eliminating maladaptation policies is a good way forward and aims at identifying other policy instruments that increase forest vulnerability; for example, incentives for biofuels or other crops competing with forest lands
Encourage large-scale decision making for the management of forests or, more generally, biodiversity. Large landscape approaches are needed for designing and implementing forest adaptation measures
Include climate change as a driver of change when planning ecosystem conservation. For instance, the design of national systems of protected areas and biological corridors must consider the vulnerability of the protected ecosystem and the role of corridors for facilitating migration of species under scenarios of climate change
Promote information sharing about forest adaptation and establish monitoring systems for the impact of climate change on forests. The public should be included as a target for information dissemination and awareness raising
Promote partnerships in the forestry sector among local forest stakeholders, the private sector, governmental agencies, scientists from natural and social sciences, development and conservation NGOs, and international agencies dealing with forestry issues
Strengthen local institutions, through capacity building and funding because adaptation options at the local level are often limited by financial and institutional capacities
Many obstacles can be identified when implementing such policies, as past experience with forest policies has shown. However, climate change threats can be a catalyst for achieving better forest management or conservation, especially if the actors benefiting from forest ecosystem services at different levels are involved in the process.
Source: Locatelli et al. 2008
Climate change can be a catalyst for achieving better forest management or conservation
Topic 3, Section B, slide 28 of 32

29. Policies promoting forests for adaptation
Forest ecosystem services are of great importance for the livelihoods of local populations, national development and the international community
Yet, the sectors depending on forest ecosystem services are currently not involved in forest adaptation. Natural resources management is often done by stakeholders with few - if any - links with those benefiting from ecosystem services or bearing the consequences of the loss of ecosystem services.
Ecosystem-based adaptation policies should link non-forest actors with those engaged in forest management or conservation
Engaging non-forest actors can take many forms, for example, participating in decision making, capacity building, monitoring and financing using incentive-based policy instruments.
Narration: Forest ecosystem services are of great importance for the livelihoods of local populations, national development and the international community. Yet, the sectors depending on forest ecosystem services are currently not involved in forest adaptation. Natural resources management is often done by stakeholders with few - if any - links with those benefiting from ecosystem services or bearing the consequences of the loss of ecosystem services. Ecosystem-based adaptation policies should link non-forest actors with those engaged in forest management or conservation. Engaging non-forest actors can take many forms, for example, participating in decision making, capacity building, monitoring and financing using incentive-based policy instruments.
Forest ecosystem services are of great importance for the livelihoods of local populations, national development and the international community. The sectors depending on forest ecosystem services are currently not involved in forest adaptation. Natural resources management is often done by stakeholders with few - if any - links with those benefiting from ecosystem services or bearing the consequences of the loss of ecosystem services. For example, in watershed and coastal area management, sectors or stakeholders benefiting from water quality provided by upstream forests or protection from storms provided by mangroves should be involved in decision making and in ecosystem management.
Many local and global institutions and sectors are concerned about forest adaptation: Many institutions are concerned about forest adaptation:
International adaptation funds, mitigation funds and carbon mechanisms, international biodiversity funds
National agencies involved in disaster prevention or poverty reduction
Conservation and development NGOs
The private sector benefiting from scenic beauty or biodiversity for ecotourism or from clean water for industrial purposes
Local users of water and forest products
Ecosystem-based adaptation policies should aim at linking these actors with those engaged in forest management or conservation. Ecosystem-Based Adaptation aims at conserving or managing ecosystem services for reducing the vulnerability of the society. The participation of non-forest actors may take many forms; for example, participation in decision making, capacity building, monitoring and financing using incentive-based policy instruments such as payments for environmental services.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 29 of 32

30. The role of policy-relevant science
Science should play a fundamental role in mainstreaming forests into adaptation policies by:
Informing policy-makers about vulnerabilities,
Identifying response options and designing adaptation strategies
Assessment of vulnerabilities should prioritise places or sectors with the highest vulnerabilities and demonstrate how forest adaptation can contribute to reducing the vulnerability of non-forest actors
Building a policy-science dialogue is essential
Scientists must analyse structures and identify responses
Narration: Science should play a fundamental role in mainstreaming forests into adaptation policies by informing policy-makers about vulnerabilities, identifying response options and designing adaptation strategies. Building a policy-science dialogue is essential. Scientists must analyse structures and identify responses.
Science should play a fundamental role in mainstreaming forests into adaptation policies by informing policymakers about assessing vulnerabilities, identifying response options and designing adaptation strategies. Assessment of vulnerabilities should prioritise places or sectors with the highest vulnerabilities and demonstrate how forest adaptation can contribute to reducing the vulnerability of non-forest actors.
Building a policy-science dialogue is essential. Evidence based on rigorous research needs to be translated into policy-relevant language and placed into the policy process. To achieve this science-policy dialogue and design a good adaptation policy, scientists must analyse structures and paths in a specific institutional and policy context to identify feasible policies and to support successful processes of change and adaptation. An adequate approach should enable work on both key obstacles in this science–policy dialogue simultaneously -inappropriate science and maladaptive policy processes.
Topic 3, Section B, slide 30 of 32

31. References www.cifor.cgiar.org
See references in “Facing an uncertain future: How forests and people can adapt to climate change”
Topic 3, Section B, slide 31 of 32

32. Thank you for your attention