Ecosystem-based Adaptation Approach: Managing Climate Risks in Watershed Ecosystems in Jamaica

1. Ecosystem-based Adaptation
Approach:
Managing Climate Risks in Watershed Ecosystems in
Jamaica
Pilot Area: Swift River Watershed, Portland
Presented by: Clifton Wilson and Kevin Douglas

3. Watershed Policy for Jamaica 2003
• Landslides and slope failures are
common due to high intensity rainfall,
steep slopes, this erosive soils
• Unsuitable farming practices accounts
for an estimated soil loss of 30 tonnes
per hectare annually from Jamaica’s
watersheds.
• Deforestation and forest fires also
account for tremendous losses

4. • “ Healthy well functioning
ecosystems enhance natural
resilience to the adverse impacts
of climate change and reduce the
vulnerability of people” (United
Nations Environment Program)

5. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA)
Approach
“Ecosystem-based Adaptation is the use
of biodiversity and ecosystem services to
help people adapt to the adverse effects
of Climate Change. It is achieved through
the sustainable management,
conservation and restoration of
ecosystems in a territory or landscape
(e.g. in a watershed)”
o EbA- Nature based solutions

6. Three (3) Elements of EbA

7. Apply Climate Lens
(Selection of site
based on partner
engagement)
Assess
Vulnerability
(Situational
Analyses)
Identify Adaptation
Strategies
Design EbA
Strategies
Implementation of
EbA Measures
Increased adoption
of NRM Best
Practices and
Evaluation
• National screening of relevant entry
points for CCA
• Selection of essential sectors,
ecosystems and stakeholders
• Id. Of key
partners
• Develop
diagnostic tools
• Consultations,
focus group
discussions
• Documentary
research
• Id. Of natural
resources, key
ecosystems,
livelihood and
governance
threats
• Id. of possible
adaptation
measures
• Is EbA a viable
solution?
• Is support in
place for EbA
• Select strategically
relevant EbA
Measures
• Proactive
communication of
EbA
• EbA FFS ToT
• EbA FFS
• OCA and ISP
• Participatory Community
hazard analysis-CEDAR
• Grant Funding
• Public awareness
MONITORING

9. Swift River Watershed: 97.2 Km2

11. 1. Foothill Farming (< 600 m altitude) of mainly
short term crops
2. Upland Caribbean Pine Forest Reserve
3. Riverine Ecosystems
4. Small alluvial river banks planted with short
term crops with heavy chemical use
5. Towns and Settlement (Urban Ecosystem)
6. Fishing communities in coastal area
Type of Ecosystems Identified in Swift
River Watershed

12. Some Key Natural Resources

14. 1. Exposure of bare soils resulting in more run
off, less infiltration and soil erosion
1. Deforestation (Cutting down of trees and
shrubs)
2. Pollution with Agrochemicals
3. Fires (Loss of both carbon stock and
biodiversity)
4. Riverbed sand mining
Main Ecosystem Stressors Identified

15. Main Livelihood Activities

16.  Community Groups varied in strength
and organizational levels
 Low Youth Involvement and low and/or
weak male leadership
 Most groups struggle from a lack of
consistent income
 Group Strengthening measures are
needed for optimal implementation of
EbA
Community Group Structures
(Governance)

17. EbA Field Strategies for Swift River
Watershed in 3 focus areas
Two (2) of the Five (5)EbA Strategies
in Foothill Farming Ecosystems in the
Swift River Watershed

18.  Maximize Soil Cover during cropping cycle
 Land husbandry practices:
Strategies : Reduce water runoff and soil
erosion

19. Strategy : Increase Agroforestry Practices

20. Main Implementation Mechanism

21. FFS: To respond to the need of the farmers
• An adult extension delivery method
that focuses on learning through
facilitation.
• Supports discovery and experiential
learning around a specific focus
problem
• Farmer centered
• Training is guided by a competent
facilitator
Facilitation
Discovery
Learning
Adult
education
Group
dynamics

23. EbA FFS ToT- August 08-19, 2016

25. Livelihood Enhancement Strategies in
Swift River Watershed
• Implementation of EbA FFS
Programme
• Conduct Livelihood Assessment
• Conduct Enterprise specific training
• Conduct value chain assessments to
support among other things the
development of market linkages to
support sustainable livelihood diversity

26. NRM Governance Framework
strengthened
• Conducting of Organizational Capacity
Assessments (OCA)
• Develop Institutional Strengthening
Plans for local community groups
• Develop self assessment tools for
community groups
• Advocacy and other needed Training
for community groups

27. Request for Application (RFP)
Released – April 2016
Community Groups Nature of Projects
Swift River United Farmers’ Group
Solid waste management
Composting
Agroforestry
Group governance strengthening
Swift River Re-United Community Club Apiculture
Agroforestry
Group governance strengthening
Rock Hall Farmers Group Water Harvesting and storage
Agroforestry
Fruitful Vale Benevolent Society Apiculture and Agroforestry
Community awareness
Group governance strengthening
Shirley Castle Farmers’ Group Agroforestry
Nursery
Water Harvesting and storage
Mount Pleasant Farmers Group Water Harvesting and Irrigation

28. NEXT STEPS
• Full FFS Roll Out
• Partnerships with academic
institutions for research
• Robust review and evaluation
before replication

29. THANK YOU

30. Apply Climate Lens
(Selection of site
based on partner
engagement)
Assess
Vulnerability
(Situational
Analyses)
Identify Adaptation
Strategies
Design EbA
Strategies
Implementation of
EbA Measures
Increased adoption
of NRM Best
Practices and
Evaluation
• National screening of relevant entry
points for CCA
• Selection of essential sectors,
ecosystems and stakeholders
• Id. Of key
partners
• Develop
diagnostic tools
• Consultations,
focus group
discussions
• Documentary
research
• Id. Of natural
resources, key
ecosystems,
livelihood and
governance
threats
• Id. of possible
adaptation
measures
• Is EbA a viable
solution?
• Is support in
place for EbA
• Select strategically
relevant EbA
Measures
• Proactive
communication of
EbA
• EbA FFS ToT
• EbA FFS
• OCA and ISP
• Participatory Community
hazard analysis-CEDAR
• Grant Funding
• Public awareness
MONITORING