As climate change tightens its grip on the planet, the impacts on mountain ecosystems are becoming increasingly severe. These ecosystems, critical for forestry, agriculture, and water provision, are also among the most vulnerable to climate change. The challenges faced by mountain communities are profound, with the effects of climate change exacerbating existing vulnerabilities like poverty and remoteness. However, Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) offers a pathway to resilience, helping these communities safeguard their livelihoods and ecosystems.
The Vulnerability of Mountain Ecosystems
Mountain regions play a vital role in global hydrological cycles, influencing water availability for billions of people. However, these regions are particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns and glacial melt can disrupt water provision, while increasing rainfall can destabilize slopes, leading to erosion, landslides, and other hazards. The stakes are high for the people living in these regions. Often poorer and more isolated than their lowland counterparts, mountain communities are more dependent on natural resources, which are becoming increasingly scarce and degraded.
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: A Lifeline for Mountain Communities
Ecosystem-based adaptation is an approach that uses biodiversity and ecosystem services to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. In mountain ecosystems, Ecosystem-Based Adaptation measures are designed to address the unique challenges posed by the terrain and climate. A number of strategies used are;
1. Riparian Reforestation/Rehabilitation: Flooding and sediment deposition, exacerbated by extreme rainfall and storms, pose a significant risk to mountain communities. By reforesting areas along riverbanks, the flow of water can be slowed, and sediment captured before it reaches the watercourse. This reduces downstream flood damage to property and livelihoods. Outcome indicators for this measure include the frequency and severity of floods, sediment load, and measures of flood damage.
2. Slope Stabilization through Reforestation: Landslides and slope failures, driven by increasingly extreme rainfall, threaten lives and property. Reforesting slopes with indigenous, climate-resilient species can stabilize the soil and prevent these disasters. The success of this approach can be measured by the frequency and severity of landslides and the extent of damage from slope failures.
3. Watershed Restoration: Climate change is altering hydrology, river flow, and water availability in mountain regions. Watershed restoration can increase water storage capacity and reduce surface runoff, improving water availability and quality. This measure can be evaluated by monitoring river flow variation, per capita dry season water availability, and measures of water quality and flood damage.
Case Study: Kenya’s Aberdare Mountain Range
In Kenya’s Aberdare Mountain Range, the local community has implemented EbA measures to combat the impacts of climate change. The region, known for its rich biodiversity and critical water catchments, has been facing increasing challenges due to erratic rainfall and deforestation. These changes have led to reduced water availability and heightened risks of landslides and floods.
To address these issues, the community initiated a watershed restoration project that involved reforestation of degraded slopes and the development of sustainable land management practices. Indigenous and climate-resilient tree species were planted along riverbanks and on vulnerable slopes to stabilize the soil and reduce surface runoff. Additionally, community-based watershed management plans were developed to ensure the sustainable use of water resources.
The results have been promising. The frequency and severity of landslides have decreased, and water availability during the dry season has improved. Moreover, the reforested areas are now providing additional benefits to the community, such as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and improved agricultural productivity due to better soil health.
The experience of the Aberdare community highlights the potential of EbA in mountain regions. By working with nature, rather than against it, these communities are not only adapting to climate change but also building resilience for the future. As climate change continues to pose complex and evolving risks, the lessons learned from these initiatives will be invaluable in guiding adaptation efforts in other vulnerable regions around the world.
