Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for the Impact of Climate Change and Variation in the Water Management Sector of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The climate of Sri Lanka has been fluctuating at an alarming rate during the recent past. These changes are reported to have pronounced impacts on the livelihoods of the people in the country. Water is central to the sustainable functioning of ecosystems and wellbeing of mankind. It is evident that pronounced variations in the climate will negatively impact the availability and the quality of water resources. The ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) approach has proved to be an effective strategy to address the impact of climate change on water resources in many parts of the world. The key aim of this paper is to elaborate the wide range of benefits received through implementation of EbAs in field level, watershed scale, and urban and coastal environments in the context of Sri Lanka. In addition, this paper discusses the benefits of utilizing EbA solutions over grey infrastructure-based solutions to address the issues related to water management. The wide range of benefits received through implementation of EbAs can be broadly classified into three categories: water supply regulation, water quality regulation, and moderation of extreme events. This paper recommends the utilization of EbAs over grey infrastructure-based solutions in adaptation to climate change in the water management sector for the developing region due its cost effectiveness, ecofriendliness, and multiple benefits received on long-term scales. The findings of this study will unequivocally contribute to filling existing knowledge and research gaps in the context of EbAs to future climate change in Sri Lanka. The suggestions and opinions of this study can be taken into account by decision makers and water resources planning agencies for future planning of actions related to climate change adaptation in Sri Lanka.

Water Resource Management in Hotels Using a Sustainable Balanced Scorecard

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Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies in Madda Walabu District, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

“…Some mitigation options, such as income diversification, revenue from mitigation services, agriculture intensification, and agroforestry practices, have the potential to reduce vulnerable people's vulnerability [67]. In addition, it is believed that the ecosystem-based adaptation approach has proved to be an effective strategy to address the impact of climate change on the world [68,69]. In the study area, the BERSMP, OFWE-BB, and CBOs jointly carried out a series of activities that can, directly and indirectly, protect forest cover and reduce pressure on forest resources for the last five years.…”

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“…Xu et al (2019) identified adaptation strategies that would lead to farm-level cost-savings; however, Ricart & Rico-Amoros (2021) argue that such strategies often involve high investment costs and are influenced by unpredictable behaviour of the food market. While the majority of adaptation strategies were impeded by the availability of financial resources, De Smedt (2010) and Khaniya et al (2021) proposed cost-effective eco-based adaptation strategies. They concurred that water quality strategies that work with nature's capacity to control or absorb impacts can offer consistent financial benefits over the long term.…”

“…Water is a complex resource that not only supports human and ecosystem health and is essential for food and energy production and transportation services, but also provides cultural, aesthetic, and recreational values (Miller & Belton 2014). Khaniya et al (2021) concur that water is central to the wellbeing of mankind and the functioning of sustainable ecosystems, and as such, any variations in climate can negatively impact the quality and availability of water resources. Therefore, as Cross & Latorre (2015) emphasise, it is important to develop necessary response mechanisms to protect public health and the environment.…”