Ecosystem-based adaptation and regional development by empowerment of Ukrainian Biosphere Reserves

General

Adaptation to the impacts of climate change has not yet been consistently integrated into Ukraine’s land management and strategic planning. This has resulted in various land use practices and infrastructure projects that have led to the critical loss of the regulating ecosystem services. The project integrates an EbA approach to sustainable land use into national and regional planning. Specifically, it supports the Desnyanskyi, Roztochya and Shatskyi biosphere reserves through the introduction of participatory and adaptive ecosystem management. This is also achieved by building up knowledge among local stakeholders, increasing the number of personnel and by developing strategies and networks. The project also develops proposals on how EbA principles can be incorporated into environmental legislation and ecosystem management. Suitable proposals for EbA measures are also being tested in a pilot scheme using an ideas competition in the three biosphere reserves.