Building capacity on ecosystem-based adaptation strategy to cope with extreme events and sea-level rise on the Uruguayan coast
This study aims to show a case study of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) measures to increase coastal system resilience to extreme weather events and sea-level rise (SLR). The project was implemented at Kiyú, on the Uruguayan coast of the Rio de la Plata river estuary, to reduce the erosion of sandy beaches, dunes and bluffs due to extreme wind, storm surge and rainfall, SLR and mismanagement practices. The recovery of coastal ecosystems was implemented through soft measures (green infrastructure) such as re-vegetation with native species, dune regeneration, sustainable drainage systems and the reduction of use pressures.
The main achievements of this case study include capacity building of municipal staff and stakeholders, knowledge exchanges with national-level decision makers and scientists and the incorporation of EbA approaches by subnational-level coastal governments. To consolidate EbA, the local government introduced innovations in the coastal management institutional structure. The outcomes of the EbA measures include, besides the increase in the resilience of socioecological systems, the strengthening of socio-institutional behaviour, structure and sustainability. This experience provides insights for developing a strategy for both Integrated Coastal Management and climate adaptation at the national scale.
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