Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Food Security in the AIMS SIDS: Integrating External and Local Knowledge

Jessica Mercer, Tiina Kurvits, Ilan Kelman and Stavros Mavrogenis
Additional contact information
Jessica Mercer: Secure Futures, 4 St Johns Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 0HQ, UK
Tiina Kurvits: GRID-Arendal, 251 Bank Street, Suite 506, Ottawa, ON K2P 1X3, Canada
Ilan Kelman: UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction and UCL Institute for Global Health, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Stavros Mavrogenis: Department of International, European and Area Studies, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Syngrou Av. 136, Athens 176 71, Greece

Sustainability, 2014, vol. 6, issue 9, 1-32

Abstract: This paper critically reviews ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) approaches for food security under climate change, specifically for the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) comprising the Africa, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South China Sea (AIMS) region. The focus is on integrating different knowledge forms. An analysis of current EbA approaches for food security is undertaken, alongside a review of methodologies for integrating local and external knowledge. Key gaps and actions for EbA for food security in the AIMS region, and potentially further afield, are identified. The gaps indicate the lack of coherence in AIMS SIDS approaching food security, in terms of policies and actions not reflecting the ecosystem-food-climate nexus, the lack of a regional framework despite similarities amongst the SIDS, and the infrequency with which knowledge integration occurs. To fill these gaps, suggested actions highlight knowledge identification and combination, learning from others and from history, using local champions, and regularly monitoring and evaluating progress. These actions will push forward the EbA agenda through improved development and use of knowledge, better connections amongst the AIMS SIDS and farther afield, and more local-national-regional collaboration.

Keywords: AIMS region; climate change; ecosystem; food security; local knowledge; small island developing states (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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