Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) strategies were implemented near Kiyú on the Uruguayan coast to mitigate the effects of sea-level rise, storm surges, strong winds and sand dune erosion.

Nature-based Intervention:

In a coastal area of Uruguay, regeneration of sand dunes and revegetation with native plants was carried out to aid in the recovery of the coastal ecosystem. To make conditions more favorable to the native sand dune grasses and shrubs, large planted Eucalyptus trees were cut down, a strategy which has been shown be beneficial to the maintenance of sand bluffs. A low-tech, low-cost sand captor fence made out of tree branches was also installed to protect the bluff and support the recovery of the dune system. The regrowth of native vegetation reportedly helped reduce erosion and increase natural drainage, building resilience to flooding in storms.

Overview of context and outcomes:

According to a study, the initiative was implemented in a participatory way, involving the local community and institutional stakeholders, and prioritized the capacity building of municipal and local government actors in EbA and Integrated Coastal Management (ICM). A Vulnerability Reduction Assessment (VRA), an important tool used by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for their community-based adaptation programmes, was conducted post-implementation and revealed that participants perceived themselves to have lower vulnerability and higher adaptive capacity after the implementation of the program. The study reported an increase in the resilience of the social-ecological system, encompassing both the ecosystem and human components. A systematic monitoring and evaluation strategy was also put into place as part of the program.