Climate change is real. The disruptions it is causing require that we change; change the way we consider conservation, resource management and development. This is necessary if we want a functional future for biodiversity and human communities.

Climate change is forcing a new conservation paradigm that does not focus on classic place-based approaches, rather it considers the inter-linkages between spatial and temporal concerns, and human and biodiversity needs. This new paradigm aspires to the manifestation of a long-sought holistic approach to conservation. Climate change can be the catalyst for a shift in this direction not only because it is prudent, but because we have no other choice if we want to create a sustainable future for our planet.

MISSION STATEMENT:

EcoAdapt is at the center of climate change adaptation innovation. We bring together diverse players in the conservation, policy, science, and development communities to reshape conservation and development in response to rapid climate change.

EcoAdapt has one goal- Creating a robust future in the face of anthropogenic climate change

The key to climate change adaptation is to increase resistance and resilience at all levels and in all systems. We explore ways to create flexible systems that can accommodate and respond to the increasing change and variability that is our future.

The main objective of EcoAdapt:

1. Build the field of Adaptation: Catalyze creative thinking and dialog to develop this new conservation paradigm as a coherent and definable field of study and action, while coordinating, magnifying and making accessible existing climate change adaptation capacity and resources.
2. Build capacity of current and future professional in key areas such as conservation, planning, and development so they can engage in climate change adaptation thinking and implementation.
3. Support implementation of adaptation strategies by providing capacity to partners eager to take climate adaptation action.

EcoAdapt will achieve these goals through the following mechanisms:

1. Create a core team of climate change adaptation specialists with extensive on-the-ground experience. This critical mass will strive to ferment and distill new ideas that build this new conservation paradigm, as team and with a network of partners with whom we are already engaged.
2. Act as an adviser and facilitator for groups wishing to engage on climate change adaptation but lacking internal support or capacity;
3. Create training opportunities and materials (climate camps, guidebooks, curriculum & teaching, field experience);
4. Create networks of projects and partners with similar concerns to support adaptation policy and building the field of adaptation science. Mechanisms will include a climate adaptation knowledge environment.