Overview

The EBA-LED (Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Low Emissions
Development) approach is a balanced framework that harmonizes climate resilience for
communities with measurable greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. Rooted in
the “SU’UH” or Jangui model, it ensures synergy between safeguarding livelihoods and
advancing climate mitigation, creating a triple win for ecosystems, people, and the planet.
Lessons Learned from the Jangui Green Digital Invest (JGDI) Project (2021–2023)
By ADEID Cameroon, Funded by UNEP/EBAFOSA
Executive Summary
This document synthesizes three years of experience implementing the Ecosystem-Based
Adaptation and Low Emissions Development (EBA-LED) approach in Cameroon through the
JGDI project. It serves as a practical guide for replicating EBA-LED initiatives and informs
policy reforms to advance sustainable development, green/circular economies, and climate
resilience at national/regional levels.

Part 1: EBA-LED in Practice – Key Lessons from JGDI

1. Core Principles for Successful Implementation
   Principle JGDI Experience Recommendation
   Community-Led
   Design

Projects co-created with farmers/youth
ensured ownership and relevance.

Use participatory workshops to
align projects with local needs.

Synergy of EbA
& LED

Agroforestry reduced erosion (EbA)
and sequestered 5,000t CO2 (LED).

Prioritize actions with dual
adaptation-mitigation benefits.

Tech for Scale

IoT sensors cut water waste by 30%;
blockchain improved carbon
transparency.

Integrate affordable tech (e.g.,
SMS alerts for farmers).
ADEID

Action for Equitable Integrated and Sustainable Development
Statistical Street, House 54; PO Box 1354 Bafoussam – CAMEROON

Tel: 699829768/699481842
Email: adeid_mountain@yahoo.fr Web: www.adeid.org

Principle JGDI Experience Recommendation
Gender Equity Women-led green tontines funded 200
solar dryers, boosting incomes.

Allocate 50% of resources to
women/youth-led initiatives.

2. PILLARS
   Pillar Key Actions Target Audience
3. Empower
   Youth

Transform youth into Climate Champions,
Ambassadors, Mentors, and Influencers
(CAMI) through green business training and
leadership programs.(ex: biofertilizers and
biopesticides production through wastes)

Youth (15–35
years),
entrepreneurs

2. Promote
   Green Tontines

Establish community-led investment funds to
mobilize local resources and enhance women’s
access to international climate finance including
carbon markets.

Women-led
groups,
cooperatives

3. Adopt
   Sustainable
   Practices

Prioritize soil health (“Feed the soil, let the soil feed
the plant”), agroecology, and biodiversity
conservation.

Farmers, agri-
cooperatives

4. Build
   Technical
   Knowledge

Strengthen capacities of NGOs, CBOs, and local
leaders in EBA-LED strategies.

NGOs, CBOs,
social leaders

5. Master
   Markets

Use AI, blockchain, and digital tools for market
assessments and advocacy for a Central African
commodities exchange.

Agri-
entrepreneurs,

traders

6. Encourage
   Innovation

Leverage technology for product certification,
infrastructure maintenance, and social media
marketing.

Innovators, tech
startups

8. Conduct
   Risk
   Assessments

Analyze risks linked to water management
(floods/droughts), equipment safety, and fund
governance (Ex: revolving funds).

Project managers,
financiers

7. Data-Driven
   Decisions

Collect gender-differentiated data using IoT, AI,
and blockchain to guide strategies.

Researchers,
policymakers

8. Minimize
   Carbon
   Footprint

Evaluate GHG emissions (CO 2, N2O, CH4) and
promote carbon-neutral practices.

Industries,
policymakers

9. Foster
   Partnerships

Engage stakeholders through lobbying, policy
advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration.

Governments,
private sector
International
partners

3. Step-by-Step Implementation Framework
   Phase 1: Diagnostic & Planning

• Conduct a climate vulnerability assessment (e.g., flood/drought hotspots).
• Map stakeholders (NGOs, cooperatives, policymakers) using ADEID’s Actor Matrix
  Tool.

Phase 2: Pilot & Adapt

• Start small: JGDI began with 10 villages, scaling after proving results.
• Use agile monitoring (e.g., monthly feedback loops with communities).
  Phase 3: Scale & Institutionnalise
• Leverage partnerships: JGDI’s collaboration with MINEPDED mainstreamed EbA
  into district plans.
• Train local champions to lead replication.

1. Tools & Resources

• EbA-LED Checklist: Criteria for dual-benefit projects (e.g., mangrove restoration +
  carbon credits).
• Policy Advocacy Toolkit: Templates for drafting climate-smart legislation.
• Carbon Finance Guide: Steps to access CGF, Article 6 mechanisms.

Part 2: Policy Recommendations – Bridging Gaps in Sustainability

1. Aligning National Policies with EBA-LED
   Policy Gap JGDI Findings Recommended Action
   Sectoral Silos Agricultural policies ignored
   emission reduction targets.

Establish an Inter-Ministerial EbA-LED Task
Force (e.g., linking environment, agriculture,
and energy ministries).

Market access
Funding
Misalignment

Poor market oriented
agriculture
80% of climate funds
focused on infrastructure,
not ecosystems.

Create a national/regional “green Agric
products market” follow-up by producers
themselves
Create a Dual-Benefit Fund prioritizing
projects that combine adaptation and
mitigation.

Weak Local
Governance

Communities lacked
authority to manage green
tontines.

Decentralize climate finance through
municipal Green Councils.

2. Advancing Green & Circular Economies

• Circular Agriculture: JGDI promoted crop residue recycling (→ 40% less waste,
  20% higher soil carbon).
  Policy Ask: Tax incentives for circular agribusinesses.
• Green Industrial Zones: Pilot eco-parks using JGDI’s model for waste-to-energy
  systems.
  Policy Ask: Mandate GHG audits for industries in Special Economic Zones.
• Green village: JGDI promotes post-harvest technologies and small scale processing
  units and Agric products marketing

2. Strategic Importance for Decision-Makers
3. Alignment with Global Agendas: Supports SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate
   Action), and the Paris Agreement.
4. Scalability: Designed for replication across Central Africa, with adaptable modules
   for local contexts.
5. Economic Impact: Links climate resilience to income generation (e.g., green
   businesses, carbon credits, employment, revenus…).
6. Policy Advocacy: Drives adoption of laws on renewable energy, sustainable
   agriculture, and carbon taxation.
7. Regional Collaboration Opportunities

• Central African Carbon Exchange: Use JGDI’s blockchain platform to track offsets
  across borders.
• Transboundary EbA Corridors: Restore cross-border ecosystems (e.g., Lake Chad
  Basin) using JGDI’s community engagement model.

Part 3: Monitoring & Evaluation – Tracking Dual Benefits
JGDI’s Impact Metrics (2021–2023)
Adaptation Outcomes Mitigation Outcomes

• 60% fewer households affected by floods
  in pilot zones. – 15,000t CO2e sequestered via agroforestry.
• 500ha of degraded land restored. – 30% drop in diesel use for irrigation and

drying (solar shift).

• 80% of farmers adopted drought-resistant
  crops.
• 10 projects in preparation to be registered for
  carbon credits.

KPIs for Future Projects

• Community Resilience Index: Blend food security, income diversity, and ecosystem
  health scores.
• Emission Reduction Ratio: Tons of CO2e saved per dollar invested.

Adaptation Metrics Mitigation Metrics

• % reduction in flood/drought impacts.
• Hectares of ecosystems restored.
• Tons of CO2e reduced/sequestered.
• % shift to renewable energy in target sectors.
• # of households with diversified incomes.
• Community resilience index score.
• # of projects linked to carbon finance.
• Policy reforms aligned with NDCs.

Part 4: Risks & Mitigation – Lessons from the Field
Risk JGDI Case Solution
Community
Resistance Initial skepticism toward solar pumps. Involve elders as ambassadors;

run demo farms.

Data Gaps Lack of gender-disaggregated GHG data.

Partner with universities for
citizen science projects.

Funding gaps Limited resources for
ecosystem restoration.

Carbon markets
favor large-scale
projects.

Blend climate finance (e.g.,
GCF grants + carbon revenues).

Policy Delays Slow adoption of agroecology subsidies.

Build coalitions with MPs and

media to pressure decision-
makers.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Systemic Change
The JGDI project demonstrates that EBA-LED is not a trade-off but a synergy. By
anchoring actions in local needs and aligning policies with global climate goals, Cameroon
and similar regions can achieve:

• Youth Green business mindset transformation to become Climate Champions,
  Ambassadors, Mentors, and Influencers and green Tontine’s practicians
• Climate-Resilient Communities through nature-based solutions.
• Inclusive Green Growth via circular economies and carbon markets.
• Accountable Governance with decentralized, data-driven decision-making.

Call to Action

• Practitioners: Download ADEID’s EBA-LED Implementation
  Toolkit at www.adeid.org/toolkits.
• Policymakers: Host a national workshop to adapt these lessons to your context.
• Partners: Co-fund regional replication (contact ADEID for tailored proposals).
  Contact:
  Michel Takam, Executive Secretary | mtakam2000@gmail.com | +237 699 48 18 42
  JGDI Partners: UNEP/EBAFOSA, UNEP/GEF-SP