Key Takeaways and Insights from CBA19: What You Need to Know!

From May 12–16, 2025, Recife, Brazil hosted the 19th International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change (CBA19). It was the first CBA in Latin America and attracted 390 participants from 79 nationalities across 63 countries.

Recife is located in the Northeast Region of Brazil, home to the unique Caatinga biome. This area is known for its rich biodiversity but also faces extreme climate challenges. The semi-arid zone has grown since the 1960s, now even reaching desert conditions.

Despite these hardships, local communities have shown remarkable resilience. Instead of combating drought, they have adapted by finding ways to coexist with it. Their deep-rooted knowledge has inspired innovative strategies that harmonize with nature.

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the Pernambuco state government, and partners like Forest Trends co-hosted CBA19. Notably, Marcio Halla, representing Forest Trends, moderated a critical session on integrating local knowledge into nature-based solutions.

During the conference, key messages were shared, emphasizing the importance of community-driven adaptation. One resonant statement was that “nature-based solutions should be recognized as ‘local culture-based solutions.’” Marcio strongly emphasized the role of local knowledge in tackling climate challenges:

“The challenge of adapting to climate change is huge. Local communities and indigenous peoples have the best insights about effective adaptation strategies.”

This idea aligns with recent research from the World Resources Institute, which found that involving local perspectives can enhance the effectiveness of climate initiatives. In fact, communities with indigenous knowledge often adapt faster and more sustainably to climate changes than those relying solely on external strategies.

As climate change impacts intensify, CBA19 highlighted a vital truth: meaningful adaptation needs to be led by those who experience its effects firsthand. Listening to their experiences can lead to more effective solutions, ensuring that adaptation strategies are not only sustainable but also culturally sensitive.



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