Forests play an important role in both adaptation and mitigation, as they provide local ecosystem services relevant for adaptation as well as the global ecosystem service of carbon sequestration, relevant for mitigation. Consequently, just as there are synergies and trade-offs between global and local ecosystem services, there are synergies and trade-offs between mitigation and adaptation: mitigation projects can facilitate or hinder local people"s efforts to adapt to climate change, and adaptation projects can affect ecosystems and their potential to sequester carbon.

Due to the rising temperatures, population, urbanization and economic growth, the demand of cooling and air conditioning is steadily increasing. The “Green Cooling Network” was established in order to promote a dialogue between stakeholders from industries, policy, research and non-governmental organizations. The project aims to implement the Cancun decisions to build efficient processes and structures that serve to accelerate the technology transfer for mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.

The main objective of this publication is to provide a reference framework for the key themes and concepts involved in the MEbA project, particularly those related to climate change, adaptation, ecosystems and microfinance. It also aims to provide background information on the Andean region, its ecosystems and the agricultural activity practised there. Finally, it highlights the role of the microfinance sector in promoting climate change adaptation, with a particular emphasis on sustainable approaches.