Ecosystem conservation and management have been highlighted as important interventions for climate change mitigation because of the potential of ecosystems to store carbon storage. Ecosystems can also play other frequently overlooked, but significant, roles in helping society adapt to climate variability and change by providing important ecosystem services. Recognizing this role of ecosystems, several international and nongovernmental organizations have promoted an ecosystem-based approach to adaptation or EbA (Ecosystem-based Adaptation) and several projects and policies in Africa are integrating EbA. This approach to adaptation is an integral part of climate-smart landscapes, which are managed for three objectives: mitigating climate change, contributing to societal adaptation and ensuring that the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on landscapes and their ecosystems are minimized. The scientific literature on ecosystem services and societal vulnerability to climate variations shows the diversity of situations in which EbA can be observed in Africa. The presentation will describe six cases in which ecosystem can support adaptation and will provide examples in Africa: (1) ecosystems providing goods to local communities facing climatic threats; (2) trees in agricultural fields and pasture regulating water, soil, and microclimate for more resilient crop or livestock production; (3) ecosystems regulating water and protecting soils for reduced climate impacts in watersheds; (4) mangroves and coastal ecosystems protecting coastal areas from climate-related threats; (5) urban forests and trees regulating temperature and water for resilient cities; and (6) ecosystems regulating regional climate for example through rainfall recycling. The literature provides evidence that EBA can reduce social vulnerability to climate hazards; however, uncertainties and knowledge gaps remain, particularly for regulating services at large scale (watersheds, coastal areas and regi