In this paper, we distil from our work with partners in four locations in Guatemala and India five key messages on the enabling (as well as hindering) conditions under which ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) can be effectively implemented, yielding multiple benefits beyond a specific project lifetime. Taken together, the four case studies presented in this document help shed light on how EbA works in practice, as well as highlighting some critical elements that should be considered when transitioning to, or scaling up EbA approaches that build on pre-existing programmes.