Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation

This technical report offers contextual information, tools, and recommendations to help plan, design, and implement nature-based solutions (NbS) for adaptation that advance gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) while enhancing resilience, biodiversity, and ecosystem integrity.

It contributes to the nascent field of gender-responsive and inclusive NbS by providing practitioners working on NbS programming with guidance on how to consider gender and other intersecting identity factors that are grounded in a human rights-based approach at each stage of their NbS projects. Looking beyond NbS projects, the application of a GESI lens should become “business as usual” within all facets of climate adaptation and resilience planning, processes, and practices.

This report was developed through a review of relevant literature, case studies, and discussions with experts. It is part of a compendium of resources developed by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) for the Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative (NCAI), which is supported by Global Affairs Canada. The resources include an introductory guidance note that provides an overview of basic terminology and concepts behind NbS for adaptation and a report on enhancing biodiversity co-benefits from the implementation of NbS for adaptation (along with two case studies).