Advancing Gender-Responsive and Socially Inclusive Practices in Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation

While there is an increased push for nature-based solutions (NbS) projects around the globe, a gap in evidence exists on projects that promote gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) outcomes. Designing NbS for adaptation projects to be responsive to differences in intersecting identity factors, such as gender, age, sexuality, socio-economic status, Indigeneity, and ability, is important. Considering these factors can help build the adaptive capacity of equity deserving groups to climate change, enable these groups to participate in adaptation planning and decision making, and strengthen the resilience of their local ecosystems. To address this gap in evidence, these two case studies have been developed as a supplement to our technical brief, Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation. They provide practical examples of integrating GESI considerations at various stages of implementing NbS for adaptation.

The first case study showcases a gender-responsive and socially inclusive approach to climate resilience planning for small-scale cooperatives in Zanzibar. The case study demonstrates how understanding the gendered context of operations and governance structures, assessing climate risks using a GESI lens, and identifying and selecting options with inclusivity in mind can enhance the efficacy and sustainability of NbS for adaptation.

The second case study provides a practical example of socially inclusive implementation and monitoring, evaluation and learning as part of an Indigenous Guardians program that seeks to incorporate Traditional Knowledge and practices into land and wildlife management to better adapt to a changing climate in Canada.

Each case study includes an overview of the local context and climate risks, how the project considered the need for climate change adaptation and integrated gender-responsive and socially inclusive practices, and lessons learned. The case studies were developed through interviews with project implementers and by reviewing relevant reports and documents.

The report 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. In addition to the report on mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion in NbS for adaptation mentioned above, the resources include an introductory guidance note that provides an overview of basic terminology and concepts behind NbS for adaptation, a technical brief on enhancing biodiversity co-benefits from the implementation of NbS for adaptation and two case studies developed as a supplement.