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Seeking Clarity on Nature-Based Climate Solutions for Adaptation

This guidance note aims to clarify the concepts of nature-based solutions (NbS) and nature-based climate solutions (NBCS) with an emphasis on climate adaptation. These adaptation-focused NbS are captured using the widely known term Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA). Beyond awareness and knowledge of these terms, it is vital to unpack the social and biodiversity safeguards necessary for NbS to ensure that solutions are gender responsive and socially inclusive while delivering biodiversity benefits.

This guidance note 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 a report that provides guidance on enhancing biodiversity co-benefits from the implementation of NbS for adaptation (along with two case studies), and another report on mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion in NbS for adaptation.