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 the Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative report, 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.

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.