Advancing gender-responsive and socially inclusive practices in Nature-based Solutions for adaptation

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Introduction

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.

Case study 1: Gender-responsive and socially inclusive climate-resilience planning for sustainable livelihoods in Zanzibar

This case study examines a gender-responsive and socially inclusive approach to climate resilience in Zanzibar, with a focus on small-scale cooperatives. By integrating gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) principles, the initiative actively involved women, youth, and other marginalized groups in climate-related decision-making processes. Central to this effort was the use of the Pamoja Voices Climate-Resilience Planning Toolkit—developed through the Strengthening Women and Youth Voices for Climate Action in Tanzania project—which offers step-by-step guidance for facilitating participatory activities.

Two tailored versions of the toolkit were created: one for rural communities and another for local cooperatives. These tools enabled participants to identify climate risks, assess vulnerabilities, develop inclusive adaptation strategies, and analyze governance structures. This inclusive methodology was designed to enhance the equity and effectiveness of climate planning as well as improve the sustainability of livelihoods and strengthen community resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Case study 2: Socially inclusive and Indigenous-led land and wildlife management and monitoring in Canada

This case study highlights the Kaska Land Guardians program (the Dane Nan Yḗ Dāh Network), an Indigenous-led approach to climate adaptation in the Kaska Dena Traditional Territory of northern Canada. These Guardians monitor environmental changes using both Traditional Knowledge and Western science to manage water systems, wildlife, and ecosystems. The initiative engages Elders as advisors, educates youth through school outreach and summer employment, and invites community participation in fieldwork.

While grounded in culturally embedded gender-equitable knowledge sharing, the program also recognizes and supports the leadership of Kaska women. By integrating cultural traditions, inclusive participation, and collaborative governance, the initiative seeks to strengthen climate resilience and environmental stewardship across the Kaska Dena ancestral lands.

Key findings

• Including diverse voices (such as women, youth, and Elders) in project activities and providing safe, inclusive spaces for sharing knowledge can help enhance operations and improve the effectiveness of Nature-based Solutions for adaptation projects.
• Investing in citizen science and community-led, gender-responsive, and socially inclusive monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes is key to better understand the varied impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on local communities. For example, in the Kaska Dena Traditional Territory of northern Canada, the involvement of youth, Elders and the wider community helps to foster intergenerational knowledge sharing, build capacities, and enhance sustainable land and wildlife management practices.
• For Nature-based Solutions programming to be effective, it is important to build trust with community members and establish local partnerships and relationships with trusted liaisons and facilitators—particularly those from equity-deserving groups.

Suggested citation

Jang, N., Caswell, C., McIvor, S., & Ball, T. (2025). Advancing gender-responsive and socially inclusive practices in Nature-based Solutions for adaptation. International Institute for Sustainable Development.