Nature-Based Solutions Inventory for Zambia

The Nature-Based Solutions Inventory for Zambia documents current and completed nature-based solutions (NbS) projects designed to address climate and biodiversity crises. It emphasizes the integration of NbS with livelihood development, participatory governance, and gender-responsive approaches to build inclusive adaptation mechanisms.

• Zambia's economy and population are heavily reliant on natural resources, with agriculture employing approximately 70% of the population and contributing about 3.4% of the GDP. Forests and fisheries contribute roughly 4.7% and 3.3% of the GDP, respectively, while a network of 20 national parks, 36 game management areas, and 490 forest reserves support food security, water regulation, and local economies.
• To ensure sustainability and inclusivity, NbS projects in Zambia utilize participatory governance, Traditional Knowledge systems, and gender-responsive approaches that engage women, youth, and marginalized groups. These initiatives often link environmental gains with economic benefits through livelihood strategies such as beekeeping, sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products, and alternatives to firewood.
• Zambia faces significant threats to food security and economic growth from erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, and increasing temperatures. Consequently, there is a stated need to mainstream NbS and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies into national policies to protect healthy ecosystems and plan for climate impacts.

APA

Mwangilwa,, S. S. A. (2026). Nature-Based Solutions Inventory for Zambia. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-solutions-inventory-zambia

Chicago

Mwangilwa,, Susan Sekirime,Daniel Abowe,Enock. Nature-Based Solutions Inventory for Zambia. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2026. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-solutions-inventory-zambia.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Mwangilwa, |first1=Susan Sekirime,Daniel Abowe,Enock |title=Nature-Based Solutions Inventory for Zambia |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=5 June 2026 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-solutions-inventory-zambia |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{mwangilwa2026naturebased, author = {Mwangilwa,, Susan Sekirime,Daniel Abowe,Enock}, title = {{Nature-Based Solutions Inventory for Zambia}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2026}, month = jun, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-solutions-inventory-zambia}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }