Inclusive Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation: Reducing climate impacts in a way that works for everyone

This fact sheet defines Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation and provides a framework for making these strategies inclusive. It emphasizes that climate impacts vary based on identity and social position, and argues that NbS must account for diverse needs, priorities, and barriers to participation to be effective and equitable.

• Nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation are defined as actions aimed at protecting, conserving, restoring, sustainably using, and managing the natural environment to increase the resilience of both nature and communities against climate change.
• Climate change impacts are not uniform; they vary depending on an individual's identity and social position. For instance, fisherwomen may be more affected by declining fish stocks than fishermen due to limited access to cash, equipment, and boats. Additionally, people with disabilities face higher risks during floods due to the need for support to reach essential services and safety, while men may face higher risks of injury or death by acting on the front lines during storms.
• To ensure NbS are effective and beneficial for all, they must incorporate inclusive local engagement. This includes consulting those most at risk to determine vulnerabilities, involving them in the design of adaptation strategies, and ensuring that the timing and location of activities consider community needs. Specific examples include holding forest management meetings in local languages and accessible locations for Indigenous Peoples, and scheduling mangrove restoration training to accommodate women's childcare duties.
• The document recommends several practical steps for inclusive implementation, such as sharing knowledge on NbS, working with local experts to address barriers to participation and benefit sharing, and creating safe spaces for feedback, particularly for community members who are rarely heard.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (2024). Inclusive Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation: Reducing climate impacts in a way that works for everyone. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2024-10/inclusive-nbs-climate-adaptation.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. Inclusive Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation: Reducing climate impacts in a way that works for everyone. 2024. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2024-10/inclusive-nbs-climate-adaptation.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=Inclusive Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation: Reducing climate impacts in a way that works for everyone |date=2024 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2024-10/inclusive-nbs-climate-adaptation.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopment2024inclusive, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{Inclusive Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation: Reducing climate impacts in a way that works for everyone}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2024}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2024-10/inclusive-nbs-climate-adaptation.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }