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

The fact sheet defines nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation as actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use, and manage the natural environment. It emphasizes that because climate change impacts people differently based on identity—such as gender, age, and disability—NbS must be designed through inclusive local engagement. The document provides practical examples for inclusivity, such as ensuring mangrove restoration training considers women's childcare duties and that forest management meetings are held in local languages and accessible locations for Indigenous Peoples. It outlines a framework for inclusive engagement that involves listening to unique relationships with nature, consulting those most at risk, and involving community members in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of adaptation activities.

• Nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation are defined as actions intended to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use, and manage the natural environment to increase the resilience of both nature and communities against climate change.
• Climate change impacts are unevenly distributed based on social identity and dependency on natural resources; for instance, fisherwomen are often more affected by declining fish stocks than fishermen due to limited access to equipment and cash, and people with disabilities face higher risks during floods due to support needs for safety and services.
• To be effective, NbS must incorporate inclusive local engagement strategies, including consulting those most at risk to determine vulnerability, involving community members in the design and evaluation of activities, and ensuring the timing and location of activities accommodate diverse needs.

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} }