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.

The first case study showcases a gender-responsive and socially inclusive approach to climate resilience planning for small-scale cooperatives in Zanzibar. The case study demonstrates how understanding the gendered context of operations and governance structures, assessing climate risks using a GESI lens, and identifying and selecting options with inclusivity in mind can enhance the efficacy and sustainability of NbS for adaptation.

The second case study provides a practical example of socially inclusive implementation and monitoring, evaluation, and learning as part of an Indigenous Guardians program that seeks to incorporate Traditional Knowledge and practices into land and wildlife management to better adapt to a changing climate in Canada.

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.

The report is part of a compendium of resources developed by the Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative (NCAI), which is supported by Global Affairs Canada.

Successful mine closure is a vital part of the full life cycle of a mining operation. Preparing for closure starts early and continues throughout the mine life until all closure activities have been completed according to the agreed-upon closure criteria. Mine closure is a multifaceted activity that includes engaging with communities and stakeholders, reclaiming, and stabilizing a mine site such that it is environmentally sound and productive into the future, as well as supporting the post-mining resilience of communities. Every mining operation is unique, and the approaches to closure must be tailored to the environmental, social, economic, and regulatory context of each mine.

This case study of the Golden Pride open-pit gold mine in Tanzania provides good examples of how closure and post-mining transition can be done effectively and inclusively. It outlines the steps that were taken by the mine, the Government of Tanzania, and local communities to define and implement the closure plan for the operation. It provides a summary of the steps taken to define post-mining land use, implement closure activities, and support opportunities for the post-mining resilience of communities. It concludes with an outline of lessons learned and policy implications for governments, including the importance of early engagement with communities, the need for adaptable post-mining land use plans, the benefits of progressive reclamation, the importance of addressing post-closure site safety and security, and the value of applying international best practices to mine closure.

In this SAVi assessment, an asset performance of the Kakono HPP is evaluated by (1) integrating environmental and socio-economic costs and co-benefits (externalities) into the assessment, (2) evaluating the performance impacts of different climate scenarios, and (3) comparing it to the performance of two hypothetical energy generation alternatives.

The Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) is an initiative that aims to strengthen Tanzania’s agriculture sector.

IISD has carried out an economic and financial assessment of different irrigation options to deliver the outcomes of the SAGCOT initiative. IISD used the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) tool for this assessment.

SAVi is a simulation service that helps governments and investors value the many risks and externalities that affect the performance of infrastructure projects.

The distinctive features of SAVi are:

• Valuation: SAVi values, in financial terms, the material environmental, social and economic risks and externalities of infrastructure projects. These variables are ignored in traditional financial analyses.
• Simulation: SAVi combines the results of systems thinking and system dynamics simulation with project finance modelling. We engage with asset owners to identify the risks material to their infrastructure projects and then design appropriate simulation scenarios.
• Customization: SAVi is customized to individual infrastructure projects.