Panelists:

• Denise Nicolaou (IUCN)
• Beryl Odour (Plan International)
• Elisabeth Tabedou-Coly (Nébéday)

Denise introduced the ReSea project, a key initiative within the Great Blue Wall program aimed at enhancing coastal and marine resilience across the Western Indian Ocean region. She emphasized that NbS, such as mangrove restoration, seagrass planting, and coral reef rehabilitation, offer natural barriers against extreme weather events like cyclones and storms. Denise highlighted that the ReSea project is grounded in collaboration, involving local communities, governments, and private sector stakeholders. She also emphasized that the success of such projects relies on inclusive governance, with women and youth at the forefront of decision-making processes, ensuring that NbS address the social and environmental needs of vulnerable groups. She explained that NbS are not just about ecological restoration but also about empowering local communities to manage and protect their environments for future generations. Denise shared:

“ReSea creates a platform where local communities, particularly women and youth, are central to marine conservation efforts. By enhancing resilience through NbS, we’re not only protecting biodiversity but also empowering people and fostering economic opportunities through sustainable blue economies.”

Beryl shared insights from the COSME project, focusing on how sustainable livelihoods can be achieved through NbS in coastal communities in Kenya and Tanzania. She explained that the project combines mangrove restoration, seaweed farming, and local forest management to enhance coastal resilience while providing income-generating opportunities for women and youth. Beryl emphasized that NbS should focus on socio-economic resilience, ensuring that communities benefit directly from the ecosystem services they help protect. She also noted that community-led governance is critical to ensuring that NbS are sustainable and impactful over the long term. Beryl highlighted the importance of gender-responsive approaches in NbS, stating that women are often the most vulnerable to climate change but also play a central role in managing natural resources. She emphasized that 70% of the project beneficiaries are women, reflecting its commitment to being gender responsive. Beryl highlighted the project’s efforts to empower women by increasing their agency in environmental governance and ensuring their voices are included in decision-making processes. She remarked:

“The COSME project ensures that women, who rely heavily on marine and coastal ecosystems for their livelihoods, have their voices heard in decision-making and are empowered to lead climate-resilient initiatives.”

Elisabeth discussed the Natur’ELLES project in Senegal, which focuses on empowering women in the Saloum Delta by promoting mangrove restoration and other sustainable agroecological practices. She highlighted how NbS, like mangrove rehabilitation, prevent coastal erosion, enhance biodiversity, and improve food security by supporting sustainable fishing practices. Elisabeth noted that women in Senegal are key players in managing natural resources, and their active participation in conservation efforts is essential to building resilience against climate impacts. She stressed the need for gender equality and community involvement in the design and implementation of NbS, ensuring that interventions are both effective and equitable. She noted that by working together with local communities, the project has been able to empower women and protect coastal ecosystems simultaneously.

“Natur’ELLES showcases how empowering women to lead conservation efforts not only restores ecosystems but also strengthens the climate resilience of vulnerable communities.”

Conclusion

The NAbSA Dialogue on “Safeguarding Coastal Communities with Nature” showcased the transformative power of NbS in protecting vulnerable coastal communities from climate change. From the ReSea project in the Western Indian Ocean region to the COSME project in East Africa and the Natur’ELLES project in Senegal, panelists emphasized the critical role of local communities, especially women and youth, in driving NbS initiatives. Through mangrove restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and community-led governance, these projects demonstrate that NbS are not only a tool for environmental protection but also a means to empower communities and promote socio-economic resilience.

The Dialogue highlighted the importance of inclusive governance and gender-responsive approaches in NbS, ensuring that the most vulnerable groups are not only protected from climate change but are also given the opportunity to thrive in the face of it. The panelists’ insights reaffirmed that NbS are a critical component of a broader climate adaptation strategy and a path toward a sustainable future for coastal communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

To dive deeper into the discussions and hear more about the Q&A session, we encourage you to listen to the full recording of the dialogue