Ecosystem Solutions for Sustainable Adaptation by Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles

The Ecosystem-based Solutions for Sustainable Adaptation (SEDAD) initiative addresses climate change challenges in West Africa by supporting populations in Mauritania’s Banc d’Arguin, Gambia’s Niumie and Jokadu Park, and the MPA of Ufoyaal Kassa-Bandial. Led by CGÎ and PRCM, the project empowers women and young women to implement nature-based solutions. It focuses on two main components: developing soft, ecosystem-based solutions in climate-vulnerable areas and promoting inclusive, participatory biodiversity and resource management. The initiative will scale up proven NbS models in strategic zones to enhance climate change adaptation.

The initiative aims to enhance climate change adaptation for populations in the West African eco-region by establishing nature-based solutions (NbS) led by women, young women, and indigenous people. It focuses on increasing the adoption of NbS to promote climate adaptation, sustainable female economic leadership, and biodiversity conservation and restoration across three targeted ecosystems.

The project strengthens participatory governance, encouraging climate adaptation through sustainable management of biodiversity and natural resources, particularly benefiting women and indigenous populations within the eco-region.

This project focuses on capacity building and the development of resources, knowledge, and tools to improve climate adaptation and ecosystem management. It strengthens environmental skills, highlighting the importance of ecosystems for the way of life and climate adaptation of targeted populations. Technical assistance is provided for regional exchanges on the benefits of nature-based solutions (NbS) and for studying ecological services of coastal ecosystems, facilitating green financing.

Communities receive technical support to validate climate adaptation plans based on local and scientific knowledge, and to implement NbS inclusively. Researchers are supported with studies and monitoring of ecosystems, while women’s groups receive assistance in establishing sustainable value chains. Young people are supported in entrepreneurship to promote local development and reduce rural exodus.

Technical aid is given to promote sustainable fishing practices, and continuous training in personal development is provided to vulnerable groups. Capacity building on ecosystem management and conservation is offered, alongside awareness campaigns on sustainable biodiversity management. A working committee on inclusive governance is established, involving state and civil society actors.

Training on biodiversity monitoring and management is provided to local actors, and technical support is given for managing protected areas. Assistance is offered to inventory eco-region actors in biodiversity management, conduct workshops on participatory ecosystem management, and hold sub-regional activities under the Regional Partnership for West African Coastal and Marine Conservation.