Regenerative seascapes for people, climate and nature (ReSea) by Mission Inclusion

This Program is aligned with the WIO-led and Africa-driven Great Blue Wall initiative and focuses on using nature-based solutions (NbS) and gender-responsive conservation to protect and manage ecosystems. It aims to support and diversify livelihoods while empowering communities, especially women and youth, through nature-based value chains for climate change adaptation. The Program will engage local conservation actors and women’s organisations to collaboratively design and implement inclusive NbS tailored to the needs and capacities of coastal communities, addressing their climate adaptation challenges effectively.

The project aims to enhance the physical and socioeconomic resilience of individuals residing in coastal communities of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, protecting them from the adverse impacts of climate change. It focuses on improving the effectiveness of conservation efforts in marine protected areas (MPAs) and locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) in the WIO, ensuring these efforts are equitable and gender-responsive while preserving key coastal and marine ecosystems for the benefit of both biodiversity and local populations.

The initiative promotes the adoption of gender-responsive nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate change adaptation by fostering effective management and sustainable utilisation of coastal and marine resources in the region. Additionally, the project aims to boost the economic empowerment of women, in all their diversity, by integrating them into nature-based value chains that support climate change adaptation efforts in the WIO region.

The project encompasses two primary activities: capacity building and the development of knowledge and tools. Outputs include training for LMMA practitioners and communities on establishing LMMAs and managing MPAs collaboratively. A Red List of Ecosystems is being developed for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, and an inclusive regional coordination mechanism supports the Great Blue Wall (GBW) initiative. The project also provides organisational development support to local partners and helps innovators join the GBW ocean venture building programme, scaling up their business solutions.

Awareness on nature-based solutions (NbS) for adaptation, with a focus on gender equality and biodiversity, is raised among coastal communities. Peer-to-peer coaching in soft skills is offered to women and youth aspiring to own blue economy businesses, and support is provided for joining blue economy business incubators. Women and youth entrepreneurs receive vocational training on nature-based value chains, and women’s organisations and networks are strengthened through development support and feminist advocacy.

Advocacy campaigns are conducted with LMMA practitioners and decision-makers, while a regional 30×30 ocean strategy is developed collaboratively with national authorities and GBW partners. National authorities and partners also produce GBW roadmaps and action plans. Local partners receive training on inclusive NbS for adaptation, and technology resources are provided to target communities.

Coastal communities are offered learning opportunities on sustainable marine and coastal resource use. Women and youth receive entrepreneurship training and support from business navigators. Women’s organisations produce evidence and content for advocacy, and awareness is raised on women’s rights, positive masculinities, and the gender-specific impacts of climate change. Seascape stakeholders receive technical assistance for management and action plans, while international advocacy actions linked to the GBW are carried out with WIO partners.

Multidisciplinary training on NbS for adaptation is provided to decision-makers, and a science-to-business-to-policy forum is convened for NbS stakeholders. Advocacy actions focusing on women and youth are executed at various levels, and learning on climate change risk management is offered to entrepreneurs. Inclusive networking spaces for LMMAs, MPAs, and seascapes are created, with communication actions on NbS led by women influencers. Finally, an Eco-preneur GBW challenge is established for women and young innovators.