Integrating Gender and Social Inclusion in Nature-Based Solutions: A Way Forward

Jun 5, 2023 | Brenden Jongman, Mirtha Escobar, Lara Jungman and Balikisu Osman
View Original

Vietnam, with its vast coastline extending over 3,000 kilometres, is not only home to prosperous fisheries and socio-economic activities but also bears the brunt of rising sea levels, flooding, and storms. Women and vulnerable groups are especially susceptible to the negative impacts of disasters and face a continuing income gap. To address both challenges, the World Bank is working with the Vietnamese government to implement a project to enhance coastal resilience through nature-based solutions (NBS). As a result, the country is becoming more resilient through activities like mangrove planting and ecotourism, while women are prioritized for these and other income generating activities.

NBS aim to protect, restore, and manage natural ecosystems, often in combination with gray infrastructure, with the objective of strengthening climate resilience while providing environmental and socioeconomic benefits. However, if not designed correctly, women, persons with disabilities, low-income households, and other marginalized groups may face barriers to accessing these benefits. Local and indigenous community participation is crucial for successful NBS implementation, especially in contexts of fragility, conflict, and violence. An inclusive disaster risk management approach calls for integrating gender and social inclusion considerations in NBS interventions from the onset. Moreover, these interventions must be customized to local contexts to ensure maximum benefits for all social groups.