Enhancing Biodiversity Co-Benefits From Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation in Practice

While nature-based solutions (NbS) for adaptation projects are increasingly being promoted and implemented, there is still little understanding of how such projects can achieve biodiversity co-benefits—multiple wins for both biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Protecting and supporting biodiversity and ecosystems is important to delivering critical ecosystem services that help communities adapt to climate change and sustain their livelihoods, such as conserving wetlands to absorb floodwaters.

To address the gap in evidence, these two case studies have been developed as a supplement to the Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative report Enhancing Biodiversity Co-Benefits From Nature-based Solutions on planning, designing, and implementing NbS for climate change adaptation that enhances biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. 

The first case study describes how civil society organizations are protecting and restoring mangroves to strengthen coastal resilience to climate change in Grenada. The second case study examines the role of biological corridors in urban areas in Costa Rica to enhance biodiversity while contributing to the development of sustainable cities and a higher quality of life.

Each case study includes an overview of the local context and climate risks, how the project adapted to climate change and integrated biodiversity in practice, and lessons learned. The case studies were developed through interviews with project implementers and by reviewing relevant reports and documents.

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