Social justice and capacity building

Social justice is a key element to nature-based solutions, and criterion 5 in IUCN’s global standard for NBS addresses the need for inclusion, transparency and empowering governance processes. NBS can contribute to addressing social inequity by for example supporting resilience against natural hazards and effects of climate change, which often affect vulnerable groups and communities disproportionately. It may also ensure more equal access to natural resources, such as clean water and recreation areas.

On the other hand, some interventions such as protection of forest areas may put a larger economic burden on local communities that are economically dependent on the forest. It is therefore very important to include a social justice perspective when planning for NBS to ensure that both the benefits and costs are distributed fairly. Good processes for stakeholder engagement and inclusion of various groups can contribute to this [1].

Including local communities and other stakeholder groups in the planning and implementation of NBS can also contribute to a feeling of empowerment. It may contribute to knowledge and capacity needed to participate in development of their local community and benefit from the NBS. A sense of ownership over the NBS and emphasising a positive relation to nature may also enhance the long-term effects and management of the NBS. The support to local capacity building, communication and collaboration is therefore a central part of ensuring the success of the NBS [2].