Transforming Coastal Adaptation Through Nature-Based Solutions in Inhambane
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) involve working with nature to address societal challenges and provide benefits for people and biodiversity.
The ReSea Mozambique team recently conducted a training workshop on Nature-based Solutions in Vilanculo District, Inhambane. The event brought together 25 project implementers dedicated to coastal and marine conservation in the Inhambane seascape, who were trained on integrating IUCN’s Global Standards of Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation into their initiatives. Additionally, 14 decision-makers at government level from the district of Vilaculos and Inhambane were also trained on the Standard.
Led by Denise Nicolau, IUCN ESARO’s Regional Coastal and Ocean Ecosystems Manager and Interim Coastal and Ocean Resilience Programme Manager for Mozambique, and Bilardo Nharreluga, IUCN Mozambique’s Nature-based Solutions Officer, the workshop provided a valuable platform for the exchange of experiences among participants, who recognized the NbS Standard as a valuable tool for evaluating project sustainability, enhancing climate resilience for both nature and people, and ensuring net gains for biodiversity. Key topics discussed included understanding societal challenges, habitat connectivity, inclusive governance and policy frameworks, financial viability, and the importance of local knowledge for successful NbS implementation.
Local experiences in implementing NbS were presented by World Wildlife Fund (WWF), members of community fishing councils, and various participants, highlighting lessons learned in mangrove restoration for climate resilience, co-management of marine resources, and artificial coral reefs to increase fishing stocks.
Several opportunities emerged from the workshop, such as providing technical support for SBNS application, assisting integration of NbS in ecological restoration practices, exploring SBN for blue carbon opportunities, and strengthening connections between NbS, LMMA management, and the blue economy.
This training marks a significant step in building a robust network of NbS practitioners in the Inhambane seascape. By leveraging existing knowledge, capacity, and extensive experience in coastal and marine conservation, we are setting the stage for transformative advancements, paving the way for sustainable solutions that benefit people, climate, and nature.
Oliveira Armando Mazibe, Environment, Biodiversity and Fisheries Resources Technician, congratulated IUCN for organizing this training, stating that the training exceeded his expectations.
“It was very stimulating to reflect and rethink the SBN theme in several aspects, discussing and questioning the problems that exist in our country and in our communities. Thanks to this training, I was able to learn more about the importance of nature conservation, the interdependence of ecosystems, the importance of protecting biodiversity and much more. All this knowledge acquired will increase my engagement in the work I have already been carrying out in this area of SBN and, consequently, the achievement of greater results with the communities.”
“The training on SBN was very beneficial in personal and professional terms, not only due to the quality of the trainers but also the content addressed and the level of interaction and creativity that exists during the training Itself,” stated Hélio Albino Guambe, Technician at SPAE - Provincial Service of Economic Activities of Inhambane, assigned to the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Technician. “The fact that I was able to articulate the knowledge acquired through the work I do daily was a success factor. I hope from now on to apply the knowledge acquired in the communities, giving due support to the technicians with whom I work regarding the correct dissemination of information and the implementation of the same.”
About the ReSea Project:
The ReSea Project aims to enhance resilience of women, men and young people, the vulnerable and marginalized, living in coastal communities in Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Comoros, to the adverse effects of climate change events. In Mozambique, the project is implemented in the Vilanculo and Inhassoro districts on the coast of Inhambane Province by IUCN, Mission inclusion and Muleide with the support of Global Affairs Canada.
The ReSea project is anchored to the Western Indian Ocean-led and Africa-driven Great Blue Wall (GBW) initiative, whose objective is to significantly accelerate and expand ocean conservation actions while enhancing socio-ecological resilience and developing a regenerative blue economy by catalysing political leadership and financial support.
This will be achieved by leading the establishment of a connected network of nature and people-positive regenerative seascapes, driving effective, community-anchored conservation and restoration measures whilst fostering a regenerative blue economy. The ReSea project will activate, amplify and drive this leadership in the five seascapes, thus operationalising and accelerating the Great Blue Wall Initiative.