Disability inclusion in nature-based solutions
People with disabilities are disproportionately vulnerable to climate risks and environmental shocks, while often facing systemic barriers to participation in NbS, livelihoods and decision-making.
Disability is frequently subsumed within GEDSI approaches and as a result, meaningful disability inclusion remains a significant gap in programming.
If nature-based solutions are to truly deliver equitable outcomes, disability-inclusive practice needs to be strengthened and intentionally embedded throughout the project cycle.
In this learning program, co-designed with CBM Australia, we’re exploring findings from participatory research conducted in WWF project locations in collaboration with the Disability Service Centre in Laos and the National Disability Forum Solomon Islands. The research examines the experiences, opportunities and barriers faced by people with disabilities in NbS.
Watch the recording above to learn more.
The webinar explored important considerations for embedding meaningful disability inclusion throughout the nature-based solutions project cycle. As you continue to strengthen disability inclusion in your own work, here are some key reflections to keep in mind:
➡️Partnering with OPDs from the outset: Meaningful disability inclusion is strengthened when Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) are engaged as partners throughout project design, implementation and learning, rather than being consulted only at specific points.
➡️Designing for inclusion, not retrofitting it later: While budget constraints remain a common challenge, many barriers can be addressed through thoughtful design decisions early in the project cycle. Building accessibility and reasonable accommodations into planning from the start is often more effective than retrofitting solutions later.
➡️Moving beyond participation to influence. Inclusion is not just about whether people with disabilities are present, but whether they can participate meaningfully, influence decisions, and benefit equitably from nature-based solutions.
➡️Context matters. Experiences from Laos and Solomon Islands reinforced that disability-inclusive nature-based solutions look different in different settings. Approaches need to be adapted to local environmental, cultural and governance contexts while maintaining the same principles of inclusion.
➡️Inclusion strengthens conservation outcomes. When people can participate, influence decisions and share in benefits, nature-based solutions are more locally owned, effective and sustainable.
Stay tuned for the full learning package that will explore these insights and more in depth, including the literature review, research report and practitioner guide.