Ecosystem Solutions for Sustainable Adaptation

The Ecosystem Solutions for Sustainable Adaptation (ESSA) project aims to contribute to the adaptation to climate change of communities living in or near three protected areas in West Africa: Banc d'Arguin National Park in Mauritania the Niumi and Jokadu Park in Gambia and the Marine Protected Area of Ufoyaal Kassa-Bandial in Senegal. The project will implement nature-based solutions under the leadership of women and young women. The activities of this project include: (1) strengthening the environmental skills of the target populations; (2) developing and implementing climate change adaptation plans that include nature-based solutions; (3) providing support and technical assistance to young people for the establishment of value chains based on a circular economy model; (4) sensitizing populations on the sustainable management of biodiversity and natural resources; and (5) offering technical support for sustainable and inclusive management of the sub-region within the framework of the Regional Partnership for West African Coastal and Marine Conservation. The direct beneficiaries of this project are approximately 33 000 people 50% of whom are women and another 103 500 indirect beneficiaries including 51% women in the three target countries.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) increased adoption of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation. This will promote sustainable female economic leadership as well as the conservation and restoration of biodiversity in the three targeted ecosystems; and (2) strengthening participatory governance promoting adaptation to climate change. This will lead to sustainable management of biodiversity and natural resources for women and indigenous populations of the ecoregion.