The project’s goal to implement ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) at scale to effectively reduce flood risks and secure groundwater recharge presents a paradigm shift for the country - transitioning to consistent integration of EbA interventions using nature based solutions to increase the efficiency of hard infrastructure in reducing climate change threats. This requires extensive feasibility studies and assessments to be effective.

The project’s EbA focus depends on evidence-based identification of sites where these interventions would be most effective. Potential sites have been identified with stakeholders in each province, but detailed engineering designs and cost-benefit analyses to identify the best adaptation solutions are needed. In parallel, detailed ecological, socio-economic, environmental and social safeguards, and gender assessments are required to establish baselines and develop management plans to maximize positive impacts.

The project’s work to enhance vulnerable communities’ resilience and create necessary policy enabling environments also requires: vulnerability assessments; detailed identification of appropriate adaptation interventions; further policy reviews and gap analysis to align the project with relevant government plans and policies; updated institutional capacity needs assessments and climate resilience planning; detailed integrated flood risk and groundwater management planning involving extensive consultations with stakeholders, potential partners and co-financers to ensure project ownership and support.