Confronting climate at the water’s edge: marine and coastal nature-based solutions in southern Africa

This chapter examines the vulnerability of coastal and island nations in Southern Africa to climate change and the role of financing, policy, governance, and community participation in coastal and marine ecosystem-based adaptation efforts. This region faces significant threats from tropical storms, sea level rise, coastal erosion, and environmental degradation. Coastal biodiversity, encompassing mangroves, coral reefs, dunes, and seagrass play a crucial role in buffering against the impacts of climate change and safeguarding the livelihoods of communities. Despite their significance, coastal ecosystems in Southern Africa are often overlooked in national climate change policies, while our understanding of local impacts and adaptation effectiveness is limited. The South African Institute of International Affairs spearheaded a project aimed at integrating marine and coastal ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) into national climate responses of the Southern African Development Community. This chapter highlights critical insights gained during the project. Examples are provided from the region, including the development of locally managed marine areas in Madagascar, and a stand-alone ecosystem-based adaptation strategy in South Africa. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the formation of a regional community of practice that brings together policymakers, NGOs, researchers, and community-based organizations, emphasizing the necessity of multi-stakeholder collaboration in driving effective coastal and marine climate adaptation strategies.