Gender equity, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) within poverty reduction and marine conservation
In coastal communities, the most vulnerable populations often rely on their natural environment to manage risks, meet their daily needs, and earn a living. This makes them susceptible to the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change. But it also allows for opportunities for empowerment when they are meaningfully included in efforts to protect, restore and conserve the marine environment upon which they depend. Outcomes of marine conservation projects can be strengthened when the knowledge, skills, priorities, and needs of all groups are valued, including women and girls, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), youth and the elderly, people with disabilities, racial or ethnic minorities, and other marginalised community members..
For Round 2, the Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) programme is strengthening its ambition on GEDSI by prioritising applicants and projects with a strong GEDSI approach. OCEAN also has an increased focus on disability inclusion and accessibility throughout the programme. OCEAN is prioritising projects from West Africa, coastal East Africa (West Indian Ocean), and Small Island Developing States. Resilience to the impacts of climate change in these regions can be built through:
- reducing poverty,
- empowering women and others who are marginalised within communities, and
- sustainably managing and conserving marine resources.
Factors to consider
When designing your project and developing your application, consider how your project supports and empowers marginalised community members. GEDSI might feel like a newer concept for you. However, if you are working to reduce poverty while contributing to marine conservation – through alternative and sustainable livelihoods, for example – you are likely working with a range of stakeholders, many of whom experience systemic marginalisation. Developing a better understanding of what it means to incorporate GEDSI in your project will help you to highlight your innovative ideas, as well as identify gaps in your project design. Consider the following factors:
- Inclusion: Have marginalised community members been historically excluded from marine conservation/management efforts and opportunities? In what ways are you including, involving, and supporting these community members?
- Engagement: How will you connect with different groups in the community to ensure their meaningful participation and decision making?
- Access: How will you provide access to opportunities, resources, capability building activities or decision making to marginalised community members? How will you ensure that access to project activities and benefits is equitable?
- Addressing barriers: Are there any groups that might be at risk of being left out of your project (as a whole, or of specific activities)? Why and how might they be excluded? How will you minimise and overcome these barriers?
OCEAN’s ambition and commitment
The following diagram illustrates GEDSI approaches (see GEDSI Ambition Statement and Applicant Guidance for full descriptions). Projects supported under the Partnership Grants pathway must take a GEDSI empowering approach – meaning that they will reduce gender and social inequalities and empower community members by reducing barriers and increasing equitable access to assets, resources, and capabilities for marginalised groups.
Projects supported by the Community Grants pathway must take at least a GEDSI responsive approach – meaning they will address basic needs of and barriers for marginalised groups, aiming to reduce gender and social inequalities. Community Grant applicants that meet or strive toward meeting a GEDSI empowering approach will be prioritised.
Figure 1: Overview descriptions of GEDSI approaches
Next Steps
As Sophie Benbow, Chair of the OCEAN Expert Committee and Director, Marine at Fauna & Flora, notes: “It is in all our interests that the ocean is protected and that the millions of people living in coastal zones are better able to manage these precious marine resources for the future survival of people and planet.”
Looking for inspiration? The Coral Triangle Marine Reserve Development in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea and Education, Marine Conservation and Employment Promotion vs Child Exploitation, Madagascar are two Grantees from OCEAN Round 1 working to improve the lives of women and girls while tackling marine issues.
In addition to the Complete Guide for Applicants, OCEAN’s GEDSI Ambition Statement and Applicant Guidance can support your project design and application process, including on:
- recognising the importance of gender equality, disability and social inclusion;
- developing a GEDSI analysis;
- creating an inclusive and participatory stakeholder engagement plan; and
- developing your application.
We look forward to learning about your innovative approaches to marine conservation and poverty reduction!
Molly Gilligan is the GEDSI Manager for OCEAN
Photo: Women working in a rudimentary fish dryer, Samya Beach, Gambia/IStock Salvador Aznar
