A Sample Grant Proposal on “Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change in Coastal Regions”

Executive Summary

Coastal communities are among the most vulnerable to climate change due to rising sea levels, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. These impacts threaten livelihoods, food security, housing, and essential ecosystem services. Women, small-scale fishers, and marginalized groups face disproportionate risks due to limited adaptive capacity and access to resources.

This project aims to strengthen community-based adaptation to climate change in coastal regions by enhancing local capacities, restoring protective ecosystems, diversifying climate-resilient livelihoods, and promoting inclusive coastal governance. Through participatory planning and locally led solutions, the project will reduce climate risks while improving long-term resilience and well-being.

Background and Problem Statement

Coastal regions support millions of people whose livelihoods depend on fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, and tourism. Climate change has accelerated shoreline erosion, increased flooding, damaged infrastructure, and reduced productivity of coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs. Saltwater intrusion has degraded freshwater sources and agricultural land, further undermining food security.

While national adaptation strategies exist, they often fail to reach the most vulnerable coastal communities. Limited technical knowledge, weak local institutions, and insufficient financing hinder community-level adaptation. There is a critical need for locally driven, ecosystem-based, and socially inclusive adaptation strategies tailored to coastal contexts.

Project Goal and Objectives

Overall Goal

To enhance the resilience of coastal communities to climate change through community-based adaptation and ecosystem restoration.

Specific Objectives

• To strengthen community capacity for climate risk assessment and adaptation planning.
• To restore and protect coastal ecosystems that provide natural climate defenses.
• To support climate-resilient livelihoods for coastal households.
• To promote inclusive and participatory coastal governance.

Target Areas and Beneficiaries

• Climate-vulnerable coastal villages and settlements
• Small-scale fishers, aquaculture farmers, and coastal agricultural households
• Women, youth, and marginalized groups dependent on coastal resources
• Community-based organizations and local authorities

Key Activities

• Participatory Climate Risk Assessment and Planning
  • Community-led vulnerability and risk assessments
  • Development of community adaptation plans aligned with local and national policies
• Ecosystem-Based Adaptation
  • Restoration of mangroves, dunes, and wetlands
  • Community management of coastal and marine ecosystems
• Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
  • Support for diversified livelihoods such as sustainable aquaculture, eco-tourism, and value-added fisheries
  • Skills training and small grants for women- and youth-led enterprises
• Infrastructure and Early Warning Systems
  • Climate-resilient community infrastructure (e.g., raised shelters, water systems)
  • Strengthening community-based early warning and disaster preparedness
• Capacity Building and Governance
  • Training local leaders and institutions in coastal adaptation and resource management
  • Promoting inclusive participation in coastal planning and decision-making

Expected Outcomes and Results

• Improved community preparedness and reduced vulnerability to climate-related hazards
• Restored coastal ecosystems providing enhanced natural protection
• Increased income stability through climate-resilient livelihoods
• Strengthened local institutions and inclusive coastal governance mechanisms
• Enhanced participation of women and marginalized groups in adaptation processes

Cross-Cutting Themes

• Gender Equality and Social Inclusion: Ensuring equitable access and leadership opportunities
• Environmental Sustainability: Promoting nature-based solutions
• Community Ownership: Strengthening local decision-making and long-term stewardship

Implementation Strategy and Partnerships

The project will be implemented through partnerships with local governments, community-based organizations, research institutions, and civil society actors. A participatory approach will ensure alignment with local needs, national adaptation plans, and coastal management frameworks.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

A results-based MEL framework will track progress using indicators related to ecosystem restoration, livelihood diversification, community preparedness, and governance outcomes. Regular learning and feedback mechanisms will enable adaptive management and knowledge sharing.

Sustainability and Exit Strategy

Sustainability will be ensured through strengthened community institutions, local capacity building, integration with government programs, and long-term ecosystem management plans. Community ownership and policy alignment will support continued adaptation beyond the project lifecycle.

Indicative Budget (Summary)

• Community planning and capacity building
• Ecosystem restoration and conservation
• Livelihood support and enterprise development
• Infrastructure and disaster preparedness
• Monitoring, evaluation, and project management