NbS Triple Win Toolkit: Principles 13 To ensure social equity and justice, as well as long-term success of a project, NbS should engage stakeholders in a participatory approach, from co-designing to co-implementing projects7,10. Whilst evidence points to multiple benefits of a participatory approach – including diversity of thought, inclusion, local knowledge, autonomy, dignity, genuine partnership, and ultimate intervention effectiveness1,8 – it has been identified as a gap in the current application of NbS9. To foster the conditions necessary for this approach, stakeholder analysis can identify the local communities, Indigenous people or vulnerable groups who should be engaged10. Addressing social barriers, such as balanced gender participation within the project, can help to engage all groups within a society. Where Indigenous peoples may potentially be affected, Free, Prior and Informed Consent must be embedded into Engage local communities in a participatory approach the project11. Full inclusion in decision-making around project design, governance, and management supports delivery on-the-ground, community buy-in, and equitable benefits sharing3,4,12,13. Thisdecision-making should be as decentralised or devolved as possible, which requires appropriate empowerment and capacity building, as well as supportive policy and governance frameworks3. View examples: > Agroforestry in Bolivia > Integrated water resource management in the Democratic Republic of the Congo > Coastal afforestation in Bangladesh Return to Principles