Subsidiënt: Aisse Feldheim/Utrecht University
Subsidie: 23.2.6.8
Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is a prominent strategy to address the socio-economic impacts of climate change in coastal regions. Despite its portrayal as an inclusive and pro-poor approach, the actual distribution of benefits within coastal communities remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates the distribution of societal benefits through the Theory of Access by examining the 'Building with Nature' (BwN) mangrove restoration initiative in Demak. Qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and expert interviews were conducted at three study sites—Bedono, Tambakbulusan, and Purworejo—to unveil a comprehensive understanding of local perceptions. Results indicate that the BwN project produced various societal benefits, such as additional knowledge, income, social cohesion, and gender empowerment, but these were primarily accessible to a limited group of direct beneficiaries. Adapting the Theory of Access to the EbA context, this study identifies social relationships, social identity, time availability, and environmental change as interwoven key determinants of benefit distribution in BwN. Consequently, the research provides evidence that EbA projects are susceptible to generating exclusive societal benefits in specific local contexts. This novel understanding of benefit distribution through the notion of access underscores the need for further academic research into EbA's inclusivity claims.
