Nature-based solutions

Nature-based solutions (or nature-based systems, and abbreviated as NBS or NbS) describe the development and <a href="/facts/Sustainable_use/9oYH9mAs">use</a> of <a href="/facts/Nature/CRC3KQUg">nature</a> (biodiversity) and natural processes to address diverse <a href="/facts/Social_issue/JLBMz1sm">socio</a>-<a href="/facts/Environmental_issues/6w5L44ek">environmental issues</a>. These issues include climate change <a href="/facts/Climate_change_mitigation/GgkoeWMk">mitigation</a> and <a href="/facts/Climate_change_adaptation/RoUgv5FF">adaptation</a>, <a href="/facts/Human_security/hsszpc6J">human security</a> issues such as <a href="/facts/Water_security/HpED6HUL">water security</a> and <a href="/facts/Food_security/cKrQd4E9">food security</a>, and <a href="/facts/Disaster_risk_reduction/MBVvN6oF">disaster risk reduction</a>. The aim is that <a href="/facts/Ecological_resilience/UrwmDwj5">resilient</a> <a href="/facts/Ecosystems/kVE8mSmR">ecosystems</a> (whether natural, managed, or newly created) provide solutions for the benefit of both societies and <a href="/facts/Biodiversity/GruakEzs">biodiversity</a>. The <a href="/facts/2019_UN_Climate_Action_Summit/SQz2xPcr">2019 UN Climate Action Summit</a> highlighted nature-based solutions as an effective method to combat climate change. For example, nature-based systems for climate change adaptation can include natural <a href="/facts/Flood_management/rf0476SJ">flood management</a>, restoring natural <a href="/facts/Coastal_defences/wKDWbhY0">coastal defences</a>, and providing local cooling.: 310 
The concept of NBS is related to the concept of <a href="/facts/Ecological_engineering/SM73oeDA">ecological engineering</a> and <a href="/facts/Ecosystem-based_adaptation/XTCflvjc">ecosystem-based adaptation</a>.: 284  NBS are also related, conceptually to the practice of <a href="/facts/Ecological_restoration/gJ6wT9Gg">ecological restoration</a>. The <a href="/facts/Sustainable_management/9G0MoD4W">sustainable management</a> approach is a key aspect of NBS development and implementation. 
<a href="/facts/Mangrove_restoration/84pGEsvf">Mangrove restoration</a> efforts along coastlines provide an example of a nature-based solution that can achieve multiple goals. <a href="/facts/Mangrove/JreUUsuG">Mangroves</a> moderate the impact of waves and wind on coastal settlements or cities, and they <a href="/facts/Carbon_sequestration/WDBvr9eU">sequester carbon</a>. They also provide nursery zones for <a href="/facts/Marine_life/TF5MGzFb">marine life</a> which is important for sustaining fisheries. Additionally, mangrove forests can help to control <a href="/facts/Coastal_erosion/nIj8kCHP">coastal erosion</a> resulting from <a href="/facts/Sea_level_rise/Pb5MGJxb">sea level rise</a>. 
<a href="/facts/Green_roofs/pfQJKvJK">Green roofs</a>, <a href="/facts/Blue_roof/XEIqC8NR">blue roofs</a> and <a href="/facts/Green_wall/AAyulhLu">green walls</a> (as part of <a href="/facts/Green_infrastructure/svo8dQHR">green infrastructure</a>) are also nature-based solutions that can be implemented in urban areas. They can reduce the effects of <a href="/facts/Urban_heat_island/eVlWllXo">urban heat islands</a>, capture <a href="/facts/Stormwater/CX4EcIWu">stormwater</a>, abate <a href="/facts/Pollution/JRagxumQ">pollution</a>, and act as <a href="/facts/Carbon_sink/Gv7uXVmT">carbon sinks</a>. At the same time, they can enhance local biodiversity.
NBS systems and solutions are forming an increasing part of national and international policies on climate change. They are included in climate change policy, infrastructure investment, and <a href="/facts/Climate_finance/V5MQTmmE">climate finance</a> mechanisms. The <a href="/facts/European_Commission/Cc5JgbEI">European Commission</a> has paid increasing attention to NBS since 2013. This is reflected in the majority of global NBS case studies reviewed by Debele et al (2023) being located in Europe. While there is much scope for scaling-up nature-based systems and solutions globally, they frequently encounter numerous challenges during planning and implementation.
The <a href="/facts/Intergovernmental_Panel_on_Climate_Change/sh76du1u">IPCC</a> pointed out that the term is "the subject of ongoing debate, with concerns that it may lead to the misunderstanding that NbS on its own can provide a global solution to climate change".: 24  To clarify this point further, the IPCC also stated that "nature-based systems cannot be regarded as an alternative to, or a reason to delay, deep cuts in <a href="/facts/Greenhouse_gas_emissions/Cu9nXPHE">GHG emissions</a>".: 203

Nature-based solutions open-in-new

Nature-based solutions