Integrating nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk management: A practitioner’s guide

This guide explores the benefits of using nature-based solutions to promote sustainable and resource-efficient infrastructure. Nature-based solutions are interventions to protect, restore, and sustainably manage natural or modified ecosystems to support both biodiversity and people’s well-being. This guide includes case studies from Bangladesh, Nepal, the People’s Republic of China, the Philippines, and Viet Nam. It considers challenges and opportunities and shows how nature-based solutions can be mainstreamed in the portfolio of the Asian Development Bank.

These case studies highlight what has worked within ADB to date for successful NBS. Although NBS are not a panacea, these solutions can still play a crucial role in achieving sustainable and resource-efficient infrastructure. Through this practical guide, the authors aim to help mainstream NBS in ADB and engage a broader group of projects, client staff, and partners to expand the portfolio of available options.