Nature-based solutions to address global societal challenges

This report has been prepared as part of an effort by IUCN to define its position on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and plan for future work to advance this concept and support effective implementation of NbS to facilitate disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. The report proposes a definitional framework for NbS, including a set of general principles for any NbS intervention. The report also defines the scope of NbS as an umbrella concept embracing a number of different ecosystem-based approaches.

Among the lessons learned from the case studies presented in the document, are the following:

• Developing disaster risk management planning should be integral to the overall watershed management planning and not just as an emergency response.
• Fostering integrated, cross-sectoral approaches is required for many NbS to be successful.
• Participatory processes that support stakeholder empowerment facilitate the sustained success of projects.
• Convincing decision makers of the value of investing in NbS is beneficial in the long term.
• Fostering public-private partnerships may be needed in order to finance NbS at larger scales.
• Using elements of traditional nature-based practices may offer more appropriate and accepted solutions and be more successful than approaches that rely solely on bringing ‘new’ interventions in from outside.
• Biodiversity and social impacts can be achieved together and increase the overall success of a NbS.
• Valuing ecosystem services is important in making a business case for investment in ecosystems.