Nature-based solutions widely benefit people and the whole environment

Nature-based climate solutions should always offer substantial contributions to sustainable development, in contrast to only technical solutions like carbon capture and storage in geological reservoirs. Healthy habitats provide a variety of important ecosystem services, such as local recreation, drinking water, protection of biodiversity, and a source of renewable resources such as wood. Nature conservation and climate protection are always closely related in such projects. For example, a regeneratively managed field is better for biodiversity, provides healthier food, improves yield security, and creates good working conditions and an intact forest provides recreational space, creates fresh air, and is a source of responsible and sustainable timber management.

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How are nature-based solutions implemented?

Nature-based solutions can be implemented in urban areas and both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. [6] There are essentially two approaches [7]: 

1. Reduce or avoid CO₂ emissions
2. Remove CO₂ from the atmosphere 

Protecting forests, mangroves, peatlands, or coral reefs falls into the first category. The protection of these ecosystems, which store large amounts of carbon, can help avoid the release of carbon into the atmosphere and ensures the functionality of existing habitats. Reforestation, ecosystem restoration, or conversion of forests to climate-stable mixed stands are measures that remove CO₂ from the atmosphere while contributing to intact, stable habitats.  

Regenerative agriculture is an example of a solution that helps to both reduce and remove greenhouse gases. It does not only encourage the sequestration of CO₂ from the atmosphere in soils but also helps to reduce and avoid emissions, e.g., through reduced and more efficient fertilisation. Furthermore, it offers other benefits such as enhanced soil fertility, increased biodiversity, and improved water storage capacity. Regenerative agriculture can support climate-resilient crops, leading to secured yields for farmers, and creating more resilient supply chains for food companies. You can learn more about regenerative agriculture here. 

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Nature-based solutions gain worldwide government support

In recent years, the global community has recognized the importance of healthy ecosystems: Global assessment reports by organisations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) have highlighted the potential of nature-based solutions. Based on a global assessment of the IPBES, they could provide 37% of the mitigation needed until 2030 to achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement. [4] Just recently at the COP27, Joe Biden announced a new nature-based solutions roadmap that covers $25 billion in infrastructure and climate funding to support projects in this field. [5] 

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The limitations of nature-based solutions

Although well-designed nature-based solutions can have huge benefits for people and nature, they should not be heralded as the one singular solution to the climate crisis. While these projects may provide some solutions, they should nevertheless not distract from efforts to rapidly end the use of fossil fuels and protecting existing, intact ecosystems. [8] 

When supporting a nature-based climate project, it's important for companies to consider the potential risks and adverse side effects. For instance, planting non-local tree species in a reforestation project could lead to the displacement of native species, resulting in a lack of biodiversity benefits. Another concern is that forestry expansion can occur at the expense of other carbon-rich and species-rich native ecosystems and local resources. In addition, there is a threat that projects are implemented without the consent of the local community. This is a particular risk for places where rights regarding land ownership are not well protected. It is therefore crucial that companies implement nature-based climate projects with careful planning and implementation that engages local communities and minimises negative impacts.

Moreover, it is important to note that many nature-based solutions may require ongoing management and maintenance to ensure their continued effectiveness, while others may not be resilient to changing environmental conditions, affecting their ability to sequester carbon in the long term. The permanence of nature-based solutions is a vulnerable point that must always be taken into account, because the ability of ecosystems to withstand changes to the climate is much harder to predict than for technological infrastructure. [9]

Therefore, there is a growing consensus that “green” (nature-based), and “grey” (technological) agriculture must go hand in hand with each other when tackling the climate crisis, since each type of solution brings its own risks and rewards. [10]

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A valuable asset to climate strategy: taking your sustainability strategy to the next level

No one solution alone is perfect, but it is clear that investing in nature-based solutions enables companies to allocate critical funds towards initiatives that promote multiple environmental and social benefits. These diverse advantages mean that nature based solutions are a great way for companies to take their sustainability strategy to the next level. To complement their decarbonisation strategy, companies should prioritise investing in high-quality nature-based projects that support natural, biodiverse ecosystems and local communities in the short term, as recommended in a recent report by the World Economic Forum and Bain & Company. In the mid to long term, companies should also move towards financing carbon dioxide removal with long-term storage to further reduce remaining emissions. [11] 

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of the nature-based solution of regenerative agriculture for our ecosystems and regional farmers, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Sources:[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11]