Nature Based Solution (NBS)

What are Nature Based Solutions (NBS)?

Nature Based Solutions (NBS) are solutions based on the use of ecosystems and natural processes to tackle societal challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and water and air pollution. The basic idea is to work with nature and not against nature in order to support both human well-being and biodiversity on earth.

One advantage of nature-based solutions is their co-benefits. As they aim to maintain and restore ecosystem services, they often have co-benefits in addition to achieving the main objective (e.g. carbon storage). For example, a reforestation project can help store more carbon from the air while improving air and water quality in the area.

Some examples of nature-based solutions are

• Afforestation and reforestation: Planting trees and restoring forests can help to bind CO₂ from the atmosphere, promote biodiversity and prevent soil erosion.
• Urban greening: The integration of green spaces in urban areas, e.g. through parks, green roofs and green walls, can improve air quality, contribute to cooling and provide habitats for animal species.
• Regenerative agriculture: Practices such as intercropping or soil protection measures can improve soil health, increase food security and reduce emissions.

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