About Nature-Based Solutions

Nature-Based Solutions (or NBS) are solutions that are inspired and supported by nature. They are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits, and help build resilience. Such solutions bring more, and more diverse, nature and natural features and processes into cities, landscapes and seascapes, through locally-adapted, resource-efficient interventions. They are solutions which benefit diversity and support the delivery of a range of ecosystem services.

Why the focus on Nature-Based Solutions? 

As well as helping to reduce climate risks and support diversity, they make financial sense too. One of the key findings of the recent joint ECHO-World Bank studies on economics for disaster prevention and preparedness was that NBS are often the smartest instrument, in that they provide the most return on investment. If implemented well, NBS can improve peoples’ livelihoods.

Growing Momentum

Nature-Based Solutions have been gaining momentum in the past few years. On the international stage, 2022 was a pivotal year for the incorporation of nature-based solutions in key intergovernmental agreements.  For example, In March 2022, the fifth United Nations Environment Assembly adopted 14 resolutions to strengthen actions for nature to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Among these, world governments formally agreed on a definition of Nature-Based Solutions (UNEP/EA.5/Res.5). In addition, NBS will be one of the priorities in the forthcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan.

‘It’s nature but nature with all those benefits for people’

Brenden Jongman, World Bank GFDRR