Nature-based Solutions may be a buzzword that is becoming ubiquitous in various spaces. However, do you know the NbS definition is quite vague? In this article, we will attempt to define the concept.
Various bodies have presented NbS definition. Some of the common definitions include:
- Actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use, and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems, which address social, economic, and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being, ecosystem services and resilience and biodiversity benefits” (UNEA 2022).
PS: The UNEA definition is among the most commonly used definitions of NbS, but there are others as well, such as:
- Strategies to address societal challenges through actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems, benefiting people and nature at the same time”(IUCN)
- Solutions that are completely based on elements and direct inputs from nature, and are not managed by man or industrial elements
- Actions inspired by, or supported by, or copied from nature to face social, environmental, and economic challenges.
Barbara and Joan proceed to list 20 definitions of NbS definition and concepts.
NbS definitions are blurry and general to clearly indicate which solutions could termed as NbS. In many cases, the blurry nature emanates from the observation that NbS involves the integration of various scientific fields, and where various experts view it through the lens of their respective disciplines.
NbS Definition Discussion
The concept of using nature to benefit people is not new, but the global interest in the concept has intensified over the years. Still, there is debate on what NbS are and the strategies for integrating them to address contemporary environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.
Nature-based solutions use the natural functions of ecosystems to tackle some of the pressing environmental challenges. A key concept in NbS is protection, sustainable use, conservation, and restoration. As such, actions that minimize human impacts on nature such as waste reduction are not considered as NbS.
Despite an array of NbS definitions, a core principle in NbS is ‘working with nature rather than against it”. Apart from inspiration by nature, other common features of NbS include addressing societal challenges, provision of multiple benefits, and economic efficiency.
It can also be helpful to define NbS by what it is not. Some of the exclusion criteria identified by Barbara and Joan (2020) include:
- Lack of functioning ecosystems
- Random actions that lack proper planning
- Negative/no impacts on biodiversity
- Copy-paste implementation
Similarly, the IUCN Global Standard for NbS includes 8 criteria that frame green/blue interventions as NbS actions. These criteria include
- Addressing societal challenges: The challenge must be identified as a priority for those who are or may be directly affected by the project
- Landscape/seascape level interventions: The design of NBS recognizes interactions between economy, society, and ecosystems
- Biodiversity gain: Design must proactively seek to enhance the functionality and connectivity of ecosystems
- Economic viability: if not addressed, NbS projects are at risk of being short-term
- Governance capacity: at minimal, NbS should align with prevailing legal and regulatory provisions.
- Equitable trade-off: Trade-offs cannot be avoided but they must be effectively and equitably managed.
- Adaptive management: Regular monitoring and evaluation to present an evidence-based foundation.
- Mainstream with jurisdictional context: Interventions designed to align with international, sectoral, national, and other policy frameworks
From the discussion, it is clear that any green/blue action is not necessarily an NbS. Regardless, Silvica has compiled some possible examples of NbS actions. Based on the definition in this article, examples of the NbS should aim at fitting the criteria specified.
David Okul is an environmental management professional with over 10 years experience on donor projects, conservation, forestry, ecotourism, and community-based natural resources management. When not working on active environmental management projects, I spend my time writing for Silvica on a variety of topics.
