Nature-based solutions (NbS) are actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. These solutions harness the power of nature to tackle various environmental, social, and economic issues, such as climate change, food and water security, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable urban development.
Nbs are:
- A cost-effective way of meeting the Societal Development Goals: they address societal challenges while safeguarding benefits to biodiversity and human well-being
- Vital in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss
- Tackle societal challenges using opportunities and models created by ecosystem elements and processes
- An umbrella concept including established approaches (e.g. ecological engineering, ecological restoration, blue-green infrastructure, ecosystem-based adaptation, ecosystem-based management, area-based conservation)