Nature based solutions are the most advanced technology available to accelerate net-zero ambitions - here's how we can scale them up.
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are actions designed to protect, sustainably manage, or restore natural ecosystems, effectively addressing societal challenges such as climate change, human health, food and water security, and disaster risk reduction. These solutions are rooted in nature. They enhance human well-being and provide critical benefits for biodiversity. While the concept of leveraging nature to benefit both people and the environment is not new, recent years have seen a remarkable increase in global interest in NbS. Some examples of nature based solutions are:
Many now view them as essential strategies for tackling a wide array of interconnected social, environmental, and economic issues, including biodiversity loss, food security, air pollution, disease management, and declining local economies. Despite the growing enthusiasm, there remains considerable debate about what constitutes a nature-based solution and how best to integrate these strategies into broader climate and conservation efforts.
Role of Nature Based Solutions in emissions reduction
Over the past decade, the interest in NbS has intensified as a means to achieve global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets. The IPCC Climate Change and Land Report highlights that all scenarios aimed at limiting warming to 1.5°C significantly depend on land-use change mitigation and economic decarbonization. Implementing NbS could provide approximately 30% of the CO2 mitigation needed by 2030 to maintain warming below 2°C. However, some analyses suggest this estimate may be more promising, particularly in tropical countries, where NbS could mitigate over 50% of national emissions through avoided deforestation. Countries with robust governance and financing capabilities are best positioned to implement effective NbS.
While NbS offer significant advantages over engineered carbon dioxide removal methods—such as being more cost-effective and providing additional ecosystem services—they also face challenges. Some NbS may reach a saturation point where carbon sequestration balances emissions. Moreover, reliance on monoculture plantations for carbon storage raises concerns about biodiversity and long-term carbon retention. Ethical considerations also arise, as policies promoting NbS can infringe upon local land rights and lead to land grabs, while the encroachment of plantations on diverse ecosystems can further threaten biodiversity. Therefore, it is crucial that NbS initiatives are rooted in sound ecological science and respect local communities.
Despite these challenges, well-designed NbS that prioritise diverse native species and protect existing ecosystems present significant opportunities for climate mitigation while benefiting local populations.
Status of Nature Based Solutions in India
The implementation of NbS in India is progressing at multiple scales. At the local level, cities like Bengaluru, Bhopal, and Delhi are incorporating NbS into their development plans through projects such as urban forests, rain gardens, and lake restoration, facilitated by programs like the Smart City Mission and AMRUT. These initiatives enhance urban resilience to climate change while simultaneously improving local biodiversity and public health. Community engagement is vital, with residents participating in urban farming and greening efforts that promote sustainable practices.
Regionally, initiatives like the Amrit Dharohar focus on wetland conservation, balancing local livelihoods with ecosystem preservation. Nationally, the Indian government recognizes the importance of NbS in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, aiming to increase forest and tree cover to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030. Various national missions, including the Green India Mission and the National Biodiversity Action Plan, further support NbS implementation.
The legal framework for NbS in India includes several key laws: the Environment Protection Act of 1986 mandates Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for projects affecting ecosystems; the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 safeguards biodiversity; and the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification governs coastal development to protect essential marine ecosystems for initiatives like mangrove restoration. Together, these laws provide a foundation for promoting sustainable practices while ensuring that NbS projects do not compromise ecological integrity.
Challenges in Nature Based Solutions Implementation
Effective implementation of NbS can be hampered by limited awareness, funding constraints, and insufficient technical capacity. Land use conflicts may arise from competing interests in densely populated areas, and many NbS require ongoing management to maintain their benefits over time.
Citizens are often the primary beneficiaries and participants in NbS initiatives, engaging in volunteer activities, providing feedback, and participating in decision-making processes. Their involvement allows them to directly experience the benefits or drawbacks of NbS, such as improved air quality and healthier local ecosystems. Policymakers at local, regional, and national levels must be responsible for creating and implementing the policies that facilitate NbS integration into broader environmental and urban planning strategies.
Environmental organisations, including NGOs, play a critical role in promoting awareness of NbS, conducting research, and leading community engagement efforts. They provide technical expertise and resources for implementing NbS projects and advocate for supportive policies. Additionally, businesses contribute by investing in NbS as part of their corporate social responsibility strategies, developing innovative technologies that support these solutions while benefiting local economies through job creation. Marginalised communities, including women, minority groups, and low-income populations, are often disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and climate change impacts. Ensuring that NbS initiatives address these inequities is essential for achieving equitable benefits across all stakeholder groups.
Investments into Nature Based Solutions
Investment in NbS is vital for scaling their implementation and maximising their benefits. Despite their potential to meet significant climate mitigation targets—possibly fulfilling one-third of the goals set under the Paris Agreement—current funding levels are insufficient. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that only about USD 154 billion is currently invested globally in NbS, with the private sector contributing a mere 17%. To enhance the impact of NbS, it is crucial for governments, private investors, and international organisations to prioritise funding for projects that protect, restore, and sustainably manage ecosystems.
Research also plays a critical role in optimising NbS. Despite the growing interest in these solutions, comprehensive evaluations of their effectiveness remain limited. Systematic studies are needed to assess their multi-dimensional impacts and establish evidence-based practices that maximise their benefits while minimising potential trade-offs. Collaborative efforts between academia, governments, and NGOs can help identify best practices and innovative approaches for effective NbS implementation.
A collective call to action is essential for promoting NbS at all levels. Individuals can contribute by engaging in local conservation efforts, advocating for sustainable practices, and supporting policies that prioritise NbS. Simple actions—such as planting trees, creating urban gardens, or participating in local clean-up events—can make a significant difference.
Way forward
Organisations, including NGOs, businesses, and community groups, should integrate NbS into their operational strategies and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Companies can reassess their supply chains to incorporate nature-based approaches that enhance resilience and protect biodiversity. Engaging local communities, especially Indigenous peoples with valuable ecological knowledge, ensures that NbS are designed with respect for local values and rights.
Nature-based solutions are gaining traction in international policy and business discourse due to their immense potential to address both climate change and biodiversity loss. However, barriers such as difficulties in measuring effectiveness, inadequate financial models, and rigid governance structures hinder the successful integration of NbS into climate and development policies. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for realising the full potential of NbS in promoting sustainable development and environmental resilience.
References
Choi, E., Rao, R., & Czebiniak, R. P. (2023, December 4). What exactly are “Nature-based solutions”? World Resources Institute. Retrieved November 23, 2024, from https://www.wri.org/insights/what-exactly-are-nature-based-solutions
Seddon, N., Chausson, A., Berry, P., Girardin, C. a. J., Smith, A., & Turner, B. (2020). Understanding the value and limits of nature-based solutions to climate change and other global challenges. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, 375(1794), 20190120. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2019.0120
Wadhawan, S. (2023, May 12). What are Nature-based Solutions and why they Matter for India. CEEW India. Retrieved November 23, 2024, from https://www.ceew.in/blogs/nature-based-solutions-for-climate-change-and-why-they-matter-for-india
World Bank Group. (2022, May 17). What you need to know about Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change. World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/05/19/what-you-need-to-know-about-nature-based-solutions-to-climate-change
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