Core principles for successfully implementing and upscaling Nature-based Solutions
BACKGROUND
The degradation of the natural environment continues to impact on biodiversity, human health and well-being notwithstanding various initiatives to restore ecosystems and conserve the diversity of life within it. Increasing the interface between conservation and sustainable development goals through the Nature-based Solution (NbS) framework show promising results. However, there is a need to address the gaps to effectively implement, assess and upscale NbS programs in different parts of the world
GOALS & METHODS
The study reviews various literature and conducts a critical analysis of different ecosystem approaches to identify the key strengths as well as weaknesses of NbS principles. The main goal is to establish a set of standards to guide NbS implementation in the field.
CONCLUSIONS & TAKEAWAYS
This research compares the key definition and principles supporting the NbS framework from the IUCN with the Ecosystem Approach in specific ecosystem-based approaches including: Forest Landscape Restoration; Ecosystem-based Adaptation; Ecological Restoration; and, Protected Areas. As such, it presents 8 principles that intersect each other but highlights the 3 major ones. One, Nbs can be implemented as a standalone framework or together with other solutions; Two, implementing NbS should consider the wider landscape. Three, NbS should be incorporated into broader management policies in order to support large scale interventions.
Reference:
Core principles for successfully implementing and upscaling Nature-based Solutions. Environmental Science & Policy. 2019;98:20–29. doi:10.1016/j.envsci.2019.04.014.
Affiliation:
- Commission on Ecosystem Management, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, 28 Rue Mauverney, 1196, Gland, Switzerland
- The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- Conservation International-Colombia, Carrera 13 No. 71-41, Bogotá, Colombia
- International Union for Conservation of Nature, Nature-Based Solutions Group, 28 Rue Mauverney, 1196, Gland, Switzerland
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Equilibrium Research, 47 The Quays, Cumberland Road, Bristol, BS1 6UQ, United Kingdom
- Swedish Biodiversity Center, Almas allé 8, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries Campus, Bankend Road DG1 4ZL, United Kingdom
- Institute of Geography and Sustainability, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland