Evidence platform
Our evidence platform is an interactive map linking nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation outcomes based on a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature.
Nature-based Solutions Initiative
University of Oxford
University of Oxford
Nature-based Solutions to Global Challenges
Research • Education • Policy
The Nature-based Solutions Initiative is an interdisciplinary programme of research, education and policy advice based at the University of Oxford. Its mission is to enhance understanding of the potential of Nature-based Solutions to address multiple global challenges and support their sustainable implementation worldwide.
Latest news
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New £10 million Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery in Oxford
The Leverhulme Trust has awarded £10 million to a new Oxford nature recovery centre - one of three UK centres established with a hotly-contested Leverhulme Trust 2021 award. The centre, led by Pr [...] read more -
Nature-dependent people: Mapping human direct use of nature for basic needs across the tropics
Fedele et al. 2021 A recent study in Global Environmental Change led by Conservation International Europe investigated where people depend the most on locally available natural resources for their [...] read more -
COP26 Week Two Round Up: negotiations and decisions made on nature and climate
Week two of COP26 saw a shift from the headline sectorial announcements and pledges of week one, and a move to work on implementation and intense negotiations between ministers, heads of delegations, [...] read more -
What Can Nature offer COP26, and vice versa?
‘Nature is our life support system' says Professor Nathalie Seddon in a new video from the University of Oxford, 'and to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, it is critical that we work with na [...] read more
Research
Working with natural and social scientists, economists, governance and finance experts from across the University and beyond, we conduct world-leading research into the ecological and socio-economic effectiveness of nature-based solutions to addressing the causes and impacts of climate change, whilst supporting biodiversity and sustainable development. We combine pure research with syntheses of existing work and we make scientific evidence easy to explore through beautiful and interactive platforms.
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Getting the message right on nature-based solutions
The role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in tackling the climate and nature crises has gained the world’s attention. They were high on the agenda at the World Economic Forum and the Climate Adaptation Summit last week, and will continue to be a central topic of discussion in the wake of COVID-19 a [...] read more -
Nature-based Solutions can help cool the planet - if we act now
This publication in Nature clarifies the role of NbS in climate change mitigation by presenting the projected effect of worldwide implementation of NbS on global temperatures. This approach differs from previous calculations of the climate change mitigation potential of NbS, which have focused solel [...] read more -
Nature-based solutions can reduce vulnerability to climate change
Our recent research examines the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in addressing climate vulnerability in Bangladesh and rural Global South in general, and on ensuring NbS support both biodiversity and climate change adaptation. We have summarised the key findings from these studies for policy [...] read more -
Ensuring nature-based solutions support both biodiversity and climate change adaptation
New research examines whether nature-based solutions can deliver a win-win for biodiversity and climate change adaptation. Our recent study reviewed the effects of nature-based interventions for climate change adaptation on different metrics of ecosystem health (such as the diversity of species, [...] read more
Education
We offer the Nature-based Solutions to Global Challenges Foundation course and custom-designed courses on the science, policy, practice, finance and governance of nature-based solutions for executives and public servants. We also provide undergraduate and graduate teaching and supervision for students enrolled at the University of Oxford. If you are interested in taking part in one of our courses, please contact us.
Policy
Working with local organisations, we map current and future in-country opportunities for NbS, and combine knowledge from science and local experience to develop policy guidelines, targets and indicators on nature-based solutions for businesses and governments. We also map and monitor the prominence of NbS in climate policy and provide a baseline against which ambition for NbS can be measured over time.
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COP26 highlight: Global Leaders pledge to end deforestation by 2030
November 2nd is a big day for nature & forests at COP26. Over 100 world leaders are to commit to halt and reverse deforestation & land degradation by 2030, with the backing of major forest countries including Brazil, Indonesia and Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is to be enabled du [...] read more -
Role of NbS for Climate Change Adaptation in UK Policy
Just ahead of tomorrow's Climate Ambition Summit, this report considers the important role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in climate change adaptation policy for the UK and its fourteen overseas territories. The report was written by NbSI, in collaboration with WWF and RSPB; together we will work w [...] read more
Policy platform
This platform makes information about climate change adaptation planning across the globe openly available, easy to explore. It highlights the prominence of NbS to climate change impacts in global policy. We are currently updating the platform to include revised Nationally Determined Contributions.
Policy platform
NbS Guidelines
What do we mean by successful, sustainable Nature-based Solutions? To find out, read these four key evidence-based guidelines.
NbS Guidelines
Case studies
We collate and spotlight examples of best-practice nature-based solutions around the world.
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Coastal Wetland restoration in the UK and France
In a joint project between the EU programme Interreg FCE and the Environment Agency, Project PACCo (Promoting Adaptation to Changing Coasts) will restore 100 hectares of coastal wetland at two pilot sites – the Otter Estuary in Devon (UK) and Saane Valley in Normandy (France). The restoration of t [...] read more -
Ecosystem-based adaptation in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya
A recent paper by Agol et al. in Royal Society Open Science explores the role of Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in reconciling socio-economic development with the conservation and restoration of nature in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya, East Africa. Using selected ecosystems in the Lake region, the [...] read more
NbS Bangladesh
We are a community of researchers, practitioners and policymakers working at the interface of climate change, nature conservation and sustainable development. Our mission is to enhance understanding of the importance of nature-based solutions and to scale-up their implementation in Bangladesh.
NbS Peru
We consolidate evidence from science, practice and traditional knowledge on nature-based solutions, and we are building a community of practice for the exchange of lessons learned and best practice across Peru.