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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UK Government responds on the role of NbS for meeting Net Zero
NbSI recently gave evidence to a House of Lords Select Committee investigation into the role NbS could play in meeting Net Zero targets in the UK (Nature-based solutions: rhetoric or reality?) Our key [...] read more -
Temporary nature-based carbon removal can lower peak warming in a well-below 2 °C scenario
Matthews et al. 2022. A recent study in Communications Earth & Environment has found that temporary nature-based carbon storage (NbCS) can decrease the peak temperature increase associated with [...] read more -
CO2RE event on Greenhouse Gas Removal and Innovation
The UK Greenhouse Gas Removal Hub (CO2RE) recently held an event to showcase the latest Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR) research & innovation, and to highlight its role in effective, sustainable & [...] read more -
Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery launches
The Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery (LCNR) was launched with an event at the Oxford Botanic Garden on 9 May. The LCNR is being established at the University of Oxford in 2022 for an initial p [...] 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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Revised climate pledges show enhanced ambition for nature-based solutions
A total of 122 new NDCs were submitted last year, representing 148 signatories to the Paris Agreement. Our analysis of these new NDCs reveal enhanced ambition for nature-based solutions to climate change, with 84% of revised NDCs including the protection or restoration of ecosystems, or agroforestry [...] read more -
NbSI-WWF-RSPB report on Nature-based Solutions in UK Climate Adaptation Policy
Our report, 'Nature-based solutions in UK climate adaptation policy', commissioned by the RSPB and WWF, summarises evidence on the many ways in which Nature-based solutions (NbS) can address climate impacts in the UK, and explores the barriers and enabling factors that influence their wider uptake [...] 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 mangrove restoration using a community ecosystem-based adaptation approach
The Community Based Adaptation to Climate Change through Coastal Afforestation (CBACC-CF) program is the first Bangladesh National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) project under the GEF-UNDP portfolio, implemented by the Government of Bangladesh in four coastal districts. Bangladesh is surround [...] read more -
Indigenous council practices community-based conservation and natural resource management
An indigenous council representing the communities of an exceptionally biodiverse region of the central Tropical Andes has successfully gained a collective title to manage several hundred thousand hectares of land. The Consejo Indígena del Pueblo Tacana (CIPTA), or Indigenous Council of the Taca [...] 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.