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.
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
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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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 -
UK Nature Recovery Network launch
The beginning of November saw the launch of the new Nature Recovery Network (NRN), which aims to expand, improve and connect wildlife-rich places across towns, cities and the countryside in the UK. There is an emphasis on increasing connectivity between habitat patches, and planning land management [...] 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.
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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Scottish Highlands landscape restoration at Bunloit
This landscape-scale programme will restore 1200 acres of land to boost biodiversity, enhance carbon stores, and provide sustainable livelihoods for local people. Sustainable businesses will provide employment and affordable zero-carbon housing will be constructed from local materials; this will con [...] read more -
Liberty Market forest: an urban forest in Pakistan
A densely planted urban forest in the centre of the second-largest city in Pakistan has been designed to be inclusive of marginalised local people, creating a safe place to socialise, enjoy nature and harvest fruit. In just two years the mini forest has become a haven for biodiversity, as well as fi [...] 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.