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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Intertidal ecosystem restoration for climate resilience
A new National Trust programme of habitat creation and improvement is being undertaken throughout the River Tamar catchment, at the border between Devon and Cornwall in the UK. The nature-based soluti [...] read more -
Effects of large herbivores on fire regimes and wildfire mitigation
A recent study in Journal of Applied Ecology has shown that the presence of large herbivores, such as domestic livestock, wild and semi-wild herbivores, within landscapes can prevent and mitigate wi [...] read more -
New European Commission report on evaluating the impact of Nature-based Solutions
A new report from the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Evaluating the Impact of Nature-Based Solutions: A Summary for Policy Makers, provides a high-level summary f [...] read more -
Climate Week NYC to accelerate climate action and assess progress ahead of COP26
Climate Week NYC is taking place September 20-26 2021 in New York and around the world. The yearly event returns with a focus on bringing together businesses, governments, and organizations to fulfill [...] 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
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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IPBES-IPCC report on the interactions between biodiversity and climate change
A new report has been published by IPBES and the IPCC, titled: Spotlighting the Interactions of the Science of Biodiversity and Climate Change. The report examines the synergies and trade-offs between biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation and mitigation. It is the product of a four [...] read more -
IUCN annouces collaborative certification scheme for Nature-based Solutions
In an announcement made at the 2021 World Conservation Congress, the IUCN has unveiled a plan to develop a collaborative certification system to ensure that Nature-based Solutions (NbS) actions and impacts are truly sustainable. The NbS certification system will be launched in 2022, and will enab [...] 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.
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.