Rising NbS leaders and bursary winners reflect on the NbS Conference 2024

We were delighted to offer six bursaries for the Nature-based Solutions Conference 2024, made possible by the generous support of the Agile Initiative and our sponsors. These awards gave rising leaders in the field of nature-based solutions the opportunity to join the conference, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical experience.

The bursary winners reflect on their key takeaways from the conference. 

Alicia Bustillos Ardaya, Bolivia

Director, Innovation Laboratory, Fundación Natura Bolivia

Attending the recent conference in Oxford was a unique and enriching experience, unlike any other academic event I’ve been to before. As a researcher focused on climate risk governance, I am accustomed to conferences where data, trends, and scientific analysis dominate the discussions. However, the opening event in Oxford took a surprising and refreshing turn, blending academic rigour with cultural spirituality.

The inauguration of the conference was led by a Mexican shaman, a stark contrast to the usual formal welcomes of keynote speakers and panel discussions. This ceremonial start was more than just a ritual; it symbolized a profound mixing of worlds. While the surprise was notable, it wasn’t the ritual itself that struck me, but the seamless integration of different worldviews and practices.

Coming from Bolivia, a country where blessings and offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) are part of daily life, I am familiar with such spiritual practices. It is common to pour a little of your drink as an offering to Pachamama before consuming it. This act, whether performed outdoors or by taking drops with your fingers indoors, is deeply ingrained in our culture. Despite this familiarity, witnessing a similar ritual in the academic setting of Oxford was eye-opening. It highlighted how traditions and modern scientific discourse can coexist and enrich one another.

The shaman’s ceremony reminded us that nature-based solutions are not only about scientific and policy frameworks but also about respecting and integrating indigenous knowledge and practices. Although this is just one among countless cultural practices, the spectrum of these traditions and their knowledge can be as complex and multifaceted as nature itself. This represents another intricate layer to unravel, understand, and explore in our quest for effective and sustainable solutions.

More work to do, but be excited, this blend of academic and cultural perspectives can foster more holistic and sustainable approaches to environmental challenges. Effective climate risk governance and nature-based solutions require not just technical expertise but also a deep understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural practices. This blending of worlds, as witnessed in Oxford, is one of the first crossing ropes to build the bridge we need for a sustainable future.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a ground-breaking conference. It reinforced my belief that the intersection of science and spirituality is where we can find the most innovative and effective solutions for our planet. Thank you, for this enlightening experience.

Gold Bento Chinder, Mozambique

National Officer for Environmental Education and Community Development Programs, National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC)

From June 18th to 20th, I had the privilege of attending the Nature-based Solutions Conference 2024 at the University of Oxford. The experience was profound, filled with insights that deepened my understanding of our intricate relationship with nature and the urgent need to integrate NbS into our policies and everyday lives. Here are my key takeaways from this enlightening event.

One of the main themes emphasized at the conference was the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into our approaches to address climate crises; even though indigenous knowledge is a powerful resource, yet it is underutilized. Astonishingly, only 1% of climate financing is directed towards indigenous knowledge. To rectify this, funding must be decentralized and descholarized, ensuring it reaches those who possess invaluable ecological wisdom.

Nature’s profound impact on health and wellbeing was another significant theme. Increasing nature in our lives and protecting it is essential, not just for physical health but for mental health as well. NbS can address the growing mental health crisis by fostering connections with nature. In the context of humanitarian crises, understanding resilience and resistance is paramount. We must ask, “What does it take for people to thrive amidst adversity?” NbS can provide crucial support, yet this requires a deep understanding of community needs and capacities. By emphasizing local leadership and learning by doing, we can develop NbS that are both effective and culturally appropriate.  Monitoring and measuring the social justice impacts of NbS is vital. NbS are not merely climate actions; they are essential for protecting, restoring, and conserving nature. Supporting local leadership ensures these solutions are grounded in real-world contexts. As we learn by doing, we build a robust evidence base that reinforces the value of NbS.

Kamanamaikalani described how the concepts of a circular economy have long been employed by Indigenous populations in Hawaii. Understanding our mindsets—how we speak, teach, and practice—is vital. An economy should be like water: it must flow and be circular, continually regenerating resources and sustaining balance.

Investing in local leaders and understanding ancestral principles that bind communities together are vital and we must all contribute and advocate to stop ecocide and restore our relationship with nature.

In conclusion, the Nature-based Solutions Conference 2024 was a powerful reminder of our lost ability to connect with each other and, consequently, with nature. By embracing indigenous knowledge, promoting health and well-being through nature, understanding resilience, and advocating for social justice, we can rebuild our bond with the natural world and create a sustainable future for all.

Priyanka Jamwal, India

Senior Fellow, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)

Attending the Nature-Based Solutions conference at Oxford University was an enriching experience, where I had the privilege of listening to world-renowned scientists and indigenous community leaders. Their insights highlighted the crucial role of nature in shaping sustainable futures and sparked meaningful reflections on the way forward for integrating nature into global systems.

One of the major points raised was the stark contrast between the linear approach of our financial systems and the circular nature of the world. Our current model of continuous growth is not sustainable in the long term. As we move forward, there is a pressing need to decelerate and incorporate nature into our decision-making processes. The pace of environmental degradation is accelerating, and to effectively adapt, we must embrace a holistic approach that promotes balance with the natural world rather than unchecked growth.

Nature’s profound impact on human mental health and overall wellbeing cannot be overstated. It was emphasized that development strategies should prioritize nature, ensuring that it remains central to our planning and actions. Around the world, there are numerous examples of successful nature-based solutions (NbS) that demonstrate how incorporating nature can lead to enhanced air quality, water security, and better resilience to climate change. These exemplars should be carefully studied, consolidated, and scaled up to maximize the global impact of NbS.

One of the most significant barriers to scaling up nature-based solutions is the challenge of securing adequate financing. Although nature-based solutions—whether traditional or innovative—offer some of the most cost-effective climate actions and simultaneously promote biodiversity, they remain underfunded and marginalized within global finance. Without the active participation of both the private and public sectors, the challenge of scaling up NbS will remain unmet. It is essential that we shift global financing priorities to place nature at the core of climate resilience strategies.

The conference underscored that while the solutions to our climate and environmental crises lie in nature, the path forward requires systemic change, collaboration across sectors, and a fundamental shift in how we value and finance nature-based initiatives. Only through such efforts can we truly align with the circularity of the natural world and build a sustainable future.

Explore further insights from Gladys, Louisa and Sonam on the Agile Initiative website.