Nature-based solutions for transformative change at COP16

At the halfway point of COP16 in Cali, our Director, Nathalie Seddon, joined fellow academics and researchers to discuss how nature-based solutions (NbS) can drive the transformative change urgently needed to restore balance between people, nature and climate.

“Nature-based solutions have the power to transform not just our landscapes but also how we think and act. They have the potential to be genuinely holistic, going beyond being solutions to climate, biodiversity and justice issues—they have potential to reshape our mindset and invite us to see nature as a partner in our well-being. Rather than being seen as tools or projects or policies, NbS might best be understood as pathways to a more balanced relationship with the earth” – Prof Nathalie Seddon, Director of NbSI

Key attributes of NbS

There was consensus amongst the panellists that NbS hold three core attributes:

• Addressing societal challenges: NbS must address societal challenges, such as climate change and economic inequality
• Ecosystem integrity: NbS must restore and maintain ecosystem integrity and biodiversity
• Indigenous and local rights: NbS must secure rights and promote benefits for people locally

Barriers and enablers for transformative NbS

The panel emphasised the importance of avoiding trade-offs between climate policy and biodiversity. Nathalie warned against NbS projects that prioritise carbon sequestration over biodiversity or community well-being. She highlighted the risks of viewing NbS as purely technical solutions, like large-scale monoculture plantations, rather than considering their local ecological, social and cultural context.  The transformative power of NbS lies in inclusive, community-led approaches supported by strong governance, clear policies, and ongoing adaptive management to respond to evolving conditions and unique ecological contexts. The panel underscored the critical importance of amplifying Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ voices, whose worldviews are the foundations and drivers of lasting systems change. Nathalie shared:

“What gives me hope is the growing strength of the leadership and agency of IPLCs and other marginalised groups in NbS, and linked to this, deepening interest in nature reconnection as a core part of system change. There’s more awareness that rebuilding our relationship with nature is fundamental, not just for tackling climate and biodiversity crises but for shifting our entire mindset towards sustainable living. The surge in research and collaboration around this is inspiring. ”

She emphasised the importance of working collaboratively to embrace this mindset change, support local initiatives, share knowledge, and make space for diverse voices to shape NbS that benefit nature, and people as part of nature.

“Remembering our kinship with all of nature, and shifting from an anthropocentric to an ecocentric or kincentric world view is central and I do think nature-based solutions can play a critical role in that.”

Looking forward, the panel celebrated the momentum created by the community at COP16 and the potential for NbS to bring transformative change by connecting biodiversity, climate and equity through collaborative action.

Explore further key actions for transformative NbS in our 2024 Conference Report: Growing Positive Change.