Nature-based Solutions Initiative

How can we monitor soil health for NbS?

Soil health is critical for the success of nature-based solutions (NbS), underpinning ecosystem multifunctionality and resilience by supporting biodiversity, improving carbon sequestration and storage, regulating water flow, and enhancing plant productivity. Yet many projects fail to monitor soil health. New research by NbSI and the University of Aberdeen proposes an integrated approach for monitoring soil heath in NbS, introducing a tool for selecting suitable biodiversity and soil metrics based on context and scale.

December 10, 2024

The imperative of aligning policy on climate and biodiversity

In a new article published yesterday in The Conversation, NbSI’s Nathalie Seddon and Audrey Wagner explain why aligning climate and biodiversity policy is essential. The message is clear: healthy ecosystems are crucial for climate resilience and a stable climate is essential to protecting biodiversity. Climate action must not come at the expense of biodiversity or human rights.

November 19, 2024

Do we have enough information to scale up carbon removals sustainably?

As COP29 of the UNFCCC commences in Azerbaijan, the need for effective and sustainable strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is more critical than ever. However, most global scenarios also rely heavily on carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) to keep within the Paris Agreement temperature targets, and many ‘net-zero’ pathways indicated by governments contain a significant amount of CDR. But do we know what the wider effects of these CDR practices will be, or which approaches might be more or less sustainable? A new study assesses the current state of the evidence by reviewing the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) literature on CDR.

November 13, 2024

Supporting the economy with nature-based solutions

Our new research just out in PLOS Climate shows how NbS have the potential to drive job creation, boost income, whilst also supporting climate and sustainable development goals.

October 29, 2024

Growing positive change – NbS Conference 2024 insights, report and recordings

With COP16 commencing in Cali this week, we are happy to announce our NbS Conference 2024 report and recordings, highlighting critical actions for the nature-based solutions community

October 22, 2024

A new research agenda for exploring nature’s contribution to wellbeing

Integrated assessment models incorporating biodiversity and ecosystem services can guide sustainable development, but significant gaps hinder timely decision-making. This new study identifies five research priorities to improve these models, focusing on ecosystem impacts, feedbacks, equity, and human well-being.

August 14, 2024

Brazil spotlight on agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystem services

New study reveals that climate change projections could render large agricultural areas in Brazil unviable by 2060, particularly in the Amazon-Cerrado region, calling for the adoption of more sustainable agricultural models that make better use of natural resources and focus on restoring degraded lands.

July 21, 2024

Collaboration for Nature: Launch of UK NbS Knowledge Hub

With the aim of overcoming key challenges and barriers to scaling up high-quality nature-based solutions in the UK, the Knowledge Hub offers stakeholders, including practitioners, local land management bodies, and policymakers, guidance on implementing NbS projects based on the latest science and best practices.

February 29, 2024

New evidence that nature-based solutions can support economic recovery in Peru

A new report by the Nature-based Solutions Initiative Peru provides evidence for the role of nature-based solutions in supporting post-pandemic economic recovery, alongside a diversity of environmental and social benefits.

February 27, 2024

Nature-based solutions critical for Brazil’s Net Zero goal

Although the implementation of Brazil’s Forest Code is key for the country to meet and increase the ambition of its short-term NDC targets, it will not be enough to bridge the gap to net-zero GHG emissions by mid-century.

November 22, 2023

Diverse forests can store over 70% more carbon than monocultures

Multiple tree species are 70% more effective as carbon sinks than monoculture forests

November 10, 2023

Can the concept of “Loss and Damage” help Avert the Biodiversity Crisis?

While the concept of “loss and damage” has gained traction in the context of climate change, there is a growing call to extend its application to address the adverse effects of biodiversity loss.

June 12, 2023

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