Nature based Solutions NbS:

Nature based Solutions (NbS) is a general concept for actively using nature to achieve social goals, such as those reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ecosystem-based approaches such as Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), Ecological Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR), natural, nature-inspired or nature-based infrastructure, green infrastructure and Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) are included in this concept.

The application of ecosystem-based principles to agricultural practices, food systems and water management is also considered. NBS can be oriented to meet one or more societal needs, but must result in a net benefit to nature.

Particularly in the climate realm, there is an ongoing discussion on the need for biodiversity “safeguards” for NBS. Instead of a safeguards approach, it is proposed that NBS generate a benefit for nature. This is a slightly narrower definition, in which nature is used in support of human outcomes in a way that also contributes to conservation.

Practices to benefit the climate, promote adaptation, reduce risk and establish green infrastructure are grouped under this concept, as described below:

• The term Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) explicitly refers to conservation, restoration and management actions that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase carbon sequestration of forest ecosystems, wetlands and grasslands. The term also includes agricultural practices that promote an increase in soil carbon. Includes activities that primarily provide mitigation benefits. It has been found that NCS can provide 37% of the cost-effective carbon emission reductions needed to stay below 2°C by 2030 (Griscom, et al., 2017).


• EBA-Based Ecosystem Adaptation is the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change (CBD, 2009). Based on this definition, the EbA approach should consider the following 3 elements [2]:

1. helps people adapt to climate change: a) reduces social and environmental vulnerabilities and b) generates social benefits in the context of climate change adaptation;


2. through active use of biodiversity and ecosystem services: c. restores, maintains or improves ecosystem health,


3. in the context of a general adaptation strategy: d. is supported by policies at multiple levels and e. supports equitable governance and enhances capacities (FEBA 2018).

• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a systematic approach to identify, assess and reduce disaster risks. It aims is to reduce socio-economic vulnerabilities to disasters as well as adress environmental hazards. Examples include the implementing appropriate infrastructure building codes for current and future disasters, measures to divert flood water, the use of drought-resistant crops, or increase water storage capacity to maintain water supply in times of drought.
  
  Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) is the “sustainable management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems to reduce disaster risk, with the goal of achieving sustainable and resilient development” (Estrella and Saalismaa 2013). Often EbA and Eco-DRR are used interchangeably, as they both use ecosystems to reduce disasters and thus address climate change adaptation. Examples of Eco-DRR projects include restoration to stabilize sand dunes, use of wetlands to mitigate storm surge, restoration of floodplains along rivers, and greening of cities for water management pluvial.

• Natural / Nature-Based or Green Infrastructure (GI) intentionally and strategically preserves, enhances or restores elements of a natural system, such as forests, agricultural land, floodplains, riparian areas, coastal forests (such as mangroves), among others (WRI, 2019), or create natural systems to provide infrastructure (for example, wastewater treatment).
  
  Natural infrastructure can function on its own or be used as a complement to "gray" infrastructure. Natural infrastructure should not be confused with the concept of sustainable infrastructure, which refers to a much broader set of interconnected elements, which may or may not be nature-based.
  
  The term "Nature-Based Infrastructure" is more accurate than "green" infrastructure, which is often used to refer to any infrastructure, using natural materials that may also have elements of environmental mitigation. The term green infrastructure is also used to refer to more urban projects intended to mitigate stormwater impacts, provide water treatment, or other infrastructure services.

• Nature based solutions for water security (NBS4WS): are “actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address water security challenges in an effective and adaptive way, while simultaneously providing benefits for human well-being and biodiversity”. Some of these actions involve investments in so-called green infrastructure (e.g. reforestation and construction of artificial wetlands), while other solutions consist of improved management practices (e.g. agricultural practices that lead to reduced use of fertilizers or pesticides)
  
  Nature based Solutions can be implemented to address water challenges related to surface water quality, groundwater quality, flooding, and water scarcity. NBS4WS can often be described as EbA; however, they are often used to provide solutions to water security challenges that are not necessarily or directly related to climate change.

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