Nature Based Solutions (SbN) is an expression coined by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), one of the largest international organizations dedicated to the conservation of natural resources.

In general, it represent a way to encourage companies and citizens to think about their environmental impacts, what are the costs involved in their profits and what production methods are used by the producers of items consumed.

The concept presents itself as a sustainable alternative, inspired by nature, to face urgent climate challenges.

Learn about the 8 principles of Nature Based Solutions:

1. Adoption of norms and principles of nature conservation;

2. Implemented alone or integrated with other solutions to social challenges (eg technological and engineering solutions);

3. Determined by site-specific natural and cultural contexts, which include traditional, local and scientific knowledge;

4. Benefits to society in a fair and equitable manner, in order to promote transparency and broad participation;

5. Maintenance of biological and cultural diversity and the ability of ecosystems to evolve over time;

6. Applied to scale;

7. Recognize and address trade-offs between producing some immediate economic benefits and developing solutions for producing the full range of ecosystem services; and

8. Integrate the overall design of policies and measures or actions to address a specific challenge.

Nature-based solutions under debate

An event held by the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI), at the end of September, dealt with Nature-Based Solutions and their impacts on biodiversity and people.

In the forestry sector, good examples come from initiatives that result in reduced deforestation and native reforestation, in addition to improving the quality of life in local communities. In the planned urbanization segment, solutions such as reusing rainwater and creating green areas, for example, also represent good practices.

In a panel held at the last edition of Climate Week in New York, in September, Coalizão Brasil, Uma Concertação pela Amazônia and TFA debated climate networks: civil society and private sector initiatives in the sustainability agenda.

With a focus on the Amazon, specialists highlighted the importance of conscientious and engaged leaders in the formation of an alliance between the public and private sectors, with the participation of civil society. This alliance would aim to encompass all points of discussion on biodiversity, public works for structuring cities, financing and positive impacts on communities, regardless of Government action.

With high expectations for COP26 and the consensus of a regulated carbon market, it is necessary to be aware of the developments and possibilities that will allow actions in Brazil. From economic gains to improved quality of life and environmental conservation, the solution may lie precisely in our natural resources.

Source: IUCN