Nature-based solutions (NbS) have emerged as a crucial concept for addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges by protecting, conserving, restoring, sustainably using and managing natural and modified ecosystems. Recognized for their potential to simultaneously enhance human well-being, ecosystem services, resilience, and biodiversity, NbS are increasingly incorporated into national climate and biodiversity policies, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
Additionally, NbS are explicitly reflected in the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), emphasizing their role in mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing nature’s contributions to people.
As countries update their national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) to align with KMGBF goals, debates have arisen regarding the definition, implementation, and safeguards of NbS to prevent adverse environmental and social impacts and ensure equitable outcomes.
The background note developed by IISD in collaboration with GIZ and with the support of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) analyzes two key international standards and guidelines: the IUCN Global Standard for NbS and the CBD’s Voluntary Guidelines for the Design and Effective Implementation of Ecosystem-based Approaches for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction, comparing their principles, safeguards, and implementation requirements showing similarities, differences, and gaps, as well as the interrelationships and commonalities between the two existing international standards. Aimed at policymakers and practitioners, the background note offers insights into the holistic understanding of the available guidance on the design and implementation of NbS and ecosystem-based approaches. It also provides guidance on how to select appropriate NbS criteria, norms, standards, and guidelines for project use or for multilateral negotiations, fostering a comprehensive understanding for effective and equitable NbS implementation.
