NBS Introduction

NBS focus on 'benefits to people and the environment itself' and are 'able to respond to environmental change and hazards in the long term' Eggermont et al 2015

'Solutions to societal challenges that involve working with nature' Seddon et al 2020

Related to natural system agriculture, ecosystem-based approaches, ecological engineering, green infrastructure

Dependent on Natural Capital and related to Ecosystem Services but more 'solution-focused'

History - 1st used 2008 by World Bank - IUCN referred to NBS position paper for UNFCCC, taken by policy following this

'ES are the conditions and processes through which natural ecosystems, and the species that make them up, sustain and fulfill human life'

History - 1st used 1970s and popularised by himself

IPBES approach - ecosystem services and nature value to people

1. Carbon storage/sequestration

- Service = reduction/avoidance of damage caused by climate change

- Ecosystem Service = forests

- Benefits = everyone

2. Recreational use of English countryside

- Service = value of enjoyment that people get from particular part of countryside

- Ecosystem Service = the countryside provides and underpins other ES

- Benefits = proximity to urban areas determines number of visits

3 variety types, Eggermont et al

1. Better use of natural/protected ecosystems

2. NBS for sustainability and multifunctionality of managed ecosystems

3. Design and management of new ecosystems

3 dimensions, Seddon et al 2020

1. Reducing exposure - protection from erosion/flooding/soil fertility loss = increase ES

2. Reducing sensitivity - buffer effect of CC on agricultural systems = ES stability

3. Supporting adaptive capacity - governance reform, improve access to resources - ES management

Focus on solutions - explicity link positive outcomes for society with notion of nature as something helpful for these aims

Include - reforestation, agroforestry, managed realignment, green infrastructure, conservation agriculture, catchment based management, constructued wetlands

NBS should...

1. Use where possible indigenous and resilient species

2. Scaled out using simple ecologically adapted and replicable construction - cost effective

3. Designed for multifunctionality - derive multiple gains

4. Create infrastructure appreciating value over time

5. Efficiently compete with non-NBS - monitoring

6. Facilitate reorientation of landscape towards greening - diverse and resilient 

7. Create opportunity for innovation and co-benefits

Argued field boundaries one of earliest 'true' NBS - solution focused from start

In 1500s, hedgerows were 'natural solution' to enclosing fields, acting as fences as well as shelter for livestock

'scaled up' across landscape

Know known for major co-benefits for biodiversity, carbon...