Chapter 1: Understanding Nature-Based Solutions

NBS are a set of practices and interventions that aim to protect, manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems. These solutions work in harmony with nature, leveraging the inherent capabilities of natural systems to provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. NBS draw from a range of scientific disciplines including ecology, environmental science, and urban planning, and they encompass a broad spectrum of strategies from restoring wetlands to constructing green roofs in urban areas.

One of the critical aspects of NBS is their ability to address complex environmental challenges in a holistic manner. Unlike grey infrastructure solutions that often seek to control nature through man-made constructions like dams, NBS aim to work alongside natural systems. For instance, restored wetlands can serve as natural buffers during flooding, absorbing and storing excess water. Similarly, urban green spaces can mitigate the heat island effect, lower energy costs, and improve air quality.