In a world grappling with climate change, biodiversity loss, and numerous environmental challenges, there is an urgent need for innovative and effective solutions. Nature-based solutions (NbS) have emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against these issues, offering a sustainable and holistic approach to restoring ecosystems and building a sustainable future for the planet. NbS works on the conviction that healthy and well-managed ecosystems have the ability to deliver critical benefits and services for survival of life on the planet such as food and fodder, clean water and air, carbon sequestration, and natural flood protection amongst a plethora of benefits. Working with, rather than against, nature, we can harness its power to restore ecosystems, mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity, and ensure the well-being of communities worldwide.
From reforestation projects to the creation of wetlands and the restoration of degraded habitats, NbS focuses on reviving natural processes and methodologies in promoting the recovery of ecosystems. By doing so, it helps promote biodiversity in turn restoring ecological balance, and enhancing the ecosystem resilience. In recent years, NbS has become an effective tool in addressing climate change and work towards mitigation and adaptation measures. Forests, for example, act as carbon sinks, absorbing vast amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. By restoring and expanding forested areas, we can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, wetlands, mangroves, and seagrass beds are powerful carbon stores, with the potential to sequester and store even more carbon than terrestrial ecosystems. Protecting and restoring these habitats can play a vital role in combating climate change.
Nature based solutions for community wellbeing
NbS also presents an opportunity to improve the well-being of communities. In urban landscapes, green spaces not only provide recreational areas but also improve air quality, reduce the risk of urban heat islands, and enhance mental and physical health. In Delhi, for example, which depends on neighbouring states for water supplies leading to water deficits during the pre-monsoons, the government has been rejuvenating the existing lakes in Delhi and building new lakes wherever needed. This will address the water woes and also support the revival of biodiversity. In Andhra Pradesh, Zero-Budget Natural Farming, which completely depends on employing organic inputs to improve the resilience of both crops and land, has significantly reduced the health risks for people involved in agriculture, while enhancing their food & nutritional security.
In addition to the immediate benefits they provide, NbS also offers long-term economic advantages. Investing in NbS can lead to job creation and economic growth, particularly in sectors such as ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, and ecotourism. In Assam, members from the Bodo and Mising communities in Sonitpur and Jorhat districts have been restoring degraded forest lands and introducing agroforestry with crops such as king chillis and lemons as a means of mitigating human-elephant conflict. Restoring nearby forest areas not only reduces the likelihood of crop loss and damage due to elephant incursions, but gain higher value from agroforestry crops – while also enriching the soil.
NbS and Economy
Climate challenges are just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ we face today. Ecosystem destruction and biodiversity loss compound the risks posed by climate change: by 2050 2% of India’s annual GDP is expected to be lost to climate change. NbS with its multidimensional approach becomes an effective tool to cushion the economy by restoring ecosystems, mitigating climate change and enhancing biodiversity. The NbS focuses on building resilience through stocking up on natural resources aka natural capital. By maintaining healthy ecosystems using the NbS model, we can build a regenerative economy, there is a $26 trillion opportunity for a sustainable, equitable future for people & biodiversity by 2030.
NbS also offers a significant push to global climate goals. Optimization of farmland and enhancement of forest health can contribute to national climate goals for carbon sequestration. For example – The North East Region of India which is well-endowed with natural resources offers an incredible opportunity to scale up the NbS model to build a sustainable future. Estimates suggest that rewilding lands in the North East might bring in up to INR 450,544 crores per year on maturation through sustainable bamboo and agroforestry products.
Hence, it becomes pertinent that the NbS are seen as part of a broader strategy that includes actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and adopting sustainable practices across various industries. The post-COVID union budgets of India have seen a major push into rebuilding the agriculture sector as well as other green initiatives aimed at transitioning towards a net-zero economy. The upcoming budgets and policies should focus on hand-holding businesses that are nature based and actively restore degraded land or forests. Incentives and input capital to take up regenerative economic activities like agroforestry, sustainable fisheries and horticulture, organic and low-carbon handicrafts, recycling and upcycling industries will help create green jobs. While there are strategies in place to boost the national economy, it is equally important that investments be made in regional and sub-regional priorities based on the true potential of the region. For instance – the North Eastern Region can become the center for innovation in the field of sustainable forestry and forest restoration.
In the long run, NbS has the potential to reduce the costs associated with environmental damage and climate change adaptation, making them a cost-effective approach. But in order to fully harness the power of NbS, collaboration and partnerships are crucial. Governments, businesses, communities, and civil society organizations must work together to develop and implement NbS on a large scale. This requires the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources to ensure the success and scalability of NbS initiatives. Through collective effort, we can ensure a healthier and more resilient planet for generations to come.
