Comparative Analysis of the Existing Criteria, Principles, and Safeguards for the Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions

This background note by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) compares two primary international frameworks for nature-based solutions (NbS): the IUCN Global Standard for NbS and the CBD Voluntary Guidelines for the Design and Effective Implementation of Ecosystem-based Approaches for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction.

• The analysis determines that the IUCN Global Standard on NbS and the CBD Voluntary Guidelines are highly compatible and effective for the implementation and scaling of NbS, despite existing differences in their guidance on design and implementation.
• There is a identified need for greater clarity regarding the specific guidance required to improve NbS implementation and the methods for translating global frameworks into local contexts, with a priority on avoiding duplication of work.
• Planned updates to the CBD Voluntary Guidelines and the IUCN Global Standard provide an opportunity to align these frameworks with United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/5 and prevent redundant efforts under the United Nations Environment Programme and UNEA.
• Nature-based solutions are being integrated into national policies, such as national adaptation plans, nationally determined contributions, and national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and are explicitly included in the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

APA

Terton,, J. Q. (2025). Comparative Analysis of the Existing Criteria, Principles, and Safeguards for the Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/comparative-analysis-nature-based-solutions

Chicago

Terton,, Jeffrey Qi,Anika. Comparative Analysis of the Existing Criteria, Principles, and Safeguards for the Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2025. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/comparative-analysis-nature-based-solutions.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Terton, |first1=Jeffrey Qi,Anika |title=Comparative Analysis of the Existing Criteria, Principles, and Safeguards for the Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=6 May 2025 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/comparative-analysis-nature-based-solutions |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{terton2025comparative, author = {Terton,, Jeffrey Qi,Anika}, title = {{Comparative Analysis of the Existing Criteria, Principles, and Safeguards for the Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2025}, month = may, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/comparative-analysis-nature-based-solutions}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }