Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation

The document defines Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for adaptation—also known as ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR)—as actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use, and manage natural ecosystems to strengthen resilience against climate change. It details a four-step implementation process starting with methodology design and ending with the identification of adaptation options, grounded in participatory climate risk assessments. The text highlights specific examples of NbS, such as coral reef restoration to buffer coastal flooding and river basin management to address drought. It emphasizes that effective NbS must be gender-responsive, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive to ensure an equitable distribution of benefits.

• Nature-based Solutions for adaptation are specifically designed to manage current and future climate risks to enhance the resilience of both people and ecosystems, often complementing hybrid or traditionally engineered solutions.
• Effective implementation of NbS for adaptation requires a four-step process: initiating the process and designing methodology, understanding climate, biodiversity, community, gender, and conflict contexts, analyzing risks to people and ecosystems, and identifying adaptation options.
• NbS for adaptation provide distinct benefits for ecosystems, including increased species diversity and enhanced functioning, and for communities, including water and food security and sustainable livelihood options like ecotourism.
• Specific ecosystem-based actions serve as adaptation tools: coral reef restoration acts as a buffer against coastal flooding and intense waves, while forest reserves protect communities from storms and natural hazards.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (2024). Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2024-05/capa-nbs-climate-adaptation-infographic.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation. 2024. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2024-05/capa-nbs-climate-adaptation-infographic.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation |date=2024 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2024-05/capa-nbs-climate-adaptation-infographic.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopment2024naturebased, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2024}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2024-05/capa-nbs-climate-adaptation-infographic.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }