Enhancing Biodiversity Co-Benefits From Nature-Based Solutions

The report outlines a framework for integrating biodiversity co-benefits into the lifecycle of nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation. It emphasizes moving beyond simple area-coverage metrics toward indicators of ecosystem functioning and health. The authors advocate for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates Traditional Knowledge, human rights-based frameworks, and inclusive governance to avoid socio-ecological trade-offs. The document provides a step-by-step implementation cycle—from system understanding and risk assessment to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL)—supported by a list of global standards and technical resources.

• Nature-based solutions (NbS) for adaptation can provide multiple benefits for biodiversity and society, but they must be implemented with environmental and social protection measures to be effective as part of an integrated adaptation strategy.
• There is a documented tendency in NbS for adaptation projects to neglect 'wetter' habitats and rely on limited metrics that fail to assess functional diversity and habitat connectivity.
• The most cost-effective and efficient priority for NbS initiatives is to first retain and maintain existing intact ecosystems, followed by restoring lost ecosystems, and finally constructing new ecosystems with required functions.
• To ensure biodiversity co-benefits, practitioners should apply a specific project implementation cycle consisting of six steps: understanding the system, risk assessment, identifying options, appraising options, implementation, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL).
• Effective monitoring of biodiversity co-benefits requires a mix of indicators covering structure, diversity, composition, ecosystem functioning, landscape structure, and conservation status, rather than relying solely on area coverage or species diversity indices.
• Indigenous-managed lands often maintain higher biodiversity than formally designated protected areas, making the integration of Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous leadership critical for successful NbS.
• NbS projects may face a mismatch between funding timelines and ecological recovery, as biodiversity improvements often take years or decades to materialize after the initial implementation phase.
• Poorly designed NbS projects can lead to socio-ecological trade-offs, such as the loss of land access, increased marginalization of vulnerable groups, or the creation of 'ecosystem disservices' like increased mosquito-borne disease transmission from wetland restoration.

APA

Lo, V., & Rawluk, A. (2023). Enhancing Biodiversity Co-Benefits From Nature-Based Solutions. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2023-06/biodiversity-co-benefits-nature-based-solutions.pdf

Chicago

Lo, Veronica, and Ashley Rawluk. Enhancing Biodiversity Co-Benefits From Nature-Based Solutions. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2023. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2023-06/biodiversity-co-benefits-nature-based-solutions.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Lo |first1=Veronica |last2=Rawluk |first2=Ashley |title=Enhancing Biodiversity Co-Benefits From Nature-Based Solutions |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=June 2023 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2023-06/biodiversity-co-benefits-nature-based-solutions.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{lo2023enhancing, author = {Lo, Veronica and Rawluk, Ashley}, title = {{Enhancing Biodiversity Co-Benefits From Nature-Based Solutions}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2023}, month = jun, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2023-06/biodiversity-co-benefits-nature-based-solutions.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }