Nature-Based Solutions in Latin America and The Caribbean: Regional Status and Priorities for Growth

This policy brief reviews 156 nature-based solution (NBS) projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting their potential to replace carbon-intensive infrastructure. While projects are present in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru—primarily in the water and sanitation sector—over half are still in the preparation stage and lack sufficient financing to scale.

• Nature-based solutions (NBS), which involve the strategic restoration, protection, or management of ecosystems, offer an alternative to traditional carbon-intensive infrastructure made of concrete and steel. These solutions can be implemented independently or as "green-gray infrastructure," where natural systems are integrated with built infrastructure to create services that are more resilient and less expensive.
• A regional review identified 156 NBS projects in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) designed to address water supply, water quality, landslide risk, and various forms of flooding (urban, river, and coastal). These projects utilize diverse methods including the conservation of forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and riparian ecosystems, as well as the use of bioswales, permeable pavements, and sustainable farming.
• The majority of the identified NBS projects are concentrated in the water and sanitation sector and are located in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Despite the existence of these projects, more than 50% remain in the preparation stage, and most are still searching for the funding or financing necessary to achieve their intended scale.

APA

World Resources Institute (2021). Nature-Based Solutions in Latin America and The Caribbean: Regional Status and Priorities for Growth. https://www.wri.org/research/nature-based-solutions-latin-america-and-caribbean-regional-status-and-priorities-growth

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Nature-Based Solutions in Latin America and The Caribbean: Regional Status and Priorities for Growth. 2021. https://www.wri.org/research/nature-based-solutions-latin-america-and-caribbean-regional-status-and-priorities-growth.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Nature-Based Solutions in Latin America and The Caribbean: Regional Status and Priorities for Growth |date=12 October 2021 |url=https://www.wri.org/research/nature-based-solutions-latin-america-and-caribbean-regional-status-and-priorities-growth |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitute2021naturebased, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Nature-Based Solutions in Latin America and The Caribbean: Regional Status and Priorities for Growth}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, year = {2021}, month = oct, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/nature-based-solutions-latin-america-and-caribbean-regional-status-and-priorities-growth}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }