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

The document examines the transition of Latin America and the Caribbean from experimenting with nature-based solutions (NBS) to wider adoption. Based on a dataset of 156 projects identified in 2020, it highlights that while NBS can provide sustainable alternatives to carbon-intensive 'gray' infrastructure, many projects remain in the preparation stage and lack sufficient funding. The review focuses on sectors such as water, sanitation, housing, energy, and transportation, noting a concentration of projects in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.

• Nature-based solutions (NBS) are presented as a sustainable alternative to traditional 'concrete and steel' infrastructure, which risks increasing greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
• A regional review identified 156 NBS projects in Latin America and the Caribbean that operate independently or as 'green-gray infrastructure' to address water supply, water quality, landslide risk, and various forms of flooding (urban, river, and coastal).
• The identified projects utilize diverse ecological interventions, including the restoration of mangroves, coral reefs, forests, and grasslands, as well as the use of bioswales, permeable pavements, and sustainable farming.
• NBS adoption is currently concentrated in the water and sanitation sector and primarily located in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.
• Despite the existence of these projects, more than 50% are still in the preparation phase, and the majority are seeking 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} }