Nature
Nature-based solutions—solutions that involve working with nature to address societal challenges—have gained momentum as a tool that can deliver multiple benefits.
The benefits of nature are far reaching—from providing clean air and water to ensuring protection from flooding and creating cooling effects within our urban landscapes. That is why we work with nature to help address the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and many other threats to a sustainable future.
Here at IISD, we explore the holistic value of nature through the lens of sustainable development, building an evidence base that can mobilize practical approaches to address these challenges.
We work with governments, international agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance nature-positive outcomes that support and benefit both people and ecosystems while always ensuring these efforts include and benefit everyone.
Most of this work focuses on building more nature-based infrastructure to support growing environmental, societal, and economic needs, as well as tapping into ecosystems to help build resilience for the ever-intensifying impacts of climate change.
Nature-Based Infrastructure
Nature-based infrastructure, also known as natural infrastructure, is a way to plan and work with nature to meet our infrastructure needs. While these infrastructure projects are designed to fulfill specific goals, they can also generate a host of other social, economic, and environmental benefits that go beyond what traditional engineered or "grey" infrastructure can provide. Our research shows that nature-based infrastructure is often more cost-effective than traditional alternatives.
With the Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre, we bring together key partners to establish a business case for nature-based infrastructure. We provide data, training, and customized infrastructure project valuations based on the latest innovations in systems thinking and financial modelling.
In the Canadian context, IISD's Natural Infrastructure for Water Solutions initiative is working to scale up natural infrastructure on Canada's Prairies for cleaner water and more resilient communities. Our Canada-based work also includes conducting research at the IISD Experimental Lakes Area to improve our understanding of human impacts on the environment, influence policy and environmental best practices, and support public awareness.
Nature Building Resilience to the Impacts of Climate Change
We also highlight the role of nature in building resilience to climate change. Our Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative provides knowledge and capacity development opportunities in the form of guidance, events, and a massive open online course to enhance the implementation of nature-based climate solutions that provide benefits for biodiversity and people of all genders and social groups.
As the host of the secretariat of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, we explore how NAP processes present a strategic opportunity to raise the profile of nature-based solutions as an essential approach to adaptation at scale.
Related Projects
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The Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre
The leading global hub for nature-based infrastructure (NBI). Together, we can help build a better, fairer, and more sustainable future through NBI projects.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2022-12/biodiversity-nature-bird.jpg?h=6c59d07c&itok=PwVuyUNR)
Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas (CAPA) Initiative
The Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas (CAPA) Initiative aims to use nature-based solutions (NbS) to strengthen climate resilience and protect biodiversity in and around protected areas.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2022-06/istock-1151810338.jpg?h=f52e7eb6&itok=Er095pDB)
Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative
A new initiative aims to support nature-based climate action that protects livelihoods and biodiversity in the most vulnerable parts of the world.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/iStock_000039776380_Medium.jpg?h=c3f5738d&itok=KlQGqcat)
The Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi)
IISD developed the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) to demonstrate to governments, investors and citizens why sustainable assets can deliver better value for money and more attractive internal rates of return.
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SUNCASA | Resilient Cities. Natural Solutions.
Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) aims to enhance resilience, gender equality, social inclusion, and biodiversity protection in urban communities in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and South Africa.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2020-08/Tanzania-Woman-Farmer-Watering-Can.jpg?h=4bcd617e&itok=60FdJGIF)
The State of Sustainability Initiatives (SSI)
Increasing market access of small-holder farmers, fostering gender equality and contributing to environmental conservation by leveraging voluntary sustainability standards.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/nepal-eba.png?h=17e6c49d&itok=KZYJdJzR)
ALivE - Adaptation, Livelihoods and Ecosystems Planning Tool
ALivE is a tool designed to help organize and analyze information to plan effective ecosystem-based adaptation.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2022-11/vetiver-fiji-resilience-highres_0.png?h=e1fd9b17&itok=eNRQQgNc)
Planting for Resilience
Scaling Up the Adoption of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Using Behaviour-Centred Design: The case of vetiver grass for riverbank erosion control in Fiji
Floating Treatment Wetlands
Floating treatment wetlands allow aquatic plants to grow in water that is typically too deep for them and transform pollutants into harmless by-products.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2024-03/fiji-island-coral-reef.jpg?h=134ed130&itok=YXgpuna-)
AQUA-Pearl
A new project will help communities in Fiji build their resilience to climate change through nature-based approaches to oyster aquaculture.
New Work
![](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2024-08/water-planting-vetiver-fiji.jpg?h=080087a9&itok=UeWLK0_K)
Can Behavioural Science Help Scale Climate Change Adaptation Solutions?
Applying behavioural science to climate change adaptation solutions might feel resource intensive, but research shows it is likely less costly than an intervention that doesn’t work.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_portrait_mobile/public/2024-08/behavioural-science-climate-change-adaptation-fiji.jpg?h=81630ad8&itok=4UQeY1HI)
Behavioural Science for Climate Change Adaptation
Applying behavioural science to climate change adaptation solutions may feel resource intensive, but research shows it is likely less costly than an intervention that doesn't work.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_portrait_mobile/public/2024-08/natural-infrastructure-professions-canada.jpg?h=81630ad8&itok=LgBQlmNi)
Building Natural Infrastructure Capacity Across Professions and Skilled Trades in the Canadian Prairies
As the demand for natural infrastructure continues to grow across the Canadian Prairies, it's essential to build more professional capacity in the skilled trades.
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For Nature-based Solutions to Be Effective, We Need to Work with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
Nature-based solutions have been praised as a promising approach to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. But some Indigenous Peoples and local communities are questioning the legitimacy of the concept and what it symbolizes. It is time to listen to what they have to say.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_portrait_mobile/public/2024-07/nbi-canal-restoration-kochi-india.jpg?h=81630ad8&itok=jmC7I0AV)
Canal Restoration in Kochi, India
In this integrated cost-benefit analysis, the Nature-Based Infrastructure (NBI) Global Resource Centre demonstrates the potential of NBI and hybrid green-grey infrastructure to improve water quality and reduce flood risk along the canals of Kochi, India.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_portrait_mobile/public/2024-07/nbi-sustainable-asset-valuation-adaptation-costa-rica.jpg?h=81630ad8&itok=g-Sflesa)
Sustainable Asset Valuation of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Measures in the Reventazón River Basin, Costa Rica
In this integrated cost-benefit analysis, the Nature-Based Infrastructure (NBI) Global Resource Centre demonstrates the potential of ecosystem-based adaptation to stabilize hydrology and ensure a reliable water and energy supply in the Reventazón region of Costa Rica.
Experts
![Nathalie Bernasconi](/sites/default/files/styles/profile_picture_mobile/public/2024-08/nathalie-bernasconi-2024.jpg?h=b597944e&itok=KsKWhiTx)
Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder
Vice-President, Global Strategies and Managing Director, Europe
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Sumeep Bath
Editorial & Communications Manager, IISD-ELA
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Liesbeth Casier
Lead, Public Procurement and Sustainable Infrastructure and Coordinator of the NBI Global Resource Centre
![Head shot of Alec Crawford](/sites/default/files/styles/profile_picture_mobile/public/2024-04/alec-crawford-2024.jpg?h=b597944e&itok=RcTiqGpo)
Alec Crawford
Director, Nature for Resilience
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Veronica Lo
Senior Policy Advisor
![Andrea Bassi](/sites/default/files/styles/profile_picture_mobile/public/2023-07/andrea-bassi.jpg?h=b49e4653&itok=6j8hrXw-)
Andrea Bassi
Senior Associate
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Dimple Roy
Director, Water Management
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Richard Grosshans
Lead II, Bioremediation
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Emily Kroft
Water Policy and Youth Engagement Officer, IISD-ELA
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Matthew McCandless
Interim VP Operations and Business Transformation
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Josée Méthot
Senior Policy Specialist, Water
![Headshot of Ben Simmons](/sites/default/files/styles/profile_picture_mobile/public/2022-05/benjamin-simmons-2022.jpg?h=b597944e&itok=6gtfjNB0)
Benjamin Simmons
Director, Sustainable Infrastructure
![Head shot of Susan Sekirime](/sites/default/files/styles/profile_picture_mobile/public/2024-04/susan-sekirime-2024.jpg?h=b597944e&itok=VukVyqG4)
Susan Sekirime
Senior Policy Advisor
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Thomas Saleh
Policy Advisor, Data and Technology; IISD-ELA
![Image of Ashley Rawluk](/sites/default/files/styles/profile_picture_mobile/public/2022-03/ashley-rawluk-2022.jpg?h=b597944e&itok=-Av6xUxj)
Ashley Rawluk
Policy Advisor
![bearded man in black suit and white shirt](/sites/default/files/styles/profile_picture_mobile/public/2023-12/1473-0021_web.jpg?h=6d15034f&itok=JMo7CodT)
Henri Contor
System Dynamics Analyst
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Becca Challis
Communications Officer
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Marina Puzyreva
Senior Policy Advisor
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Marco Guzzetti
Associate
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Danielle Kitson
Project Coordinator
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Cesar Henrique Arrais
Senior Communications Officer
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Calais Caswell
Policy Advisor II, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
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Michail Kapetanakis
Research Analyst
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Marie Royer
Communications Officer
![David Uszoki](/sites/default/files/styles/profile_picture_mobile/public/2024-03/david-uszoki.jpg?h=74c6825a&itok=tJP24lo5)
David Uzsoki
Lead, Sustainable Finance
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Brittney Le Blanc
Communications Officer, Water
![Headshot of Edoardo Carlucci](/sites/default/files/styles/profile_picture_mobile/public/2022-06/edoardo-carlucci-2022.jpg?h=b597944e&itok=8fzGdB64)
Edoardo Carlucci
Policy Advisor
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Onyinye Oguntoye
Communications Officer
![Head shot of staff member Anika Terton](/sites/default/files/styles/profile_picture_mobile/public/2022-05/anika-terton-2022.jpg?h=b597944e&itok=cA0zKKrN)
Anika Terton
Senior Policy Advisor and Lead
![Ronja Bechauf](/sites/default/files/styles/profile_picture_mobile/public/2021-08/ronja-bechauf-2021.png?h=b597944e&itok=ZZHUJVNQ)
Ronja Bechauf
Policy Advisor
![Nathalia-Nino](/sites/default/files/styles/profile_picture_mobile/public/2023-10/foto_hd.jpg?h=a610a299&itok=5YB4uRod)
Nathalia Niño
Associate
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