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
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.
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.
Natural Infrastructure for Water Solutions (NIWS)
Natural Infrastructure for Water Solutions (NIWS) is taking natural infrastructure from novel to normal. NIWS is scaling up natural infrastructure on Canada's Prairies—for cleaner water and more resilient communities. Natural infrastructure allows us to plan and work with nature to help meet infrastructure needs. NIWS hopes to take the idea of natural infrastructure from novel to normal, championing water infrastructure solutions in rural communities, cities, and government planning processes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ALivE - Adaptation, Livelihoods and Ecosystems Planning Tool
ALivE is a tool designed to help organize and analyze information to plan effective ecosystem-based adaptation.
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.
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
Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) of Nature-Based Infrastructure in Eswatini
In this integrated cost-benefit analysis, the Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre analyzes the potential of nature-based infrastructure (NBI) to enhance agricultural productivity and hazard protection in Eswatini.
Sustainable Asset Valuation of the Benefits of Nature-Based Infrastructure in Kenya
In this integrated cost-benefit analysis, the Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre analyzes the potential of nature-based infrastructure (NBI) to combat water scarcity and enhance sustainable agriculture in Kenya.
The Triple-COP Year: What it means for nature
In 2024, the Rio Conventions on biodiversity, climate change, and desertification will have their negotiations in the same year. We take a look at the implications for nature.
IISD Annual Report 2023–2024
While IISD's reputation as a convenor, a trusted thought leader, and a go-to source on key issues within the sustainable development field is stronger than ever, the work happening outside the spotlight is just as valuable.
How to Make Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation Work for Everyone
Effective nature-based solutions (NbS) for adaptation start with integrated climate risk assessments. These take-aways will help practitioners plan for inclusive and sustainable NbS.
Nature-Based Solutions Inventory for Fiji
This inventory showcases the variety of nature-based solutions (NbS) projects (both completed and ongoing) being implemented in Fiji's ecosystems.
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