Nature-Based Solution

What does Nature-Based Solution Imply?

Nature-Based Solution is a technique that involves eco-friendly actions that are meant to protect our environment, and in return provide solutions to problems such as climate change, mangroves degradation, etc.

These actions enforce the sustainable use of natural resources. This allows nature to rejuvenate and heal.

Types of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)

Minimal Intervention in Ecosystem: In this case minimal to zero intervention is done, towards reaching the target outcome. Is mainly applied where humans settlement and conservation areas. Hence need to ensure no over-utilization and curbing pollution.
Sample: Establishing fishing grounds, so as to distinguish part dedicated to fish breeding and undisturbed environment. This gives rise to the marine reserves that protected against human exploitation. These reserves ensure that the fish have room for procreation and sufficient food.

Some Interventions in Ecosystems and Landscapes: In this case, actions taken are geared towards increasing the existing ecosystems. Like the forests, where trees species and genetic biodiversity is increased via afforestation with trees providing exactly that. It can also include agricultural practices that work towards boosting the existing ecosystem, hence minimal to zero use of chemicals or clearing of the land. By including trees in the agricultural practices, we are able to increase forest cover, as well as, get food.

Managing Ecosystem in Extensive Ways: In this case, it’s more like damage control where nature is almost non-existence. This may be due to urbanization, desertification, etc. It requires the creation of a new ecosystem. Sample: Introducing plants into our cities, reducing vehicles being used for transportation, have fruit parks within the cities, planting of trees on the roadsides, etc. By creating these nature patches, we are able to work towards minimizing nature degradation as a result of developments.

The eight proposed NBS principles by IUCN are as follows:

Nature-based Solutions:

  1. Embrace nature conservation norms (and principles);
  2. Can be implemented alone or in an integrated manner with other solutions to societal challenges (e.g. technological and engineering solutions);
  3. Are determined by site-specific natural and cultural contexts that include traditional, local and scientific knowledge;
  4. produce societal benefits in a fair and equitable way, in a manner that promotes transparency and broad participation;
  5. Maintain biological and cultural diversity and the ability of ecosystems to evolve over time;
  6. Are applied at a landscape scale;
  7. Recognize and address the trade-offs between the production of a few immediate economic benefits for development, and future options for the production of the full range of ecosystems services; and
  8. Are an integral part of the overall design of policies, and measures or actions, to address a specific challenge.

Conclusion

Nature-based solutions basically help to manage how we exploit natural resources. By relying on nature for answers, we are aware of how far to go, what to re-introduce into our spaces, and the importance of the different elements in the ecosystem. It all goes back to nature, and if we are able to adapt to that, we will manage to do away with the current natural calamities.

It is cost-effective and benefits humans while allowing nature to heal.

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