Are Nature-based Solutions an important tool for conservation?

We are in the midst of two significant, and simultaneous crises – climate change and biodiversity loss. Both these crises will have potentially catastrophic effects on people, wildlife and the planet as a whole – unless we act now! Addressing these crises requires a rethink of our economics, our society and our relationship with the natural world. ‘Nature-based Solutions’ can be transformative in bringing about deep changes in our social and institutional structures, that will be key to addressing these two crises. 

Oxford University Natural History Museum

Recognising the potentially pivotal role that Nature-based Solutions offer to addressing the biodiversity and climate crises, the University of Oxford hosted a conference in June at the Oxford University Natural History Museum, with the goal of co-creating an action plan.

The conference brought together academics, research groups, conservation practitioners, policymakers and the private sector to discuss and share knowledge about the complex systems, decision making processes and values that are relevant to scaling up Nature-based Solutions via a global framework in order for it to work for both people and nature.

As a conservation practitioner, Born Free was keen to attend the conference to specifically learn more about what the leaders and experts in the field propose that Nature-based Solutions look like on the ground.

What are Nature-based Solutions?

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is likely a term you would have heard of, but what does it actually mean?

In 2022, 193 Member States of the United Nations Environment Assembly agreed and adopted the definition for Nature-based Solutions as  “…actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems which address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being, ecosystem services, resilience and biodiversity benefits.” (UNEA, 2022)

Providing benefits simultaneously to human wellbeing, ecosystem services, resilience and biodiversity is the key component of NbS. Central to the concept is recognising the role nature plays in the balance of the planet, that benefits and sustains all life.

From storing carbon to regulating air and water quality, from providing protection against extreme weather to helping prevent landslides and other natural disasters, the role the natural world plays is consistently underestimated and underappreciated, both in terms of people’s values and in our global economies. NbS can reframe the way we look at the natural world to allow us to appreciate its value in our everyday lives, as opposed to valuing only economic benefits and growth.

Conference participants were careful to stress that NbS should not replace the phasing out of fossil fuels, recognising that this is the single most important challenge for society to address. Speakers and participants warned against the potential greenwashing and hindrance of off-setting schemes, which are often adopted due to being relatively easy and cheap, but which were largely posited by the group as not being a true NbS.

Examples of Nature-based Solutions

Nature-based Solutions are diverse, ranging from landscape-scale restoration initiatives to small-scale inner-city projects. The underlying commonality is that they benefit both people and nature.

One classic example of a Nature-based Solution is the restoration of mangrove forests. 50% of mangrove forests have been destroyed across the globe, and this has led to unforeseen and devastating consequences for coastal communities. Mangroves offer a buffer against storm surges and tidal waves: without mangroves, coastal communities are exposed to the full force of the ocean. Mangroves are biodiversity rich habitats providing food and shelter to numerous wildlife species, including fish, birds, invertebrates and mammals. They play a critical role in enhancing fish populations, with millions of people across the world relying on fishing as an important source of income and protein in their diet. Restoring mangroves protects communities and provides fantastic habitats for wildlife.

Nature is also our greatest ally in addressing the climate crisis. Trees are carbon sinks – they take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and lock it into their roots and trunks. The Congo basin, for example, captures and stores 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon each year. Tree planting and protection is therefore one of the most effective Nature-based Solutions to addressing the climate crisis. However, care must be taken to ensure tree planting is undertaken in the correct way and locations, so that non-forested habitats such as savannah and grasslands are not negatively impacted.

There is a need for a variety of different sectors of society to implement a diversity of practices to simultaneously achieve positive social and ecological outcomes.

Nature-based Solutions at Born Free

There is great potential of NbS for addressing social justice and equity and improving both community and environmental resilience, particularly in parts of the world with a low Human Development Index (HDI). It is also recognised that NbS invariably requires a very long-term investment.

At Born Free, given our vision of keeping wildlife in the wild in some of the most challenging landscapes on the planet, we constantly invest in solutions to challenges faced by people and wildlife with the aim of benefiting both. And we stick around for as long as is needed.

Traditional land use systems are often built on values that reflect the ethos of Nature-based Solutions, yet many indigenous communities often have limited access to the financial systems required for local biodiversity actions.

Born Free recognises the key role of local communities in the protection of wildlife and natural habitats, and we aim to empower communities to lead in conservation initiatives. This is reflected in all our programmes across Kenya, India and Cameroon. For example, our Guardians of Dja programme in Cameroon invests in efforts to help local farmers conserve and reforest degraded areas in the Dja Biosphere Reserve through sustainable agroforestry practices, protecting the Congo basin as an important carbon sink.

Born Free holds a clear stance on wild animal welfare, adopting a compassionate approach through all its work and encouraging tolerance and a love of nature. This falls clearly in line with the value of empathy that is required in order for society to truly accept NbS.

One message arising from the conference was that the private sector is ready to invest heavily in NbS, but there is a lack of clarity and confidence around how to do so effectively and avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing. Conservation practitioners and other organisations working on the ground can help by setting clear goals and indicators, stepping up the action, and thoroughly monitoring and evaluating the progress of NbS projects. It is imperative that the positive benefits of conservation action can clearly be demonstrated to the private sector to give them the confidence to invest in NbS.

Just as important is the public – we cannot continue investing in nature and people without your help. Nature is our greatest ally in tackling humanities greatest challenges. We must reconnect with nature to appreciate its true value. Donate today to help Born Free invest in nature.