Spotlight on social equity, finance and scale: Promises and pitfalls of nature-based solutions

Abstract

Human activity has modified and deteriorated natural ecosystems in ways that reduce resilience and exacerbate environmental and climate problems. Physical measures to protect, manage and restore these ecosystems that also address societal challenges in sustainable ways and bring biodiversity benefits are sometimes referred to as “nature-based solutions” (NBS). For example, reducing deforestation and restoring forests is a major opportunity for climate mitigation, while protecting or restoring coastal habitats can mitigate damage to coastal areas from natural hazard events, in addition to potentially providing co-benefits related to livelihood, recreation, and biodiversity. There is now an impetus to shift towards greater deployment of nature-based solutions. Not only do they offer an alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based or hard infrastructure solutions but, if implemented correctly, they also hold great promise for achieving multiple goals, benefits and synergies. These include climate mitigation and resilience; nature and biodiversity protection; and economic and social gains. 2020 saw an explosion in publications about NBS, which have contributed to filling many of the knowledge gaps that existed around their effectiveness and factors for their success. These publications have also highlighted the knowledge gaps that remain and have revealed a lack of critical reflection on the social and economic sustainability aspects of NBS. Building on these gaps, we decided to launch this mini-series of four briefs to provoke a more nuanced discussion that highlights not only the potential benefits, but also the potential risks and trade-offs of NBS. The purpose is not to downplay the importance of NBS for biodiversity, ecosystems, and coastal mitigation and adaptation, but to ensure that we establish a dialogue about ways to overcome these challenges while leaving no one behind.

Principles for just and equitable nature-based solutions

“…"As cities, communities, and organizations embrace NbS in their climate change adaptation planning, the process needs to create just and equitable outcomes instead of increasing socio-spatial inequality and intensifying vulnerability and exposure to environmental risks and hazards." (Cousins 2021, p.1) The meaningful integration of social equity and justice in the design, governance and implementation of NbS is a prerequisite for successful outcomes in policy and practice (Barquet et al, 2021). Proponents of NbS must account for social contexts, including gender norms, power dynamics, and the historical marginalization and discrimination of different groups.…”

“…Nature-based solutions (NbS) are a hot topic in climate, environment and development circles. As they rise in popularity, it is increasingly important to scrutinize the narratives around the concept, its framing in policy and agenda setting, as well as its operationalization or practical implementation (Barquet et al, 2021). This brief is one in an SEI series critically exploring key issues on the topic.…”