Nature-based solutions
Also called: NbS · Topic: Environment and Sustainable Development · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are actions that protect, restore or wisely manage ecosystems to solve problems such as climate change, floods or water shortage. Instead of relying only on concrete walls or machines, they use nature itself. They benefit people and biodiversity at the same time.
Example
MISHTI (2023) plants and restores mangroves along India's coasts. Mangroves shield coasts from storms, store carbon and support fish. Amrit Dharohar (2023) works the same way to conserve wetlands.
Don't confuse with
- Compensatory afforestation: this is a legal duty to replace forest that a project has cleared. Nature-based solutions are a broader approach that uses ecosystems to solve problems, whether or not any forest was lost.
Related concepts
- Chipko and Appiko movements
- Development-induced displacement
- Environmental impact assessment
- Compensatory afforestation
- Net present value of forests
- Green credit
- Biodiversity offset
- Biodiversity credits
- REDD+
- Polluter pays principle