By Patricia Katto
There is no denying the cataclysmic impact of climate change on the world, as its effects continue to devastate both people and the environment. Although the effects of climate change are felt by least developed, developing and developed nations alike, the former two categories face greater vulnerability due to a number of factors. Firstly, the geographical location of these nations often increases their exposure to extreme weather events and shifts in climate patterns. This is then exacerbated by the climate-sensitive economic sectors that are heavily relied on by these nations. Furthermore, as developing and least developed nations already face muti-faceted socio-economic challenges they often lack the financial, institutional and technological capacity required to adequately mitigate and adapt to climate change. This then leads to increased economic loss and loss of livelihoods following climate-related disasters.
The complex nature of the effects of climate change on least developed and developing countries and islands calls for collaborative, cost-effective and impactful solutions to address them, arguably manifested in Nature-based solutions (NbS).
What are Nature-based Solutions?
Currently, there is no universally accepted definition for NbS as different groups approach the term from diverse perspectives. However, IUCN provides a recognised working definition which refers to NbS as follows: “actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural and modified ecosystems in ways that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, to provide both human well-being and biodiversity benefits”.
While linguistically complex, the definition arguably conveys the holistic approach of NbS and their significant potential to positively impact both people and the environment. This has led to their use in a number of sectors including: agriculture, forestry and land use, water resource management and urban development. Consequently, the methods encapsulated by the multi-faceted approach are very far reaching, including: forest conservation and restoration, invasive species management, agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, urban tree planting and integrated watershed management, to name a few.
While NbS have recently gained traction within policy discussions and global development practice, they have long been used in various non-Western contexts for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Within such contexts they are rarely termed NbS as this is a fairly new label that is still evolving. However, many Global South nations, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), have long implemented practices that have a combination of climate, biodiversity and social outcomes, which is key criteria for NbS. Though increased global attention to these impactful initiatives is highly welcome, there are arguably still some ways to go concerning mainstreaming NbS and securing more of its inclusion within both policy and practice. E Co. remains at the forefront of this drive.
Mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions
E Co. continues to steer knowledge dissemination concerning the benefits and opportunities of NbS, with its consolidation of reports on this topic for various clients. Within our research, E Co. has highlighted the need for more interdisciplinary, participatory and locally integrated collaboration concerning NbS. It is our hope that as more multi-pronged knowledge is disseminated, a better understanding of these solutions will be facilitated, leading to their prioritisation in policy by both global institutions and national governments.
Nevertheless, E Co. is not just talking the talk, it is also walking in step with its ambitions by prioritising NbS in a number of project designs. We develop and prepare project concept notes, full funding proposals, and pre-feasibility studies for the implementation of NbS in a number of developing countries and islands. Additionally, by providing capacity training to government stakeholders on climate financing, E Co. is making efforts to ensure that governments are equipped with the technical expertise to obtain funding for the implementation and sustainability of NbS projects within their countries.
Conclusion
As the world continues to actively engage in efforts to address climate change, it is important it uses all its resources, including its natural ones. NbS offer cost-effective opportunities to address climate change, while simultaneously preserving and enhancing natural ecosystems. Therefore, at E Co, we find it important that they are actively promoted in the global combat against climate change and the sustainable transformation of the world.
