The Nature-based Solutions Initiative
Mission
To research, to educate, to advise.
The Nature-based Solutions Initiative is an interdisciplinary programme of research, education and policy advice based at the University of Oxford. Its mission is to enhance understanding of the potential of Nature-based Solutions to address multiple global challenges and support their sustainable implementation worldwide.
Top news stories
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Nature-based Solutions included in COP27 Cover Decision text
Nature-based Solutions have been included for the first time in a COP cover decision. COP27, held this year in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt has seen a range of developments for nature-based solutions, parti November 11, 2022 -
U.S. Government releases Nature-Based Solutions Roadmap at COP27
The US Biden-Harris Administration has released a Nature-Based Solutions Roadmap; an outline of strategic recommendations for utilising nature-based solutions (NbS) to address climate change, nature l November 11, 2022 -
Nature-based Solutions are critical for putting Brazil on track towards Net Zero
New research led by NbSI and Oxford Net Zero research fellow Aline Soterroni, supported by NERC as part of the Agile Initiative, examines the extent to which existing and planned national policies in November 11, 2022
Research themes
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NbS for climate change adaptation
Building social-ecological resilience in a warming world
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NbS for climate change mitigation
Credible and sustainable pathways to achieving net-zero
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Social dimensions of NbS
Understanding for whom NbS bring benefits, and how
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NbS and biodiversity
Measuring and monitoring biodiversity outcomes of NbS
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Economics of NbS
Economic recovery potential of investments in nature
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Best practice guidelines
Case studies and guidelines for policy and practice
Education
We offer the Nature-based Solutions to Global Challenges Foundation course and custom-designed courses on the science, policy, practice, finance and governance of nature-based solutions for executives and public servants. We also provide undergraduate and graduate teaching and supervision for students enrolled at the University of Oxford. If you are interested in taking part in one of our courses, please contact us.
Policy
Working with local organisations, we map current and future in-country opportunities for NbS, and combine knowledge from science and local experience to develop policy guidelines, targets and indicators on nature-based solutions for businesses and governments. We also map and monitor the prominence of NbS in climate policy and provide a baseline against which ambition for NbS can be measured over time.
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Nature-based Solutions are critical for putting Brazil on track towards Net Zero
New research led by NbSI and Oxford Net Zero research fellow Aline Soterroni, supported by NERC as part of the Agile Initiative, examines the extent to which existing and planned national policies in November 11, 2022 -
Revised climate pledges show enhanced ambition for nature-based solutions
A total of 122 new NDCs were submitted last year, representing 148 signatories to the Paris Agreement. Our analysis of these new NDCs reveal enhanced ambition for nature-based solutions to climate cha February 02, 2022 -
NbSI-WWF-RSPB report on Nature-based Solutions in UK Climate Adaptation Policy
Our report, 'Nature-based solutions in UK climate adaptation policy', commissioned by the RSPB and WWF, summarises evidence on the many ways in which Nature-based solutions (NbS) can address climate September 09, 2021