The Nature-based Solutions Initiative
Mission
To research, educate, and advise.
The Nature-based Solutions Initiative is an interdisciplinary programme of research, education and policy advice based in the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford. Its mission is to enhance understanding of the potential of nature-based solutions to address multiple global challenges whilst supporting the health of ecosystems and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Top news stories
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‘Carbon code’ could promote seagrass restoration and build coastal resilience in the UK
A new report by NbSI, Seascape Ecology Lab and Project Seagrass, calls for a UK-Specific Seagrass Carbon Code to harness the potential benefits of carbon offsetting and ecosystem restoration. Read more July 20, 2023 -
Strengthening England’s adaptation programme with nature-based Solutions to bolster climate change resilience
By embracing nature-based solutions at a national scale, England can secure sustainable and climate-resilient future. Read more June 09, 2023 -
Going beyond market-based mechanisms to finance nature-based solutions and foster sustainable futures
Investments in activities that exploit and destroy biodiversity and its ecosystems currently outweigh investments in restoration and preservation. Subsidies for extractive industries total 1.8 trillion USD per year, while the […] Read more April 05, 2023
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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Plight of the UK’s Nature taken to Parliament: The People’s Plan for Nature
The People's Assembly for Nature and NbSI Director, Professor Nathalie Seddon, took to Parliament on Tuesday 13th June. The assembly [...] Read more June 06, 2023 -
Nature-based solutions can help support the levelling-up agenda
Natural green space plays a vital role in supporting human health and wellbeing while delivering many economic benefits, yet is [...] Read more March 03, 2023 -
Can the concept of “Loss and Damage” help avert the biodiversity crisis?
A new article, co-authored by NbSI’s Tasfia Tasmin, examines how progress on ‘loss and damage funds’ relate to nature and [...] Read more June 06, 2023