The Nature-based Solutions Initiative
Mission
To research, educate, and advise.
To enhance understanding and implementation of nature-based solutions that support thriving human and ecological communities and nurture an economy that enhances the web of life. To this end, we conduct interdisciplinary research and provide guidance for decision makers based on the best available evidence and in a way that respects the rights and knowledges of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Top news stories
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Fragmented Governance Endangers Biodiversity, Climate, and Human Systems, Warns IPBES Report
A new report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) highlights the dangers of fragmented governance across biodiversity, climate change, food, water, and health systems. The "Nexus Assessment" emphasizes the interconnectedness of these crises and warns that addressing one issue in isolation risks compounding others. Read more December 19, 2024 -
Humanity at a crossroads: can stories inspire where data has not?
Humanity is on a perilous path, driving the biosphere—and our shared future—toward collapse. Can stories inspire transformative change where data alone has failed? This pressing question was explored at the latest Oxford Ministry for the Future event, where NbSI’s director Prof Nathalie Seddon joined award-winning author Richard Powers and fellow academics to discuss how storytelling can catalyse meaningful action for a sustainable future. Read more December 19, 2024 -
The promise and the challenges of Brazil’s new NDC
At COP29, Brazil was one of the first countries to submit its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), pledging to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to two-thirds by 2035, compared to 2005 levels. Read more November 28, 2024
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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Update from COP16: Signs that Latin America is stepping up on climate and nature leadership
As hosts of the COP16 Biodiversity summit and the upcoming COP30 Climate, Colombia and Brazil are showing signs of leadership on how [...] Read more October 10, 2024 -
The cross-boundary impact of EU’s carbon dioxide removal strategy in Brazil
In a recent publication, NbSI's Aline Soterroni and collaborators took a a close look at the European Union's (EU) Carbon Dioxide [...] Read more September 09, 2024 -
Reimagining land use in climate pledges: a call for high ambition
In the new climate guide from the Land Gap Report, the focus is squarely on rethinking how land use is integrated into Nationally [...] Read more September 09, 2024