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 Departments of Biology and Geography 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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Narratives around Nature-based Solutions
A new report finds that Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are now widely viewed as an effective way of helping to address climate adaptation and mitigation, although many are concerned about their misuse in greenwashing and violations of human rights. Read more July 03, 2024 -
Going beyond carbon essential to appraise Climate Benefits of Nature-based Solutions
Two recent papers, in Science and Nature Communications, highlight how focussing exclusively on this measure can overlook other important details that impact climate. Read more May 31, 2024 -
Monitoring and reporting outcomes of Nature-based Solutions projects
In a world where accurate measurement of project outcomes is crucial - from biodiversity to carbon storage - we need frameworks, tools, and protocols to ensure accurate, robust, and repeatable monitoring. Read more April 10, 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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Directors’ Duty to Consider Nature
A recent legal opinion commissioned by Pollination and Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative on the nature-related risks and [...] Read more May 05, 2024 -
Climate Justice: Creating Compassionate, Equitable, and Actionable Solutions to the Climate Crisis
Join us for a dynamic and thought-provoking panel discussion as we delve into the urgent issue of climate justice and explore pathways [...] Read more April 04, 2024 -
TNFD at Davos Highlights Critical Role of Indigenous Communities in Biodiversity Conservation
The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) announced a significant milestone at Davos, with 320 organisations and [...] Read more February 02, 2024