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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We are hiring a Senior Researcher and Deputy Director
We are looking to appoint a Senior Researcher and Deputy Director in Nature-based Solutions as part of a new collaboration between the Biology and the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment. Read more November 24, 2023 -
Nature-based solutions critical for Brazil’s Net Zero goal
Although the implementation of Brazil's Forest Code is key for the country to meet and increase the ambition of its short-term NDC targets, it will not be enough to bridge the gap to net-zero GHG emissions by mid-century. Read more November 22, 2023 -
Diverse forests can store over 70% more carbon than monocultures
Multiple tree species are 70% more effective as carbon sinks than monoculture forests Read more November 10, 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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State of Nature Report Reveals Alarming Decline in UK Wildlife
The State of Nature report, released today, paints a dire picture of the state of wildlife in the United Kingdom. The report, which is [...] Read more September 09, 2023 -
Women are Key Actors in NbS
A recent working paper by Salcedo-La Viña et al. from the World Resources Institute has shed new light on the crucial role that rural [...] Read more October 10, 2023 -
The Future is Indigenous
NbSI Fellow Aline Soterroni was invited to attend a roundtable with Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's Minister of Indigenous Peoples, organised [...] Read more October 10, 2023