Nature-based solutions: what they are, what they consist of and examples of NBS

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are approaches that use natural processes themselves to address social, environmental and economic challenges. Instead of relying solely on gray infrastructure or conventional technological solutions, these strategies rely on healthy ecosystems (such as forests, wetlands, rivers, soils or coastal areas) to deliver benefits to both people and the environment.

In essence, they consist of protecting, restoring or sustainably managing ecosystems so that they can fulfill key functions such as regulating the climate, reducing the risk of natural disasters, improving air and water quality, conserving biodiversity or increasing human well-being.

The implementation of nature-based solutions offers a wide variety of benefits that span the environmental, social and economic spheres. One of the most notable is its ability to improve resilience to climate change. Well-conserved or restored ecosystems act as natural barriers to extreme events, helping to reduce the impact of floods, droughts, heat waves or soil erosion, while contributing to carbon capture and storage.

Environmental benefits

From an environmental point of view, these solutions favor the conservation of biodiversity and the balanced functioning of ecosystems. By protecting natural habitats and promoting sustainable management of the territory, essential processes such as pollination, soil fertility or regulation of the water cycle are reinforced. This not only benefits nature, but also ensures ecosystem services on which key human activities, such as agriculture or water supply, depend.

Social benefits

In the social sphere, nature-based solutions can improve people’s quality of life and health. Urban green spaces, ecological corridors or restored areas offer places for leisure, physical activity and contact with nature, which is associated with lower stress levels and better mental health.

Economic benefits

Finally, they also have economic advantages. In many cases, they are more profitable and sustainable in the long term than traditional infrastructures, since they require lower maintenance costs and are better adapted to future changes.

Let’s look at some of the main types, along with representative examples, of nature-based solutions:

• Solutions based on terrestrial ecosystems: this type of solutions focuses on the protection, restoration and sustainable management of forests, soils and agricultural landscapes. Well-preserved forests help regulate the climate, protect soil from erosion and maintain the water cycle. A common example is reforestation with native species to prevent landslides and improve water collection.
• Solutions in urban environments: In cities, nature-based solutions are used to improve livability and reduce environmental impacts. Urban parks, green roofs or green facades help reduce the heat island effect, improve air quality and manage rainwater. For example, the creation of green corridors not only favors the mobility of fauna, but also provides recreational and well-being spaces for the population.
• Solutions based on aquatic ecosystems and wetlands: the restoration of river banks, the recovery of degraded wetlands or the elimination of artificial barriers in rivers are examples of solutions that improve water quality and reduce natural risks.
• Solutions in coastal and marine areas: in coastal areas, the conservation and restoration of ecosystems such as mangroves, dunes or seagrasses is essential to protect against erosion and storms.

Implementing nature-based solutions requires a planned approach adapted to the local context. It is not about applying generic measures, but about understanding the territory, the existing ecosystems and the social and economic needs of the area.

First of all, it is necessary to carry out a proper diagnosis of the problem you want to address. This involves identifying existing environmental or social risks (such as flooding, biodiversity loss or soil degradation) and analyzing how local ecosystems can contribute to mitigating them.

Public administrations, local communities, technical experts and other affected sectors then begin to carry out management and planning plans to address the problems.

Finally, implementation must be accompanied by monitoring and evaluation. Measuring results allows you to check if the solution is meeting its objectives and make adjustments when necessary. Adaptive management and long-term maintenance are essential to ensure that environmental, social and economic benefits are maintained over time.

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