Nature-based Solutions treat nature as an ally rather than an obstacle.
The European Commission’s definition emphasizes that Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are not only about protecting nature, but about working with nature to address societal challenges in a holistic, sustainable, and resilient way.
Key Features
The project “Community-Based Climate Adaptation and Biodiversity through Small-Scale Nature-Based Solutions” (Co-ADAPT) empowers urban communities to actively participate in climate adaptation and biodiversity enhancement through small-scale NbS.
Examples
In cities
-
Green roofs and green walls reduce urban heat, manage stormwater, and improve air quality.
-
Urban parks and green corridors cool cities, support biodiversity, and create spaces for social interaction.
-
Rain gardens and permeable surfaces reduce flood risk and recharge groundwater.
Society resilience
Nbs aim to reconnect people, places, and ecosystems through interventions that are long-term, multifunctional, and adaptive. By integrating ecological processes into cities, landscapes, and seascapes, NbS offer powerful responses to climate change, biodiversity loss, and social challenges—while enhancing resilience and well-being for both people and nature.
Benefits
-
Ecological benefits: improved biodiversity, healthier ecosystems, climate mitigation and adaptation.
-
Social benefits: better physical and mental health, recreational spaces, social cohesion, improved quality of life.
-
Economic benefits: cost-effectiveness over time, reduced maintenance costs, green jobs, and local economic opportunities.