Nature-based Solutions, or NbSs, are defined by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) as “actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems, which address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being, ecosystem services and resilience and biodiversity benefits.” As we face climate change hazards, biodiversity loss and prevailing economic debt in the Caribbean, NbSs have a very high potential to address all of these issues as well as contribute to sustainable development. Some examples of coastal NbSs are mangrove restoration, construction of artificial coral reefs, coral reef restoration and dune restoration.
The following are three key characteristics of NbS:
NbSs provide several co-benefits
No Column Title – 103 Once properly implemented, a NbS can help to protect us from climate change impacts, while supporting biodiversity and securing ecosystem services. For example, mangrove restoration can reduce the impact of storm surges and coastal flooding while providing a nursery habitat for aquatic species such as crab, fish and oysters, and creating opportunities for eco-tourism. No Section Title – 108 No Column Title – 110
NbSs are not a ‘one size fits all’ solution
No Column Title – 113 The performance of any NbS initiative is significantly influenced by the intensities of hazards, location, climate, land use and social dynamics in that particular region. Research and practice of NbSs must consider the localized social, environmental and economic conditions to achieve an optimal solution. No Section Title – 119 No Column Title – 120
NbSs require a collaborative approach
No Column Title – 122 Because there are many different factors that must be taken into consideration when conducting a NbS activity, the approach must be collaborative and involve a wide range of stakeholders. For coastal NbSs, stakeholders can include planners, engineers, environmental biologists and ecologists, policy makers, tourism professionals, educators, climate change professionals, community representatives and local government representatives.
