Nature‑Based Solutions (NbS)

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) are actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified ecosystems that address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing benefits for human well-being, biodiversity and resilience. This is the definition adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly in resolution 5/5 (2 March 2022), the first multilaterally agreed definition of the concept.

Unlike conventional 'grey' infrastructure (concrete, pipes and engineered defences), NbS rely on living systems. A well-designed solution can become more effective over time as the ecosystem matures, while also storing carbon, supporting biodiversity and improving local livelihoods.

Types of Nature-Based Solutions

NbS span a wide range of ecosystems and goals. Common categories include:

• Coastal protection: mangroves, coral reefs, salt marshes and dunes dissipate wave energy and reduce storm and flood damage to coastlines.
• River and flood management: restoring floodplains and wetlands increases natural water storage and reduces downstream flooding.
• Aquifer recharge: riparian forests and managed infiltration help replenish groundwater and improve water quality.
• Urban cooling: green corridors, parks and tree cover lower surface temperatures and reduce the urban heat-island effect and cooling-energy demand.
• Regenerative agriculture and soil health: increasing soil organic matter improves water retention and reduces run-off and erosion.

Standards and guidance

To stop the term being used as a label for low-quality or token projects, several reference frameworks exist:

• IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions: first published in 2020, it sets out 8 criteria and 28 indicators covering societal challenges, design at scale, biodiversity gain, economic viability, inclusive governance and adaptive management. A second edition was launched on 10 October 2025 at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, strengthening equity, financing and the conditions needed to scale NbS.
• UNEA resolution 5/5 (2022): provides the agreed international definition and safeguards, including respect for the rights of local communities and Indigenous peoples.
• EU policy: the European Commission promotes NbS through its research, adaptation and biodiversity strategies, and the European Green Deal frames them as a tool for climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration.

Why companies invest in NbS

For businesses, NbS are increasingly part of climate and water strategy rather than philanthropy. They can support climate change mitigation by acting as carbon sinks, strengthen climate resilience against droughts and floods, and contribute to corporate water replenishment goals. High-integrity NbS carbon and water projects can also generate credits used within an emissions offsetting strategy. To be credible, such credits should meet quality benchmarks such as the Core Carbon Principles set by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM), and they should complement, not replace, direct emission reductions.

How to approach an NbS project

• Identify priorities: locate sites and operations exposed to high water or climate risk.
• Compare options: weigh NbS against grey infrastructure on cost, durability and co-benefits.
• Involve local stakeholders: design projects with the communities that manage and depend on the ecosystem.
• Plan monitoring: define how outcomes (carbon, water, biodiversity) will be measured, reported and verified over time.
• Report transparently: integrate NbS metrics into sustainability disclosures such as CDP and CSRD reporting.

NbS are closely linked to concepts such as carbon sinks, strategic water replenishment, decarbonization and broader climate change mitigation. At Manglai we help companies measure their carbon footprint and build credible climate and nature strategies, including the role of Nature-Based Solutions. Discover how Manglai can help you.