Nature-based Solutions (NBS): what they are and what they are for

The Nature-based Solutions or Nature-based Solutions (NBS) represent an innovative approach aimed at countering environmental, social and economic challenges through the sustainable use of services offered by ecosystems. According to the definition of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), NBSs are the set of alternative solutions to conserve, sustainably manage and preserve the functionality of natural ecosystems or restore it in ecosystems altered by humans, which address societal challenges in an effective and flexible manner: increasing the human well-being and biodiversity, the climate change, food and water security, disaster risks, social and economic development. This concept encompasses a wide range of interventions, from biodiversity regeneration to the design of green and resilient cities.

The benefits of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) are diverse. From the environmental point of view, NBS contribute to improved air and water quality, increased biodiversity, but also to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Urban green areas, for example, not only reduce the heat island effect, but also provide vital spaces for flora and fauna, reducing the fragmentation of these areas in urban settings. From a social point of view, NBSs promote human well-being through the creation of public spaces that encourage physical activity, relaxation and contact with nature, essential factors for mental and physical health. These solutions also stimulate social cohesion, facilitating encounters between different communities and generating local economic opportunities, for example, through sustainable tourism and urban agriculture.

The European Commission has identified four main objectives to be achieved through Nature-based Solutions, namely: Stimulate sustainable urbanisation in order to make cities more resilient, improving the quality of life of those who live in them; restore degraded ecosystems with the aim of improving the resilience of ecosystems themselves; develop climate change adaptation capacities; improve resilience and risk management. The European Union recognises the importance of NBS as a key tool to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal and the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy. Several European regulations and initiatives, such as the Habitat Directive, emphasise the adoption of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for the conservation of ecosystems and the sustainable management of water resources, supporting projects that integrate these solutions into the social and economic fabric of member states.

A recent report by the EEA on Nature-based solutions argues that the adoption of NBS needs to be enhanced in order to more effectively address the impacts of climate change in Europe. The benefits of nature-based solutions are indeed manifold and the scientific evidence is growing rapidly. According to the EEA, it is crucial in this logic to make the benefits, but also the costs of NBS transparent to all stakeholders and potential investors. This is because the cost-benefit distribution is still poorly understood and it is crucial to increase awareness on this issue. The EEA report emphasises the importance of deepening knowledge of the key success factors on the ground and the barriers to NBS development. At the same time, it points out that to reliably evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of these solutions over time, it is crucial to put in place rigorous monitoring, reporting and analysis mechanisms.

As part of Nature-based Solutions, 3Bee is leading the creation of Oases of Biodiversity: urban and agroforestry habitats created in areas of low biodiversity, where pollinator insects can find nourishment and be monitored through technology. 3Bee, as a naturetech company, has developed a range of innovative technologies that enable the collection and analysis of quantifiable data on the health of pollinators and their habitats, making it accessible to entities, businesses and citizens who decide to support environmental monitoring, protection and regeneration projects. To date, 3Bee has regenerated over 200 oases and has the goal of reaching 10,000, in order to create the largest ecological corridor for pollinators in Europe, thanks to the support of virtuous institutions and businesses. Want to know more? Contact us to start your journey towards biodiversity.