Nature-based Solutions

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are defined as actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems and that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing benefits for human well-being and biodiversity.

In agriculture (which, as defined by FAO, includes the crop, livestock, fisheries, apiculture, aquaculture and forest sectors), NbS means natural processes relying on ecosystem functioning to ensure food and livelihood security, healthier diets and more inclusive rural economies.

Overview and FAO contribution

Nature-based solutions safeguard the natural capital that sustains agroecosystems, which entails natural resources, ecosystem services and biodiversity for food and agriculture.

This approach is based on ecosystem functioning and requires a profound observation and understanding of nature and the social and cultural aspects linked to it.

Organic agriculture, water and soil conservation techniques; crop rotation and diversification; agroforestry practices; and grazing rotational movements are some examples of NbS applied to agriculture.

Agrifood systems face many challenges, including soil erosion, water scarcity, climate change and biodiversity loss, and NbS offer support for the transformation towards more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems that our time demands.

Europe and Central Asia

The European Union recognizes NbS as supporting the implementation of the European Green Deal and the European Union Biodiversity Strategy and will help guide investment towards a green recovery and the deployment of NbS. Furthermore, the adoption of NbS practices, techniques and technologies that protect natural resources and biodiversity can aid in the transformation of present agrifood systems into nature-positive production systems, which is embodied in the third action track of the United Nations Food Systems Summit, which will be held later this year.

Investing in NbS implies investing in natural capital, with positive financial returns and environmental benefits for society. The multiple opportunities for NbS to contribute to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs are particularly attractive to policymakers, investors and other civic entities.

FAO’s work on NbS implies technical inputs, quality information and public–private sector engagement to enhance the performance of policies and activities on the ground and reduce the perceived risks associated with NbS investments. FAO also has developed an NbS framework in the design of GEF-7 projects in Asia. As part of the Green Agriculture Platform, FAO will implement a web-based training program on NbS.