Harnessing Nature Based Solutions for Sustainable Development

Nature Based Solutions are ecological interventions that can be applied to remedy the effects of climate change, pollution, ecosystem degradation.

What's the buzz about by Aalia Burman

Nature Based Solutions (NbS) are ecological interventions that can be applied to remedy the effects of climate change, pollution, ecosystem degradation, and more. Nature based solutions are considered alternatives to technological applications to these problems, and tend to be a cost effective, integrated approach to problems that have environmental, economic and social dimensions. NbS can be used to combat climate change directly, through carbon sequestration, protecting coastlines, and protecting against extreme weather events, or through indirect efforts, such as bio-purification of water, combating food insecurity, and preventing drought. 

If you are looking to invest in NbS projects, or are generally curious about NbS, this guide is for you. Nature based solutions have been gaining the limelight with an increased attention to carbon offsetting projects as per Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. Article 6.4 allows countries to trade emissions in a carbon market, by selling credits generated by projects that sequester carbon dioxide such as through NbS. These projects have been increasing manifold as investments into carbon markets increase. In this article, we dive into some examples of NbS, their applications, and how they can foster sustainable development. 

1. Oyster reefs for water purification in coastal regions

Oysters are filter feeders that feed on particles in the water, including pollutants. One oyster can filter up to 4 litres of water an hour, making it an invaluable resource to combat marine pollution, absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, and prevent ocean acidification. Oyster reefs are similar to coral reefs, in the way that oyster latch onto existing oyster beds, forming a huge colony of oysters over familiar ground. Restoring oyster reefs has many practical benefits, such as improved water quality, carbon sequestration and prevention of coastline erosion. Oysters provide ecosystem services valued at millions of dollars, and are easy to restore with low investment and resources.

2. Pollinators like birds and bees for improving agricultural yields 

Pollinators are an excellent example of indirectly impacting climate efforts. Pollinators are responsible for plant reproduction with their role of dispersing male pollen to the female parts of the plants. Without pollinators, a majority of plant species would die out - devastating agricultural systems - and food systems would be disrupted. Eliminating threats to pollinators and enhancing pollinator populations through an ecosystem approach helps to improve crops and can create nearly $23 billion in value for the economy and invaluable impact on biodiversity and climate.

3. Hyperaccumulator plants to extract heavy metals from the soil 

Heavy metals are extremely toxic pollutants that have entered the environment due to irresponsible processing of waste from industry and human settlements. Certain plant species are able to capture and process heavy metals from the soil, remediating soil quality and improving ecosystem health. This process is known as phytoremediation, and can help to safely and ecologically remove and process heavy metals from nature at a fraction of the cost that technological methods require. While there are limited case studies showcasing the impact of this method on the environment, this approach has a huge potential to improve soil and ecosystem health in heavily polluted areas.

4. Permaculture as a nature inclusive agricultural technique

Permaculture is a nature inclusive agricultural technique that imitates the balance and diversity found in natural ecosystems. It integrates land management, resource use, and community living in a way that fosters both ecological resilience and long-term sustainability. Once a permaculture farm is set up, it requires very few resources and low manual labour to sustain itself. It is a sustainable alternative to monoculture, an agricultural approach that is water, fertiliser, pesticide intensive and often uses genetically modified seeds. Permaculture prevents drought, desertification, and soil erosion, enhances biodiversity, sequesters carbon, and is resilient to climate change. Permaculture farms harness the power of organic farming and design to produce climate positive outcomes. 

5. Rainwater harvesting using contour bunds

Contour bunds are holes dug in the ground to capture rainfall during the monsoon season, which replenish the groundwater and provide a source of water during dry months. Bunds provide an alternative source of water to rural communities, combating severe drought and desertification in rural areas. They also capture surface run-off, providing defences against flooding in the monsoons. This technique helps to reduce irrigation costs, improve crop yields, improve WASH, and lowers stress on the water table. When implemented alongside other efforts for water management, bunds can provide invaluable support to rural communities in access to clean water.

6. Mangroves for coastline protection and climate resilience 

Mangroves are coastal plants that thrive in salt water environments in low lying areas. They trap and bury organic matter in their roots and soil, and keep carbon locked away for hundreds of years, preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere. They protect coastlines during storm surges and prevent coastal erosion. They create an ideal habitat for many species of birds, mammals, and marine life, providing a source of food and income to local communities. Minimising threats to mangroves such as pesticide and fertiliser use, land encroachment, deforestation, and poor waste management can help mangroves thrive and provide billions of dollars worth ecosystem services.

Nature based solutions are effective ways to conserve natural habitats and biodiversity, while receiving immense economic benefits from them. Investments into NbS is critical to improve their adoption and to protect critical species like bees and mangroves from dying out.