Nature-based solutions: An underutilised ally to urban resilience

By Charmae Pyl Wissink-Nercua, Specialist in Urban Land, Housing Development and Capacity-Building and Elena Marie Enseñado, Specialist in Nature-based Climate Change Adaptation Planning at IHS, the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam

In the face of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, cities worldwide struggle to adapt. Amidst these challenges, a formidable yet underutilised ally to achieving sustainable and resilient cities emerges – nature. Nature-based solutions (NBS) stand as a potent strategy, encompassing actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural ecosystems. They effectively address societal challenges, offering simultaneous benefits for human well-being and biodiversity.

Towards NBS urban resilience

Two decades ago, the International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN) pioneered the NBS concept, providing a formal definition to safeguard its use. Over time, cities and local governments gradually acknowledged the potential of NBS in confronting challenges such as climate change, food security, social and economic development, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.

In Europe, the European Commission (EC) takes the lead in harnessing nature to strengthen urban resilience, strategically funding NBS research and innovation projects through the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programmes. Internationally, the United Nations Environment Assembly adopts resolutions to bolster actions related to nature, aligning with the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Why aren’t all cities using NBS?

Despite increasing awareness, global adoption of NBS remains limited, hindered by various barriers, such as inadequate financial resources, path dependency, institutional fragmentation, inadequate regulations, limited land and time availability, lack of knowledge and information, and uncertainty regarding NBS processes and benefits, with the latter being a critical one.

The lack of knowledge in NBS processes as well as the limited capacity (technical and human) is restricting decision-makers’ ability to design, implement and manage NBS effectively. Urgent action is needed to enhance research, innovation and capacity-building activities across diverse city development stakeholders.

Driving NBS adoption in cities

At IHS, we recognise the pivotal role of knowledge and capacity-building in shaping city decision-making processes, particularly in achieving the SDGs. Committed to education, research and training to address contemporary urban challenges, IHS continuously collaborates with national and local governments globally.

In Colombia, IHS trained ministerial staff of the Ministry of Mines and Energy and National Hydrocarbons Agency on NBS for climate mitigation and adaptation in rural and peri-urban areas. In Uganda, the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development staff were equipped to address climate change impacts through sustainable land management and climate-smart agriculture. In Nepal, IHS trained local government staff from 17 municipalities on maximising NBS for climate mitigation and adaptation, integrating NBS into their local climate action plans.

As part of the SCORE Project (Smart Control of the Climate Resilience in European coastal cities), IHS supported living labs in European coastal cities and regions to identify, assess and prioritise NBS for climate change adaptation. These cities include Oarsoaldea and Massa in Spain, Dublin in Ireland, and Piran in Slovenia.

Looking ahead to 2024, IHS remains dedicated to building knowledge and capacity in cities and countries through advisory and training programmes. Bangladesh and Colombia are next on the list, where national and local government officials will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to embrace and implement NBS.

About IHS

For almost 65 years, IHS, the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, has worked with local authorities and communities to understand urban risk and trained urban professionals to design policies grounded in research and practice.

Based in Rotterdam, IHS is committed to education, research and training to grapple with the key urban challenges of the 21st century. To find out more about our Masters, PhD and short courses, please visit www.ihs.nl.

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