The IUCN Global Standard on Nature-based Solutions (English, French, Spanish)

IUCN has been operationalising the principles of Nature-based Solutions into a user-friendly global standard. To ensure this standard is what we need most right now and provides added value across regions, we have crowd sourced feedback resulting in a solid eight criteria framework.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are “actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits” (IUCN Resolution WCC-2016-Res-069). This approach to sustainability transformation can be part of an effective economic development strategy that supports better governance and adaptive management of our natural resources. It can help us meet our goals for food and water security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, economic and social development, human health and disaster risk reduction.

NbS are intended to support the achievement of society’s development goals and safeguard human well-being in ways that reflect cultural and societal values and enhance the resilience of ecosystems, their capacity for renewal and the provision of services. NbS are designed to address major societal challenges, such as food security, climate change, water security, human health, disaster risk, social and economic development.

The 8 criteria of the IUCN Global Standard on Nature-based Solutions

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17th September – Have your say on the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions

Global Ecosystem Management Programme

Commission on Ecosystem Management