Nature-based Solutions

What are NBS?

NBS are ‘Actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems, which address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being, ecosystem services and resilience and biodiversity benefits.’ – this is the NBS definition officially adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly, 2022

How we prioritise Nature-based Solutions

Partners for Water prioritises the following initiatives and processes for mainstreaming NBS into projects that enhance water security abroad:

• Subsidy: We grant subsidies to knowledge institutions, Dutch companies and NGOs for conducting feasibility studies or pilot projects that aim to enhance water security abroad through the use of NBS.
• 5 steps framework: We prioritise support for NBS projects that incorporate at least one of the first four steps of Ecoshape’s ‘5 Steps to Building with Nature’ framework (see Fig. x)
• Co-creation: Our commitment to co-creation with local stakeholders and private- or public parties ensures that our NBS initiatives are tailored to match local conditions and needs.
• Networking: With a comprehensive network spanning the globe, we are dedicated to facilitating knowledge institutions, businesses and NGOs with the right connections to stimulate, establish and expand NBS projects.
• Knowledge sharing: We monitor and disseminate insights and lessons learned from our NBS initiatives across the PfW community and our international partners and stakeholders.
• Events: we regularly organise events designed to promote networking and the exchange of knowledge across the global water sector, like the ‘Taking the next step for NBS’ event and the ‘Waterproof 2024’ event.

Five steps for generating BwN Design idea. Source www.ecoshape.org