About
Nature-based solutions (NBS) use restoration, rehabilitation and protection of ecosystems to address
societal challenges and development goals, including preparedness for global climate change and
mitigation of natural and human-induced disasters. NBS also allows for a more holistic and innovative
approach to urban planning and climate and disaster mitigation. By working with nature, rather than
against it, NBS can further pave the way towards a more resource efficient, competitive, and greener
economy. Through diverse solutions utilising a more diverse nature and natural features and processes
into cities, landscapes, and seascapes, NBS provide sustainable, cost-effective, multi-purpose and
flexible alternatives for various objectives. Through solutions inspired by nature, NBS offers a cost-
effective Nature-based solutions includes connected green (i.e. vegetation), blue (i.e. water) and grey
infrastructure (i.e. unsealed roads) and not only provide environmentally, but also social, cultural and
economic benefits (e.g. create new jobs, manufacturing and delivery of new products and services). NBS
was considered to have the potential to remove up to 12 GT of greenhouse gasses per-year, build
climate resilience in various sectors and regions, and adding an additional USD 2.3 trillion in productive
growth to the global economy, while supporting vital ecosystem services.
The utilisation of NBS on terrestrial ecosystems, fresh water systems, ocean systems, and sustainable
food systems are highly relevant with the goals stipulated in the Paris Agreement and the goal to
achieve carbon net zero by 2050. Considering its overarching use to address global societal challenges,
NBS has the potential to also substantially contribute to the 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, NBS are directly relevant to SDG 2 (food security), 3 (health and
well-being), 6 (clean water and sanitation), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 13 (climate change),
14 (conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources), and 15 (protection,
restoration, and promotion of sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems).
Currently, topics concerning NBS is emerging as more and more developed and developing countries are
seeking for innovative and sustainable solutions to tackle the threat of climate change and human-
induced disasters. The NBS concept itself is currently being developed and applied by the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and other organisations such as the European Union. The
emergence of NBS concept in environmental sciences and nature conservation contexts came as
international organisations such as IUCN and the World Bank searched for solutions to work with
ecosystems rather than relying on conventional engineering interventions. Acknowledging these existing
conditions, RDI aims to develop a research group focused on the implementation of the NBS concept
through research activities to bolster the use and assessment of the concept especially in developing
countries such as Indonesia and other countries in the Southeast Asia Region.
HI 21.78°C | LO 21.78°C
