Mongabay series: Nature-based Solutions
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing “human well-being and biodiversity benefits,” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In an essay, University of Oxford’s Nature-based Solutions Initiative Director Nathalie Seddon underscored that to “qualify as an NbS, an action must sustainably provide one or more benefits for people while causing no loss of biodiversity or ecological integrity compared to the pre-intervention state.” To be sustainable and equitable, NbS must also be designed, implemented, managed and monitored by or in partnership with indigenous peoples and local communities through a process that fully respects and champions local rights and knowledge, and generates local benefits, the essay adds. NbS is an ‘umbrella concept’ for other established ‘nature-based’ approaches such as ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and ecosystem based mitigation, eco-disaster risk reduction and green infrastructure. More recently, the term ‘natural climate solutions (NCS)’ entered the lexicon. NCS also falls under the umbrella of NbS, but refers explicitly to conservation and management actions that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ecosystems and harness their potential to store carbon. This series attempts to highlight the Nature-based Solutions from around India while ensuring credibility, impacts as well as pitfalls and limitations of such solutions.
India is pitching for a 30 by 30 vision at the Montreal biodiversity COP
Large grass-munching herbivores can stabilise soil carbon
[Commentary] Documenting the flora and fauna of Phalee to mitigate the impact of forest fires
Coconut-based integrated farming could help sequester carbon, improve farm productivity: study
The planet has lost 83% of its freshwater aquatic life in 50 years, finds report
[Commentary] Mobilising resources for biodiversity conservation in the far eastern Himalayas
The potential of Kashmir’s springs for climate resilience
The reality of saving young mangroves in the Sundarbans
[Interview] Just representation in climate policies empowers women, says Saudamini Das
Climate resilient millets boost livelihood opportunities for Odisha’s tribal women
Exploring biochar as a nature-based solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Wrong trees in wrong places wastes tree plantation budget, finds study
Himalayan medicinal plants under threat due to climate change
[Commentary] A city on marsh: Why Indian coastal cities need to design and build with nature
[Photos] Lessons from a 74-year-old farmer who switched to organic sugarcane farming
India proposes river rejuvenation through plantations
Indian grasslands hold a treasure trove of endemic plants
[Video] A Kerala village’s quest towards carbon neutrality
New IPCC report connects the dots on climate change, biodiversity and human society
Special series
Wetland Champions
- [Commentary] India establishes the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia
- [Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots
- The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects
- Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter
Environment And Health
- Marine plastic pollution is not just a waste problem; reducing production is needed too
- Stitching sustainability amidst climate change challenges
- Gujarat bans exotic Conocarpus tree amid health and environment hazard
- Malaria-carrying mosquitoes shift homes from forests to rice fields
India's Iconic Landscapes
- Majuli’s shrinking wetlands and their fight for survival
- Saving India’s wild ‘unicorns’
- Indrella ampulla’s genetic tapestry unveils colour morphs isolated across the Palghat Gap
- [Commentary] Up close and personal with the fragility of the Himalayas
Beyond Protected Areas
- Climate litigation has entered the room. But could great Indian bustards be inched out?
- The dietary habits of endangered vultures
- Waterbirds adapt to nest and roost in the urban oases of Udaipur
- Understanding the elevational movements of Himalayan birds to improve conservation efforts
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- Pricey guests: Urban invasive species cost the world billions every year
- [Commentary] GROW with agroforestry, a step towards sustainable land management
- Millet tradition loses flavour among Madhya Pradesh’s tribals
- A village nurtures traditional food systems in response to climate change
Just Transitions
- How unplanned coal mine closures in India are affecting dependent communities, especially women
- Green Credit Scheme’s ‘methodology’ doesn’t inspire confidence among experts
- Conflict over critical mineral prospecting in Odisha signals need for better community involvement
- Fuel leak in Manipur raises concerns over water contamination