Introduction and function of the nature-based solutions map

The Nature-based Solutions Map (NbS Map) is a tool designed to help businesses integrate nature-based solutions (NbS) into their decision-making. It assists in identifying suitable NbS based on business challenges, biomes, and environmental considerations. The map aims to streamline the selection process, enabling companies to align NbS with strategic objectives related to business performance, climate action, biodiversity conservation, water management, and social equity.

This tool does not serve as an exhaustive list of all NbS activities but provides a structured framework to shortlist viable solutions. Effective implementation requires additional design and delivery work beyond the scope of the map.

How to use the map

Businesses should begin by identifying key challenges and opportunities using Stage 1 of the NbS Blueprint. This step helps determine the relevant biomes and priority areas for intervention. The NbS Map then guides users in selecting suitable NbS types that align with their specific context.

The map

The NbS Map consists of three primary elements: business challenges, biomes, and nature-based solutions.

• Business challenges: The map categorises common challenges across industries, including cost reduction, regulatory compliance, resilience building, and sustainability efforts.
• Biomes: The biomes are aligned with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) taxonomy and include forests, grasslands, urban areas, wetlands, freshwater bodies, coastal zones, and marine environments.
• Nature-based solutions: Each NbS type is linked to specific business challenges and biomes. Companies can use this information to identify solutions such as afforestation, regenerative agriculture, wetland restoration, and urban green spaces.

What is included in the nature-based solutions map

The NbS Map provides a structured reference for businesses to address sustainability concerns and operational risks. It outlines NbS activities across multiple categories, including:

• Freshwater and wetlands: Strategies such as wetland restoration, river rehabilitation, and lake restoration improve water quality, control flooding, and enhance biodiversity.
• Urban solutions: Green space creation and management mitigate urban heat, improve air quality, and provide social and economic benefits.
• Terrestrial solutions: Forest and grassland conservation support carbon sequestration, enhance supply chain resilience, and protect biodiversity.
• Marine and coastal solutions: Offshore and coastal NbS, such as mangrove restoration, support climate adaptation, carbon sequestration, and disaster risk reduction.

Core business

NbS can enhance business operations by introducing sustainable raw materials, reducing costs, increasing asset value, and improving supply chain resilience.

• New and improved products: Companies can leverage NbS, such as regenerative agriculture, to develop sustainable products and increase long-term yields.
• Cost reduction: Nature-based wastewater treatment, such as engineered wetlands, can lower operational expenses.
• Asset value and resilience: Measures like mangrove restoration reduce disaster risks, protecting physical assets from climate-related damage.
• Regulatory compliance: NbS can help businesses meet environmental regulations, such as water quality standards, while improving sustainability credentials.

Climate

NbS contribute to climate mitigation by avoiding emissions, removing carbon, and improving climate adaptation.

• Emissions reduction: Conservation efforts, such as forest protection, prevent emissions linked to deforestation.
• Carbon sequestration: Afforestation and soil restoration enhance carbon storage, reducing net emissions.
• Climate adaptation: NbS like wetland restoration and coastal protection strengthen resilience against extreme weather and sea-level rise.

Nature (including biodiversity)

NbS help businesses minimise their impact on ecosystems and restore degraded environments.

• Reducing impacts and dependencies: Strategies like sustainable land management mitigate biodiversity loss and reduce reliance on non-renewable resources.
• Ecosystem restoration: Forest rehabilitation and river restoration support biodiversity recovery and ecosystem stability.

Water

NbS improve water management through flood control, drought resilience, and water purification.

• Flood management: Coastal and wetland restoration absorbs excess water, reducing flood risks.
• Water stress reduction: NbS enhance water availability by replenishing groundwater and improving watershed management.
• Water treatment: Constructed wetlands naturally filter contaminants, lowering treatment costs and improving water quality.

Equity (including social)

NbS generate social benefits by enhancing employee well-being, supporting local economies, and improving public health.

• Employee engagement: Green spaces in urban areas improve workplace satisfaction and productivity.
• Supplier livelihoods: Regenerative agriculture enhances soil fertility and increases income for farmers.
• Local economic development: Restoration projects can boost tourism, fisheries, and community resilience.
• Health and well-being: Green infrastructure reduces air pollution, mitigates urban heat, and promotes recreational spaces.

Conclusion

The NbS Map is a practical tool for businesses seeking to integrate nature-based solutions into their operations. By aligning business challenges with appropriate NbS, companies can enhance sustainability, improve resilience, and create long-term value. While the map provides an initial framework, successful NbS implementation requires further investment, planning, and stakeholder engagement.