The future we can and must chose: nature-based solutions

Summary

This video emphasizes the power of nature-based solutions to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty. It highlights the importance of protecting and restoring ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and marine habitats. These solutions not only preserve biodiversity but also support local communities by offering sustainable livelihoods, improving health, and reducing environmental risks like floods and heatwaves. Through collaboration with local communities and respect for indigenous knowledge, nature-based solutions can foster resilience and contribute to economic recovery, while ensuring long-term sustainability and human well-being.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nature-based solutions can combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty by protecting natural ecosystems.
• 😀 These solutions include the restoration of degraded habitats, cleaning rivers, and reintroducing microbes, plants, and animals into damaged landscapes.
• 😀 Sustainable management of working lands and fisheries, along with practices like planting trees among crops, are essential to nature-based solutions.
• 😀 Urban areas can benefit from nature-based solutions through green parks, roofs, and ponds, improving air quality and mental health.
• 😀 Biodiversity must be at the core of all nature-based projects, as thriving ecosystems support long-term human well-being.
• 😀 Local communities must lead and design nature-based solutions, incorporating indigenous knowledge, cultural traditions, and human rights.
• 😀 Nature-based solutions help store carbon, draw greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, and slow down climate change.
• 😀 Restoring habitats on slopes and catchments can reduce flood risks, erosion, and landslides, protecting homes and crops.
• 😀 Healthy coastal ecosystems protect communities from storm surges, saltwater intrusion, and erosion.
• 😀 Nature-based agricultural practices can sustain or even enhance yields, ensuring food security and clean water year-round.
• 😀 Implementing nature-based solutions generates jobs, supports economic recovery, and strengthens local livelihoods, contributing to global sustainability.

Q & A

What are nature-based solutions, and how do they contribute to fighting climate change?

Nature-based solutions involve protecting and restoring natural ecosystems like forests, peatlands, wetlands, grasslands, and marine habitats. These solutions help mitigate climate change by storing carbon, drawing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, and enhancing ecosystem services that support people and biodiversity.

What role do local communities play in the success of nature-based solutions?

Local communities are essential in designing and implementing nature-based solutions. Their involvement ensures that projects respect indigenous knowledge, cultural traditions, and human rights, fostering a co-production of benefits that support both society and biodiversity.

How do nature-based solutions address biodiversity loss?

Nature-based solutions help combat biodiversity loss by restoring degraded habitats, supporting diverse species, and ensuring that ecosystems can thrive. By prioritizing biodiversity, these solutions enable ecosystems to provide the necessary services for both humans and wildlife.

What specific actions are included in nature-based solutions to restore ecosystems?

Nature-based solutions include actions like restoring degraded habitats, cleaning rivers, allowing them to meander again, and bringing back microbes, plants, and animals to damaged landscapes. These actions help ecosystems recover and support biodiversity.

In what ways do nature-based solutions help manage agricultural lands?

Nature-based solutions can enhance agricultural productivity by sustainably managing lands, such as planting trees among crops, adding hedgerows, and promoting soil health. These practices improve yields, secure food supplies, and ensure clean drinking water.

How do healthy ecosystems help protect communities from natural disasters?

Healthy ecosystems, such as coastal habitats and forests, help protect communities from storms, floods, erosion, and landslides. For example, healthy coastal ecosystems can shield against storm surges, saltwater intrusion, and erosion, while forested areas stabilize soils and reduce flood risks.

What benefits do nature-based solutions bring to urban areas?

In urban areas, nature-based solutions such as parks, green roofs, and urban ponds provide multiple benefits. These include reducing heat during heatwaves, improving air quality, offering mental and physical health benefits, and enhancing the overall quality of life.

What role do nature-based solutions play in economic recovery?

Nature-based solutions contribute to economic recovery by creating jobs, supporting livelihoods, and securing supply chains. These solutions help restore ecosystems, which in turn boosts local economies and provides sustainable income sources.

How do nature-based solutions support human health and well-being?

Nature-based solutions improve human health and well-being by providing cleaner air, better mental and physical health, and promoting stronger community relationships. Access to nature and restored ecosystems can reduce stress, improve mood, and encourage outdoor activities.

Why is biodiversity important in nature-based solutions?

Biodiversity is the foundation of effective nature-based solutions. Ecosystems can only thrive and provide vital services, like carbon storage, flood prevention, and food security, when they are biodiverse. Healthy biodiversity is essential for long-term sustainability and human prosperity.