IUCN Launch Global Standard for Nature Based Solutions

The IUCN has today launched an international standard for the implementation and design of Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The launch opened with leaders and experts from around the world recognising the importance of repairing our destruction of nature if we are to tackle the biggest global challenges.

Discussing the link between nature and the upcoming climate summit, COP26, UK Minister of State (Minister for Pacific and the Environment) Lord Zac Goldsmith said, “there is no pathway to net zero that does not involve Nature-based Solutions.” He added that we need to recognise the value of what nature provides for us.

Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change of the Republic of the Seychelles, Mr Wallace Cosgrow, also spoke of how the Seychelles has long “recognised that the solutions to most of our biggest challenges depends on nature” and that there has “never been any doubt that this is the way to go”. Many leaders also discussed how the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to respect boundaries with nature and rebuild in a new way that protects it.

The launch also recognised the importance of including the private sector as part of the solution and the necessity of inclusive participation with indigenous people.

The Global Standard for NbS is a self assessment tool for governments, companies, NGOs and others to design effective Nature-based Solutions projects. The projects are assessed against eight criteria and associated indicators, which address the pillars of sustainable development (biodiversity, economy and society) and resilient project management.

The document will be published at 12pm BST on 23 July 2020.