This guidance document provides practical methods for integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) into humanitarian activities to enhance climate resilience and mitigate disaster risks.
Key contents include:
Definition of NbS: NbS are actions to protect, restore, and manage ecosystems to effectively address social, economic, and environmental challenges while benefiting human health, ecosystem services, and biodiversity.
The "Triple Dividends" of NbS:
- Protection: Minimizing disaster risks and protecting communities from acute and long-term shocks.
- Economic: Promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities, helping communities escape poverty and reducing reliance on long-term aid.
- Socio-economic: Enhancing natural resource governance, improving community cohesion, and reducing conflict.
Integration with Sphere Standards: This guidance supports the Sphere vision by providing a framework for applying
Sphere standards when implementing NbS, ensuring human-centered humanitarian practices that respect human rights and adhere to the "no harm" principle.
Integrated Approach: Implementing NbS requires a multi-sectoral, comprehensive approach across the landscape (e.g., from watershed to reef) and the involvement of stakeholders, particularly local communities.
Challenges and Tools: While NbS faces hurdles in funding, technical requirements, and implementation timelines, the document provides numerous supporting tools such as sector-specific benefit analyses (WASH, shelter, food security, health), checklists, and assessment frameworks to help organizations overcome these challenges.
