The "Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) Policy Tracker" is the first global database using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to identify policies and investment plans that support nature-based solutions (NbS). This project is a collaboration between Nature4Climate, Metabolic, and Arboretica to support governments and investors in responding to global climate, biodiversity, and health crises.
Methodology:
The project uses an automated data collection process (web scraping) and manual review to evaluate policies based on six key scientific criteria:
- Budget: A specific budget allocation is required.
- IPLC Knowledge: Includes the participation of Indigenous peoples and local communities.
- Prioritizing Impact Avoidance: Prioritizing the avoidance of destruction of intact ecosystems.
- Inclusiveness: Involves the participation of multiple stakeholders such as businesses, NGOs, and governments.
- Monitoring (MRV): Science-based monitoring, reporting, and verification plans.
- Landscape scale: Interventions at the landscape level rather than locally.
Key Results:
The report identified over 220 policies from 80 countries. Analysis data showed:
- 67% of policies had specific budget allocations.
- 90% recognized the importance of stakeholder inclusion.
- 48% involved IPLC communities.
- 62% had effective monitoring plans.
This project is a starting point for automated policy analysis, with future plans including expanding language coverage, integrating data into the "NCS Action Mapper" platform, and improving accuracy through community validation.
