The Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre
Nature-based infrastructure (NBI) lies at the heart of climate change action. It underpins the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Accord, and the new international commitments on nature and biodiversity. Despite its wide-ranging benefits, NBI is not being scaled up enough to fulfill its potential. This is because our knowledge of the performance, predictability, and financial viability of NBI has—until now—been limited.
Together with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the MAVA Foundation, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), IISD has established the Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre. The NBI Global Resource Centre aims to bring together key partners to establish a business case for nature-based infrastructure. We will provide data, training, and sector-specific valuations based on the latest innovations in systems thinking and financial modelling.
We will work together with infrastructure planners, policy-makers, decision-makers, and financiers to improve the track record of NBI in delivering infrastructure services and supporting climate change adaptation while providing other environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Discover the NBI Global Resource Centre and visit the website.
Our Approach
The complexity of NBI requires taking a systemic approach when we plan, value, and implement infrastructure projects. It also requires knowledge integration and collaboration with partners in the field. Our work quantifies the positive impact of stewardship activities on ecosystems and demonstrates the cost efficiency of NBI.
Objectives
The NBI Global Resource Centre will seek to:
- Improve the predictability and certainty of performance of NBI through more than 40 customized valuations of NBI projects globally.
- Provide access to the data on the NBI performance through a new online database.
- Strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders to understand and value NBI through a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and customized training.
- Connect and build partnerships in the NBI field.
If you want to submit a proposal for assessment and collaborate with us to develop customized valuations of your projects, please contact our teams.
The valuations include:
- The creation of a qualitative assessment of the impacts of the NBI project.
- An economic assessment of the ecosystem services delivered by a given project.
- A financial assessment of the project’s performance under different climate change scenarios, with climate data derived from the EU’s Copernicus Climate Data Store.
- A comparison with the cost of grey-built infrastructure that provides the same level of services.
Through the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) assessments, we have built a wealth of experience on how to value the costs of risks and externalities, as well as the risks that can emerge from externalities over a project life cycle. We have established partnerships with active NBI stakeholders in various geographies and sectors.
Find out more on the SAVi website and the NBI Global Resource Centre website.
Our track record on planning, valuing, and implementing nature-based solutions spans across various programs.
- The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network
- SAVi NBI track record
- IISD-Experimental Lakes Area and natural infrastructure Canada
For a full overview of IISD’s work on nature-based solutions, see this page.
The GEF–MAVA project will be executed by IISD, while UNIDO will be the GEF implementing agency. GEF support comes from its Special Climate Change Fund. This work is also a key input into the work of the Global Commission on Adaptation.
Nature Based Infrastructure Related Publications
Turning Nature-Based Infrastructure Evidence Into Action
In 2025, the Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre assessed projects across Asia, Africa, and South America, and contributed to securing funding for Cape Town's waterway restoration program.
Sustainable Asset Valuation of the Recovery of the Bogotá River, Colombia
Hybrid infrastructure in the Bogotá River basin reduced flood risk, improved water quality, and delivered strong economic returns.
Sustainable Asset Valuation of Mining Closures in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mines in Marmato, Colombia
Nature-based infrastructure strengthens mine closure in Marmato, reducing landslide risk, restoring land, and delivering stronger economic returns.
The Role of Nature in the Development of Geopark Teskei
Sustainable tourism in Geopark Teskei generates significantly higher long-term returns than conventional mass tourism.
A Sustainable Asset Valuation Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in the Jukskei River Catchment in Johannesburg, South Africa
This report assesses how nature-based solutions in the Jukskei River catchment reduce water pollution, flood damage, and health costs.
A Sustainable Asset Valuation Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in Kigali, Rwanda
This report assesses how nature-based solutions can reduce flood risks, improve health, and deliver economic benefits for nearly 1 million residents in Kigali, Rwanda.
Making the Business Case for Nature-Based Infrastructure: How the City of Cape Town boosted funding for restoring its waterways
IISD supported the City of Cape Town with two integrated cost–benefit analyses, making a strong case for investing in nature-based infrastructure.
A Sustainable Asset Valuation Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in the Dechatu River Catchment in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
This report assesses how nature-based solutions can strengthen climate resilience, protect public health, and support livelihoods in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.
SUNCASA Integrated Cost-Benefit Analysis for Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Infographic
Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, faces severe climate risks from floods, soil erosion, and water scarcity. These infographics show the impacts nature-based solutions (NbS) could have on the region based on an integrated cost-benefit analysis.
Biodiversity Credits in Canada: Why trust, clear rules, and Indigenous leadership are critical
Canada has a chance to design a credible, Indigenous-led biodiversity credit market, but only if integrity and rights come before market expansion.
Project team
Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder
Vice-President, Global Strategies and Managing Director, Europe
Benjamin Simmons
Senior Director, Economic Law and Policy
Liesbeth Casier
Lead, Public Procurement and Sustainable Infrastructure
David Uzsoki
Lead, Sustainable Finance
Andrea Bassi
Senior Associate
Ronja Bechauf
Policy Advisor
Michail Kapetanakis
Policy Advisor, Sustainable Infrastructure
Edoardo Carlucci
Policy Advisor
Nathalia Niño
Associate
Marco Guzzetti
Associate
Sofia Strömgård
Communications Officer
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