Comparative Analysis of the Existing Criteria, Principles, and Safeguards for the Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions
This background note analyzes two key international standards and guidelines of high relevance for nature-based solutions (NbS). The note compares their principles, safeguards, and implementation requirements and shows similarities, differences, gaps, as well as the interrelationships and commonalities between the two existing international standards.
Key Messages
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There are growing demands for criteria, norms, standards, and guidelines to inform the effective implementation of NbS.
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Both the IUCN Global Standard on NbS and CBD Voluntary Guidelines offer guidance on the design and implementation of NbS measures, albeit with differences. This analysis concludes that both documents are highly compatible with each other and effective in the implementation and scaling up of NbS.
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More clarity is needed to understand what guidance is needed for improved implementation of NbS and how best to transfer global frameworks into local realities. Avoiding duplication of work and additional burden should be the priority for any future discussions on NbS.
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The ongoing and planned review and update of both the IUCN Global Standard and the CBD Voluntary Guidelines could present opportunities for alignment with United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/5 and avoid duplication of work under UNEA and United Nations Environment Programme.
NbS have emerged as a crucial concept for addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges by protecting, conserving, restoring, and sustainably using and managing natural and modified ecosystems. Recognized for their potential to simultaneously enhance human well-being, ecosystem services, resilience, and biodiversity, NbS are increasingly incorporated into national climate and biodiversity policies, including nationally determined contributions, national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs), and national adaptation plans.
Additionally, NbS are explicitly reflected in the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, emphasizing their role in mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing nature's contributions to people. As countries update their NBSAPs to align with the framework’s goals, debates have emerged regarding the definition, implementation, and safeguards of NbS to prevent adverse environmental and social impacts and ensure equitable outcomes.
The background note analyzes two key international standards and guidelines—the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Global Standard for NbS and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Voluntary Guidelines for the Design and Effective Implementation of Ecosystem-based Approaches for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction—comparing their principles, safeguards, and implementation requirements and showing similarities, differences, gaps, as well as the interrelationships and commonalities between the two existing international standards. Aimed at policy-makers and practitioners, the note offers insights into the holistic understanding of the available guidance on the design and implementation of NbS and ecosystem-based approaches. It also provides guidance on how to select appropriate NbS criteria, norms, standards, and guidelines for project use or for multilateral negotiations, fostering a comprehensive understanding for effective and equitable NbS implementation.
This publication was developed by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and with support from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.
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