Unlocking nature for disaster resilience: a policy guide to enable nature-based solutions

This guide focuses on the role of NBS in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction (DRR), including traditional conservation and restoration practices when they contribute to resilience and human well-being. Nature-based solutions (NBS) can support countries facing complex climate-related challenges by reducing disaster risks while delivering important socioeconomic benefits.  NBS can complement or replace gray infrastructure, often at lower cost, while generating co-benefits such as employment, particularly in ecosystem restoration, urban green infrastructure, coastal protection, and DRR activities.

Successful implementation and scaling of NBS require supportive policy frameworks that prioritize environmental and ecosystem-based approaches across sectors. Aligning NBS with broader development goals—such as climate action, DRR, sustainable development, food security, and infrastructure resilience—can help integrate these solutions into national strategies and promote cross-sector coordination.