Given the vulnerability of infrastructure to climate change impacts, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) have gained relevance due to their cost-effective, practical, and flexible approach toward mitigation and adaptation to climate change. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, NBS are understood as actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.

NBS are uniquely positioned to encourage the development and implementation of infrastructure projects under a sustainable framework that recognizes the benefits that natural assets can deliver to communities and infrastructure projects. They involve the use of natural systems, such as forests, wetlands, and green spaces, to provide a range of benefits, including flood control, air, and water purification, heat stress reduction, pollination and crop production, habitat conservation, and biodiversity offsets, as well as climate change mitigation.

Several studies have shown that NBS provide meaningful societal benefits for climate and social resilience, as well as ecosystem health. According to a recent publication from the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Resources Institute, NBS can offer the following advantages:

Reduce the impacts of the current and future climate-related hazards on infrastructure projects. NBS can extend their life span by combining ecosystem preservation and restoration to create more resilient facilities. For example, wetlands and mangroves act as natural sponges, soaking up excess water and releasing it slowly over time, protecting infrastructure facilities, and businesses against flooding.
Increase the potential of natural assets to mitigate and prevent the degradation of ecosystems, For example, the restoration of wetland and forest ecosystems increases the amount of CO2 sequestration.
Help build social resilience by providing opportunities for people to connect with nature. Green areas can serve as social hubs, fostering a sense of community and promoting mental and physical well-being.

Additionally, for the private sector, some of the opportunities of considering NBS in infrastructure projects include:

Cost saving potential. They can be more cost-effective than traditional infrastructure solutions, especially in the long term.
Enhance sustainability credentials. NBS can be more environmentally sustainable than traditional infrastructure solutions, as they rely on natural …