Nature-Based Solutions

Nature-based solutions are approaches to social and environmental issues that incorporate methods inspired by the processes and functions of nature. Nature-based solutions aim to be locally adapted, sustainable, and enhance local biodiversity. Such approaches not only address the presenting challenges but at the same time develop resilience in affected communities and achieve regenerative avenues for future flourishment.

An example of a nature-based solution is the restoration and protection of coastal ecosystems, such as mangrove forests. Supporting mangroves aids the environment because mangroves moderate the impact of waves and wind on human, animal, and plant populations along coastlines. They also sequester CO2. In addition, they provide safe nurseries for marine life which can provide the basis for sustaining populations of fish that local populations may depend on and help control coastal erosion resulting from sea level rise.

Another example of a nature-based solution is the creation of green roofs and walls in cities. These moderate the impact of increasing climate temperatures, they capture storm water, they abate pollution, and they act as carbon sinks. They also improve food security and enhance biodiversity in urban areas.

One of ICEED’s flagship project is the joint ground operation project done in partnership with its sister organization, the Green Heart Foundation (GHF). This project is part of the Great Green Wall Initiative of Africa (GGWI)

What is the GGWI? Envision a vast, living symbol of hope—the largest ecological structure on Earth—spanning 8,000 kilometers across Africa, paving the way for a future of sustainability and economic growth.

Initiated in 2007 by the African Union, the transformative, African-led Great Green Wall project strives to restore degraded lands across the continent and improve the lives of millions in the Sahel region.

This groundbreaking initiative extends across 22 African nations, aiming to rejuvenate thousands of communities. It unites African countries and global partners under the guidance of the African Union Commission and the Pan-African Agency of the Great Green Wall. To date, over USD 14 billion has been raised and committed to support this transformative mission.

Goals of the Great Green Wall

By 2030, the Great Green Wall (GGWI) seeks to:

  • Restore 100 million hectares of degraded land
  • Sequester 250 million tons of carbon
  • Create 10 million green jobs

These goals aim to empower communities along the Wall by fostering:

  • Fertile land, one of humanity’s most vital natural resources
  • Economic opportunities for Africa’s young population
  • Food security for millions affected by hunger
  • Climate resilience in a region experiencing some of the fastest-rising temperatures globally
  • A new world wonder stretching 8,000 km

GHF and ICEED have successfully planted over one million trees in mainly Senegal resulting in the reversal of desertification, restoration of nature, climate refugees returning to their villages and establishing a circular economy.

All of the environmental and humanitarian actions carried out by the Green Heart Foundation (GHF) are strongly supported by the International Council on Environmental Economics and Development (ICEED) whose vocation is to improve the economic, environmental and social conditions of developed and developing countries by mitigating climate change and developing a new model of economic growth that simultaneously aims for economic performance and environmental sustainability. GHF’s work and projects are co-directed by Duclos Ody-Marc (Vice President, GHF) and Kazunao Sato (Senior Executive Director, ICEED).

According to the Nature-based Solutions Initiative at the University of Oxford: “Nature-based solutions is an ‘umbrella concept’ for other established nature-based approaches such as ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and mitigation (EbM), eco-distaster risk reduction (eco-DRR), Green Infrastructure (GI), and natural climate solutions (NCS).”

For more information and other examples, see:
https://www.nature-basedsolutions.com/
https://www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/what-are-nature-based-solutions/
https://www.fondationcoeurvert.org/