Nature-based solutions (NbS) are emerging as innovative approaches to address the dual challenges of disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. These solutions leverage the power of ecosystems to mitigate natural hazards, enhance biodiversity, and provide socioeconomic benefits to marginalized communities. A recent study “Cost-benefit and equity analysis of nature-based solutions in Haiti, India, Indonesia and Uganda” highlights the economic and social impacts of NbS interventions in these countries, showcasing their potential for fostering resilience in vulnerable regions.
The concept of nature-based solutions
NbS encompass a range of strategies aimed at conserving, restoring, and managing ecosystems to address environmental, social, and economic challenges. These solutions are rooted in the idea that ecosystems, when preserved or restored, provide protective services against natural disasters while delivering additional benefits such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, and improved livelihoods.
The study evaluates ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) projects implemented in the Global South. These projects focus on integrating sustainable ecosystem management, disaster risk reduction activities, and climate-smart livelihoods to create resilient communities. By analysing the cost-effectiveness and equity outcomes of these interventions, the study provides valuable insights for scaling up NbS worldwide.
Overview of interventions in four countries
Haiti
Haiti faces recurrent natural disasters, including floods, hurricanes, and landslides, exacerbated by widespread deforestation and poor drainage infrastructure. The Eco-DRR activities in Haiti focused on reforestation, soil stabilisation, and capacity-building initiatives. Women were trained in climate-smart agricultural practices, and local communities adopted sustainable livelihoods such as apiculture and vegetable gardening.
India
Floods pose significant risks to India, particularly in the states of Odisha and Bihar. The interventions focused on restoring and protecting over 3,000 hectares of wetlands, including the Kanwar Jheel wetlands in Bihar and the Lake Tampara wetlands in Odisha. Activities included afforestation, promotion of sustainable water management, and community training on climate-resilient agriculture.
Afforestation efforts covered nearly 270 hectares with fruit-bearing and soil-binding plants, which helped reduce flood risks and improved agricultural productivity. Additionally, cleaning of canals and wetland restoration reduced water stagnation, mitigating crop and livestock losses. For instance, post-intervention assessments in Odisha showed a reduction in livestock deaths by 96.1% following cyclones.
Community engagement was a key aspect, with women self-help groups receiving training on natural resource management, significantly boosting their incomes. The designation of Kanwar Jheel as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention further enhanced its ecological and economic value.
Indonesia
Indonesia’s vast peatlands play a critical role in carbon storage and biodiversity. However, these ecosystems are under threat from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and peatland fires. The Eco-DRR initiatives targeted peatland restoration, fire risk reduction, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices such as paludiculture. The interventions also introduced a bio-rights funding scheme, enabling local communities to access interest-free credit for ecosystem-friendly practices.
Uganda
In Uganda, environmental degradation and deforestation have heightened the vulnerability of communities to floods and droughts. The Eco-DRR project restored over 29,000 hectares of wetlands and forests, focusing on sustainable water management and climate-smart livelihoods. Community members were trained in apiculture, nursery management, and sustainable grazing practices, leading to improved food security and economic resilience.
Economic efficiency and equity analysis
The study employed a robust cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to assess the economic efficiency of the interventions. The results indicate that the benefits of NbS often outweigh their costs, even when evaluated using conservative estimates. In India and Haiti, for instance, positive net benefits were observed as early as the fifth year post-implementation. In Uganda and Indonesia, similar outcomes were evident by the tenth year.
Key findings of the CBA
Economic benefits: NbS reduced property damage, prevented income losses, and enhanced ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and pollution reduction.
Carbon sequestration: The interventions collectively contributed to carbon storage of over 1.8 million tons, with an estimated annual sequestration value exceeding $12 million.
Biodiversity: Reforestation and ecosystem restoration activities led to significant biodiversity gains, which in turn supported sustainable livelihoods and disaster resilience.
Equity impacts
The equity assessment examined the inclusivity, economic equality, and participation outcomes of the interventions. The findings reveal that marginalised groups, including women and children, significantly benefited from the projects. For instance:
In Uganda, closer access to natural resources reduced the risk of gender-based violence, as women no longer needed to travel long distances for firewood and water.
In Indonesia, women engaged in sustainable agricultural practices gained access to bio-rights loans, empowering them economically and socially.
In India, improved access to education and healthcare was observed as a result of reduced disaster risks and better road connectivity. Furthermore, cleaning wetlands reduced waterborne illnesses, with malaria cases decreasing by 70-77% and diarrhea cases dropping by 83-86% in Odisha and Bihar.
Long-term benefits and co-benefits
NbS interventions generate a wide array of co-benefits that extend beyond disaster risk reduction. These include:
Improved livelihoods: Training in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable practices has created new income opportunities for communities. For example, apiculture in Haiti and Uganda has become a reliable source of revenue. In India, sustainable fishing and eco-tourism initiatives have boosted local incomes.
Enhanced food security: Ecosystem restoration improved soil quality and agricultural productivity, reducing crop losses and ensuring a more stable food supply. In India, wetland restoration led to increased fish populations and better irrigation for farmlands.
Health and education: Reduced vulnerability to hazards has led to improved access to healthcare and education, fostering long-term human capital development. In India, rejuvenated wetlands have improved access to potable water and reduced health risks from contaminated water sources.
Community resilience: Capacity-building initiatives have empowered local stakeholders to take ownership of ecosystem management, ensuring the sustainability of the interventions.
Challenges and recommendations
While the study highlights the transformative potential of NbS, it also identifies several challenges:
Data gaps: Long-term monitoring and data collection are essential to fully capture the impacts of NbS. Future research should focus on measuring non-monetary benefits such as improved health and gender equity.
Climatic uncertainty: The effectiveness of NbS under changing climate conditions remains uncertain. Adaptive management strategies are needed to address this challenge.
Scaling up: To maximize their impact, NbS must be integrated into national and international policy frameworks. Enhanced funding and cross-sectoral collaboration are crucial for scaling up these interventions.
Conclusion
Nature-based solutions represent a promising pathway for achieving sustainable development and climate resilience. The case studies from Haiti, India, Indonesia, and Uganda demonstrate that NbS can deliver significant economic, environmental, and social benefits, particularly for vulnerable communities.
By fostering inclusivity, promoting equity, and enhancing ecosystem services, NbS offer a holistic approach to addressing the interconnected challenges of disaster risk and sustainable development. As the global community seeks innovative solutions to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss, investing in NbS is both a prudent and ethical choice.