Introduction to Nature based solutions

Question 1

What is a definition of NBS?

Answer 1

Solutions to societal challeneges, such as envrionmental challenges and hazards using nature itself

Question 2

What is the history of NBS?

Answer 2

New term in 2008
Now widely used in academic literature
Humans have practiced NBS since the nelithic revolution, always thought how we can manipulate our landscape, just been termed reecently

Question 3

What is the definiton of an Ecosystem service(s)?

Answer 3

The benefits human obtained from nature

Question 4

What is natural capital?

Answer 4

The world’s stock of natural resources (e.g. peatbogs)

Question 5

What is the difference between NBS and ES?

Answer 5

Nature based solutions are more solution focused whereas ES are just how humans can use nature, and how it benefits us in a general context

Question 6

What are ecosystem services?

Answer 6

How natural ecosystem provide services to sustain human life, how it can be used/exploited

Question 7

How have models of ecosystem services changed over time?

Answer 7

Millenial Ecosystem Assessment (MEA 2005)- various links between ecosystem services and the human needs/want, clear relationships not visible
IPBES (2016)- measurement of ecosystem and biodviersity and their relative values (economic, social valualtion)

Question 8

What is an example of an ecosystem service that benfits the whole world?

Answer 8

Carbon storage and sequestration

Question 9

What is an example of a ecosystem service that uses natural capital to protect where people live?

Answer 9

Freshwater flood mitigation

Question 10

What are the differences in NBS (Eggermont et al, 2015)?

Answer 10

Type 1- less intervention, work with naturally occuring, protected ecosystems
Type 2- more managed ecosystems , more planning and managing of agricultural landscape
Type 3- artificial ecosystems, new heavily artifical designed ecosystems

Question 11

What are the dimensions of NBS (Seddon et al)?

Answer 11

Dimension 1- reducing exposure, increased ED
Dimension 2- reducing sensitivity
Dimension 3- supporting adaptive capacity, governance required for change

Question 12

Give some examples of key NBS?

Answer 12

Reforestation
Agroforestry
Managed realignment
Green infrastructure (i.e. urban trees; green walls or roofs)
Conservation agriculture (i.e. low till agriculture)
Catchment based management (i.e. to reduce flooding)
Constructed wetlands to retain nutrients/reduce flooding