The Nature-based Solutions Conference 2022 (NbS) takes place under the theme of "Ensuring that nature-based solution support thriving human & ecological communities". The NbS 2022, organized by the University of Oxford, is bringing together leading researchers from the social and natural sciences, engineering and economics with policymakers, civil society actors and business leaders to discuss the potential of Nature-based Solutions to meet societal goals in a warming world. MRI SLC Member Robert Marchant is part of the NbS steering committee.
About Nature-based Solutions
Nature-based solutions (NbS) involve working with nature to address societal challenges, providing benefits for both human well-being and biodiversity. Specifically they are actions that involve the protection, restoration or management of natural and semi-natural ecosystems; the sustainable management of aquatic systems and working lands such as croplands or timberlands; or the creation of novel ecosystems in and around cities. They are actions that are underpinned biodiversity and are designed and implemented with the full engagement and consent of local communities and Indigenous Peoples.
Mission
To enhance understanding of the value of nature-based solutions to societal challenges and to help ensure they support thriving human societies and ecosystems without compromising efforts to keep fossil fuels in the ground.
Approach
We will bring together researchers with practitioners and policymakers from across government and industry to discuss the values, governance, metrics and financing of nature-based solutions to address climate change, biodiversity loss and major socio- economic challenges, locally, regionally and globally. A cross-cutting theme will be the need to consider the multiplicity of stakeholders that are involved and/or affected by nature-based solutions, including their diverse values, interests and rights. The NbS Conference 2022 aims to establish a shared understanding across multiple communities as to what constitutes a “legitimate” nature-based solution and how best to overcome barriers to their implementation.
Programme
There will be 11 two-hour sessions over three days. Each session will start with an overview followed by a set of case studies and will encompass the global north and south, urban and rural, with plenty of time for Q&A with the audience. Each session will include world-leading experts from across research, practice, and policy, and will clarify what’s most needed from these communities. In addition to the speakers, there will be opportunities for others to share their work during in-person and virtual poster sessions each day and in an exhibition space.
cover image by Geran de Klerk on Unsplash