NbS and water management

We're looking for experts to contribute to a policy briefing on NbS and water.

We are seeking expert input to inform a BES policy briefing which will summarise the evidence and make robust recommendations for integrating NbS into water management.

In 2021 the BES released a comprehensive policy report, Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change in the UK, which authoritatively reviewed the evidence and potential of NbS. In the four years since the report was published, NbS continue to be recognised in national and international policy for their potential to restore nature, sequester carbon, and provide multiple benefits for people.

Much of this progress has related to NbS’ potential in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises. However, at the BES we believe these are not the only societal challenges which NbS can help address. The 2024 IPBES Nexus Assessment emphasises the need for integrated approaches that use natural solutions across a range of policy areas including water management, human health, transport, urban planning, and food security.

We want to unlock the evidence and make NbS mainstream in the UK

NbS are about integrating nature throughout our vision for the future. This is why the BES is keen to return to this topic and further unlock the evidence to mainstream NbS in UK policy making. The first challenge we will explore is our water quality and management.

We are looking for experts working in:

• Agricultural pollution
• Urban runoff
• Infrastructure & ecological engineering
• Sewage & drinking water
• Swimming, beauty spots & cultural heritage
• Biodiversity
• Fish stocks & wildlife corridors
• Governance (water)

If you can contribute to our policy work, get in touch with us using the subject line ‘NbS water’.

Keep an eye out for future calls for views and evidence relating to NbS:

• Disaster mitigation: flooding, drought, wildfires, coastal erosion, landslides & urban heating
• Human health & wellbeing
• Meeting climate targets

Defining nature-based solutions

• IUCN definition
  :
  Actions to protect, sustainably use, manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems, which address societal challenges, effectively and adaptively, providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.
• BES definition
  :
  Solutions that work with and enhance nature to mitigate or adapt to climate change while simultaneously providing benefits to biodiversity and people.
• UNEP definition
  :
  Nature-based solutions are actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature.

• Audience Type:
  Researchers and students
• Topic:
  Policy
• Region: UK