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Nature-based Solutions (NbS) harness the power of healthy ecosystems to help communities adapt to climate change while delivering environmental, social, and economic benefits. By restoring and working with nature, NbS strengthen resilience, support biodiversity, and provide sustainable, locally tailored responses to climate risks.

Key messages

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of climate change adaptation in Europe. Inspired and supported by nature, they help communities address climate risks such as flooding, drought, heatwaves, erosion and wildfires, while generating wide-ranging benefits for people, ecosystems and local economies.

NbS include measures such as wetland restoration, floodplain and river restoration, agroforestry, sustainable forest management, soil protection and urban greening. Beyond reducing climate risks, these approaches can enhance biodiversity, strengthen ecosystem services, store carbon, improve public health and create more attractive, liveable and resilient environments.

Their effectiveness depends on local conditions, sound governance, stakeholder engagement, technical expertise and long-term investment. As climate impacts evolve, NbS need to account for future climate scenarios to maintain their effectiveness and resilience over time. Their potential and limitations must also be carefully assessed, as they cannot address every climate risk in every context and may need to be combined with other adaptation measures. Long-term monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure that expected benefits are sustained.

NbS are embedded across key European policy frameworks, including the EU Adaptation Strategy, the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the EU Green Infrastructure Strategy, and the European Green Deal. Their implementation is further supported through EU research and innovation programmes, dedicated funding instruments, knowledge-sharing platforms, and initiatives such as the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, which helps regions and local authorities accelerate their transition towards climate resilience. 

As scientific evidence and practical experience continue to grow, NbS offer significant opportunities to strengthen climate resilience while restoring and protecting Europe’s natural capital. When appropriately designed, implemented and maintained, they can provide cost-effective, multifunctional solutions that help communities adapt to climate change while delivering lasting environmental, social and economic benefits.

Why Nature-based Solutions matter for climate change adaptation

Nature-based Solutions help societies adapt to climate change by working with natural systems rather than against them. Healthy ecosystems can reduce flood risks, cool urban areas, improve water retention during droughts, prevent soil erosion, and increase resilience to extreme weather events. At the same time, they restore biodiversity, improve quality of life, and generate economic benefits. By delivering multiple outcomes through a single intervention, NbS offer a sustainable and cost-effective approach to building climate resilience across regions, cities, and communities. 

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This translation is generated by eTranslation, a machine translation tool provided by the European Commission.

Exclusion of liability
This translation is generated by eTranslation, a machine translation tool provided by the European Commission.