We are in the midst of a triple crisis, our environment and societies are under threat and face severe pressure from the combined crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. These crises are closely interlinked and reinforce each other. It is therefore vital to address them together and not individually. Nature-based solutions (NbS) can, if done properly, help tackle these crises together. Climate change represents a systemic and transboundary risk that affects or will affect landscapes, habitats, biodiversity and ecosystem services. Causing vast changes in nature and environment and with a clear link to loss of species, ecosystems and ecosystem services, it is evident that climate change mitigation, risks and climate change effects must be addressed by all levels of governing and in all sectors.
A close interlink between climate, biodiversity and NbS fosters a relevance of addressing these areas and their synergies in relevant laws, policies and management practices. As a result, national policy makers are striving to uncover and ensure synergies between measures to address climate change (both mitigation and adaptation), pollution, and biodiversity. Examples of this are – on an international level – the EU Climate Adaption Strategy, including promotion of NbS – and – on a national and local level - providing and implementing very specific strategies, plans and management schemes. The latter can for example take the form of forest protection, afforestation and peatland restoration; all examples of protection or restoration of ecosystems that can provide reductions in climate change drivers, mitigate the impact, and enhance biodiversity.
“Nature-based Solutions are actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural and modified ecosystems in ways that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, to provide both human well-being and biodiversity benefits.”(Cohen-Shacham et al. 2016)
A recent study of synergies in conservation of biodiversity and climate change mitigation in Nordic peatlands and forests shows examples of several synergies in nature management that benefit both biodiversity and climate. These examples are not rare, and they are in use in all the Nordic countries. Still, it is important to further ensure mainstreaming and integration of climate considerations and biodiversity plans and actions, if the Nordic countries are to increase carbon uptake in ecosystems and mitigate climate change effects. Existing initiatives are not sufficient, and there are still a number of conflicting interests, lack of financing, sectoral fragmentation, and other challenges that pose barriers to the efforts.
In order to address this important area, communicate the good examples, and disseminate the need for further coordination and actions, the Nordic Council of Ministers has initiated this study that compiles Nordic examples of laws, policies and administrative practices that synergise efforts to address biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. The main objective of the study is to support the exchange of knowledge and experience to further develop effective policy and management tools for NbS for the climate and the environment. The project also proposes further joint Nordic initiatives for increased co-operation and facilitate policy development in this field.
The main target groups are policy makers and civil servants in the Nordic countries at all levels (i.e., national, regional and local/municipal), as well as internationally.