Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a powerful approach to addressing the interlinked challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change and other societal challenges by protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing ecosystems. In the Nordic region, NbS initiatives focus on solutions that strengthen biodiversity, contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation, and improve human well-being. Examples include the restoration of peatlands, forests, and grasslands, sustainable farming practices, and blue-green infrastructure in urban and coastal areas. These approaches not only enhance ecosystems but also strengthen food security, health and resilience, especially in the light of climate change.
The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030 foresees the Nordic region as the most sustainable and integrated in the world by 2030. In support of this goal, the council funded a thematic programme on NbS that spanned six projects from 2021 to 2024. The programme’s focus was to mainstream NbS for biodiversity and climate resilience.
This report marks the final phase of the programme, aimed at delivering best practices and practical guidance for implementing NbS at local levels across the Nordic countries. The aim is to support policymakers and practitioners alike, within and beyond the Nordic region, in leveraging NbS for sustainable development, conserve and restore biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Jan-Petter Huberth Hansen, Leader of the Steering Group, Project Leader at the Norwegian EPA (Miljødirektoratet)
Jóna Ólavsdóttir, Programme Coordinator, Nordic Council of Ministers, The Faroese EPA (Umhvørvisstovan), Faroe Islands
Thanks to the steering committee:
Jan-Petter Huberth Hansen (The Norwegian EPA (Miljødirektoratet), Norway), Irene Lindblad (Ministry of Climate and Environment, Norway), Anna Planke (Ministry of Climate and Environment, Norway), Bo Storrank (Ministry of the Environment, Finland), Eva Juul Jensen (The Danish EPA (Miljøstyrelsen), Denmark), Kolbrún í Haraldsstovu (The National Museum (Tjóðsavnið), Faroe Islands), Lise Lykke Steffensen (NordGen), Lotta Manninen (Ministry of the Environment, Finland), Lovisa Lagerblad (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency).