A perspective on nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation and mitigation

Abstract

Nature-based solutions are becoming prominent tools as a response to the impacts of climate change. The purpose of the study was to highlight and showcase nature-based solutions studies from around the world that are being applied toward climate change adaptation and mitigation using secondary literature synthesis. The study established that the majority of studies have been conducted in the global north while only a handful of studies were conducted in the global south. An opportunity exists for countries in the global south to invest more in nature-based solutions approaches as well as the development of appropriate policies. An example of a nature-based solution practice that has been well taken by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe includes the conservation farming approach referred to as “pfumvudza/intwasa.” The approach involves zero tillage and the use of organic manure while ensuring a sufficient supply of food for a household. Furthermore, the nature-based approach has shown a lot of potential to be scaled especially in a low-resource context. It is, therefore, recommended that there should be support for nature-based solutions research studies in the global south.