Nature-based solutions

The purpose of the programme is to encourage the Nordic countries to work together and enhance their knowledge base on nature-based solutions, restoration, climate mitigation and blue/green infrastructure. This will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect and improve biodiversity.

Nature-based solutions are considered a key part of the work of work on the climate, the environment and biological diversity and have many benefits. Examples of nature-based solutions include the sustainable use of land and resources, protection and restoration of bogs and wetlands and the re-opening or re-meandering of streams and rivers.

Researchers believe that nature-based solutions could be the solution to a third of the greenhouse gas reduction needed to stop global warming exceeding the two degrees described in the Paris Convention. Nature-based solutions also help to reduce the loss of biological diversity and have been shown to have a positive impact on several social issues, for example, food and water safety and human well-being.

The Environment Agency of the Faroe Islands is coordinating the programme on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers. A steering group comprising members from several Nordic countries and chaired by Norway will be responsible for day-to-day activities. NordGen is responsible for the fifth project on Crop Wild Relatives, which is a nature-based solution for biodiversity, climate change and food security.