Introduction

Nature-Based Solutions, Sustainable Development, and Equity

In this chapter, we discussed the importance of attention to distributional, procedural, and recognitional equity in NBS and review examples of real-world NBS programs and strategies to improve equity outcomes. Specifically, we discussed urban green infrastructure, payments for ecosystem services, and biocultural approaches to watershed management. We concluded with emerging best practices around equitable and just NBS for water.

Nature-Based Solutions, Sustainable Development, and Equity

SPONSOR:
Forest Trends

PROJECT PERIOD:

COLLABORATORS:
Leah Bremer, Jan Cassin, Bonnie Keeler, Eleanor Sterling, Puaʻala Pascua, and Rebecca Walker

ABSTRACT:
Healthy ecosystems are intricately connected to healthy communities and multiple dimensions of human well-being. Nature based solutions (NBS) are an important tool for water security, while also providing additional human health, climate mitigation, and livelihood benefits that contribute to multiple sustainable development goals (SDGs). NBS also may be relevant to current and historical injustices. Without explicit consideration of equity, NBS risk exacerbating inequities, rather than contributing to a more just society. In this chapter, we discuss the importance of attention to distributional, procedural, and recognitional equity in NBS; and review examples of real-world NBS programs and strategies to improve equity outcomes. Specifically, we discussed urban green infrastructure, payments for ecosystem services, and biocultural approaches to watershed management. We concluded with emerging best practices around equitable and just NBS for water.

Project Publication:

Bremer, L.L., B. Keeler, R. Walker, P. Pascua, and E. Sterling. (2020). Nature based solutions, sustainable development and equity. In Nature based solutions: An agenda for the 21st century, eds. J. Cassin, E. López-Gunn, and J.H. Matthews. Manuscript under review.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR