Nature Restoration is not the same as Nature-Based Solutions – and the difference matters | Global Water Forum
In the blog post "Nature restoration is not the same as nature-based solutions, and the difference matters," Dr Kerry Waylen emphasises the crucial distinction between two approaches to environmental management. Nature restoration aims to return ecosystems to their original, pre-disturbed state, focusing on recovering biodiversity and restoring ecological functions that have been damaged or lost. This process is essential for maintaining the health of ecosystems and promoting long-term sustainability. Restoration typically involves hands-on efforts to rejuvenate habitats, repair environmental degradation, and support the natural resilience of ecosystems.
On the other hand, nature-based solutions are a broader concept that focuses on using natural processes to address pressing societal challenges, such as climate change mitigation, water management, and disaster risk reduction. These solutions often involve integrating natural elements like wetlands, forests, and soil systems into urban and rural planning to improve resilience and reduce human impacts. While nature-based solutions aim to deliver benefits to society, they are not necessarily focused on restoring ecosystems to their historical state. The post stresses that while both approaches are vital, understanding their differences is essential for applying them effectively and achieving long-term environmental and societal benefits.
For more detailed insights, you can read the full blog post on the Global Water Forum website here
Additional resources:
Glensaugh | Natural Flood Management
Contribution: Dr Kerry Waylen, The James Hutton Institute
Image credit: James Hutton Institute