Nature-based solutions are actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems which address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being, ecosystem services, resilience and biodiversity benefits (UNEA 5/5).
Nature-based solutions for restoring agroecosystems, soil health, and biodiversity are critical. Restoring soil health promotes several multi benefits, including climate adaptation and resilience (e.g. flood adaptation, drought resilience), biodiversity regeneration (e.g. soil biota, agrobiodiversity), climate and pollution mitigation (e.g. carbon sequestration (SOC), SLCP mitigation), and human health (e.g. nutritional impacts of healthy soil on diet, reduced exposure to environmental toxins, and livelihood resilience).
Soil health, defined as “the ability of the soil to sustain the productivity, diversity, and environmental services of terrestrial ecosystems” (ITPS, FAO, 2020) is the cornerstone of life on earth. Despite being fundamental to life on Earth, human pressures on soil resources are reaching critical limits (FAO, 2015). The shrinking area and health of soil are one of the biggest threats to future global food security (CGIAR, 2020). It is estimated that 95% of our food is directly or indirectly produced on our soils (FAO, 2015). After the oceans, soil is the largest active carbon store, and one cubic metre of soil can store up to 600 litres of water, allowing crops to grow even during dry periods (FAO & UNEP, 2021).
Healthy soils act as a water filter, nutrient source, and habitat for billions of organisms that comprise one of Earth’s most diverse ecosystems. The diverse community of soil organisms maintained by healthy soils help to control plant disease, insect and weed pests, and form beneficial symbiotic associations with plant roots. Diverse soil organisms also recycle essential plant nutrients, improve soil structure with positive effects for soil water and nutrient holding capacity, and ultimately improve crop production (FAO, 2015).
Relevant GBF Targets:
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GBF Target 8: Minimize the Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Build Resilience
Minimize the impact of climate change and ocean acidification on biodiversity and increase its resilience through mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk reduction actions, including through nature-based solution and/or ecosystem-based approaches, while minimizing negative and fostering positive impacts of climate action on biodiversity.
- GBF Target 11: Restore, Maintain and Enhance Nature’s Contributions to People
Restore, maintain and enhance nature’s contributions to people, including ecosystem functions and services, such as the regulation of air, water and climate, soil health, pollination and reduction of disease risk, as well as protection from natural hazards and disasters, through nature-based solutions and/or ecosystem-based approaches for the benefit of all people and nature.
