The Benefits of Nature-based Solutions for Adaptation in USAID Programming

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are actions to protect, manage, and restore ecosystems (including managed systems such as agricultural lands) that effectively and adaptively address societal challenges. This issue brief summarizes preliminary recommendations to enhance NbS integration in Agency adaptation programming and reporting. This effort involved interviews with USAID Mission and implementing partner staff across over 25 completed, active, and planned activities that use NbS. These activities spanned various program areas, including WASH, biodiversity conservation (forests, marine, and freshwater), adaptation and disaster risk reduction, sustainable landscapes, agriculture and food security, and resilience.