A new Independent Expert Report was just published by the Publications Office of the European Union, titled "Bridging Continents: Exploring the State-of-Play of Nature-Based Solutions in the EU and LAC: Building a Foundation for Collaboration." This comprehensive document provides an analysis of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in both the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), shedding light on the progress, challenges, and opportunities that exist in these regions. The report will be officially launched at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, on October 21st at 15:30, during the session "Advancing Nature-based Solutions with Strategic Multilevel Governance" at the EU Pavilion (Blue Zone). This event is organised by the EU project NetworkNature. The report can be downloaded here.
Why this report matters
Nature-Based Solutions are becoming increasingly critical in addressing global environmental challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss. By utilising natural processes to deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits, NbS have the potential to drive sustainable development and resilience across diverse ecosystems. The EU and LAC regions are at a pivotal moment where collaboration can accelerate the implementation of NbS, enhancing policy frameworks and opening new funding avenues.
Key highlights of the report
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An overview of policy frameworks in the EU and LAC
The report provides a comparative analysis of policy frameworks in both regions, identifying successful policies and areas for improvement. It discusses the integration of NbS into climate, biodiversity, and development strategies, highlighting opportunities for policy alignment and collaboration. -
Exploring funding streams for NbS
Sustainable financing is essential for scaling up NbS initiatives. The report reviews the various funding streams available in the EU and LAC, including public sector investments, international cooperation, and private financing. It also examines the challenges in accessing funds and suggests ways to make financing more accessible. -
Knowledge sharing and bottom-up initiatives
Local initiatives and grassroots projects are crucial for the effective implementation of NbS. The report features examples of bottom-up approaches that have successfully integrated community knowledge and innovation, offering insights into what makes these projects work. -
Case studies across ecosystems
A diverse range of case studies showcases how NbS have been applied in different ecosystems, including coastal zones, urban areas, forests, and wetlands. Each case study highlights the specific barriers and enablers encountered, drawing lessons for future initiatives. -
Pathways for collaboration
The report concludes by outlining strategic pathways for strengthening EU-LAC collaboration on NbS. These include joint research, policy integration, capacity-building, innovative financing, and knowledge exchange to drive a more sustainable and nature-positive future.
Barriers and enablers for NbS implementation
The report identifies several barriers that need to be addressed to expand NbS, such as regulatory hurdles, limited funding, and gaps in technical expertise. It also highlights enablers that can accelerate progress, such as supportive policy environments, effective partnerships, and the integration of NbS across sectors.
Strengthening EU-LAC cooperation
The pathways suggested in the report offer concrete steps to enhance cooperation between the EU and LAC, building a stronger foundation for sustainable development. With shared challenges and complementary strengths, these regions can work together to amplify the impact of NbS and drive the transition towards a nature-positive economy.
Download the report
You can download the full report, "Bridging Continents: Exploring the State-of-Play of Nature-Based Solutions in the EU and LAC: Building a Foundation for Collaboration," here. We encourage policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and anyone interested in sustainability to explore the findings and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on NbS.
For more updates on EU-LAC collaboration and Nature-Based Solutions, follow the EU Science and Innovation Twitter account or the EU Science and Innovation LinkedIn account
Join us at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, and be part of the effort to bridge continents for a sustainable and resilient future!