Global Youth Biodiversity Network, Youth4Nature, YOUNGO
This Position Statement on ‘Nature-based Solutions’ (NbS)- accompanied also by an NbS Information Brief and a far-reaching Youth Survey– addresses the increasing popularity of NbS over recent years with cautious optimism. Whilst bearing tremendous potential to address the interrelated issues of the climate crisis, ecosystem degradation and extinction, inequality, and injustice, NbS also generates risks of perpetuating neo-colonial policies, jeopardizing Indigenous, local communities and human rights, while acting as a vehicle to delay decarbonization and needed systemic changes. NbS discussions must thus be rooted in justice and follow strong safeguards which prioritize biodiversity and human rights. The statement also pledges to call out the co-option of NbS and false solutions in a commitment to amplifying real solutions that promote wide, systemic, and transformative change for current and future generations.