Spotlight on Nature-based Solutions
Nature-based solutions (NbS) work with nature to benefit both society and biodiversity. And with so much to be gained, its no surprise that governments and businesses are starting to prioritise NbS as they strive to achieve their sustainability targets.
But what do we mean by nature-based solutions? Should you be factoring them into your sustainability plans? And if so, which one would make the most difference?
Over the next few months we'll be putting a spotlight on different NbS in a series of short videos to explain them in more detail.
What are nature-based solutions?
Nature-based solutions harness the power of nature to tackle a number of societal issues. They include initiatives to protect and enhance our existing ecosystems such as tree planting schemes and peatland or seagrass restoration projects. They also include urban interventions and masterplanning design to build in green spaces such as green roofs, pocket parks, rain gardens and planting more urban trees.
Typical nature-based solutions include:
- Upland and lowland peat restoration
- Woodland planting
- Green infrastructure
- Rewilding
- Wetlands and reedbeds
- Natural Flood management (NFM) solutions
- Seagrass and salt marsh restoration.
Spotlight on: Seagrass and Saltmarshes
Coastal wetlands such as seagrass and saltmarshes are powerful tools in the fight against climate change.
Watch our short video to learn more about why the protection and restoration of these ecosystems is so important.
Project Profile: Cockburn Sound
We have been working with the Cockburn Sound Management Council on the Long-Term Monitoring of Seagrass Communities initiative.
Coming soon: Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure can be designed into plans to provide ecological, economic and social benefits.
These nature-based solutions are multi-functional and hard working, mixing nature, semi-natural areas and green spaces to deliver ecosystem and biodiversity services.
Watch our short video to learn more about the benefits of green infrastructure and the role it plays in sustainable development.
Project Profile: Mid Kent College
We followed a landscape led approach when we helped Mid Kent College with their plans to relocate two of their existing campus. Our designs included a series of green wedges which were further enhanced by green roof technology.
Spotlight on: Peatlands
Peatlands play a vital role in a sustainable future. As the largest, natural terrestrial carbon store across the globe, when they get damaged, they become a major source of GHG emissions. Watch our short video to learn more about Peatlands and why their protection and restoration is so important.
Project Profile: The Living Bog
Our team are providing hydrology services to Ireland's largest ever EU LIFE-funded raised bog restoration project.
How can nature-based solutions help me?
Nature-based solutions can help corporates, land owners and developers achieve their sustainability targets. If you're a business or developer looking to tackle unavoidable emissions, our team of carbon assessors and sustainability experts can help you weigh up the pros cons of offsetting so you can make an informed decision about whether its right for you. If you are considering your lands potential for offsetting, we can bring together a team of ecologists and landscape architects to deliver a robust assessment to determine carbon sequestration potential.
How can we help you?