There is much policy, political, and financial interest in nature-based solutions (NbS) as a transformative solution to the climate change and biodiversity crisis. This transformational potential is not yet fully understood, and what is defined as NbS at the global level does not always match what is implemented on the ground. Approaches to rights and inclusion, private sector roles, links to offset mechanisms, and compliance with climate targets are some of the aspects that if not defined may challenge the transformational potential of NbS. This includes the direction of funding flows and who – ultimately– benefits from these activities.

The papers in this session will focus on how science engages three topics related to NBS:

1. Explorations of the integration of communities and stakeholder perspectives and power equality and equity arguments in the conceptualization of NbS approaches.
2. Potential solutions to integrate the multiple dimensions of NbS in the complex governance contexts in which they are being designed and implemented. Particularly, how social, environmental, and economic aspects interact and how an evidence-based approach can help resolve complex trade-off situations in project design and implementation.
3. How a comprehensive approach to the impact of NBS can lead to improved long-term outcomes for people and planet.

• Can REDD+ safeguards ‘do better’ for Indigenous Peoples and local communities? Perspectives from comparative research in the DRC, Indonesia and Peru
  Speaker: Juan Pablo Sarmiento Barletti, CIFOR-ICRAF