Nature-based solutions are actions that protect, sustainably manage or restore an ecosystem in order to address societal challenges—such as disaster risk, climate change, food security, water security or human health.
The IFRC is helping communities worldwide take steps to sustainably manage their natural environment to protect themselves from disaster risks. Our aim is for 100 National Societies to be putting in place nature-based solutions within their communities by 2025.
Solutions include protecting and restoring forests, the protection of mangroves and coral reefs, the conservation and restoration of wetlands and the creation of urban green spaces.
Nature-based solutions are increasingly being recognized as an effective and cost-efficient way of reducing disaster risks, helping people adapt to climate change and building community resilience. They can address all three parts of the risk equation by:
- Preventing or mitigating hazards themselves
- Limiting people’s exposure to hazards
- Limiting people’s vulnerability
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world have been implementing nature-based solutions for many years—from mangrove and coral reef restoration in Jamaica to soil restoration in Haiti
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network. Founded in 1919, the IFRC has 191-member Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, a secretariat in Geneva and more than 60 delegations strategically located to support activities around the world. The International Federation, the National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
For more information on IFRC and how you can get involved: HERE+
