Oxford University launches report on Nature-based Infrastructure

A new report from UNOPS, the United Nations Environment Program (UN Environment) and the University of Oxford highlights the contributions that nature-based infrastructure solutions make to sustainable development, climate action and biodiversity .

According to the report, nature-based infrastructure solutions can influence 79% of all Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets.

The study concludes that the integration of this type of solutions in the construction of infrastructure contributes to improving its positive impact on the achievement of the SDGs. Together, they influence up to 95% of all SDG targets.

This report aims to support efforts to increase the use of nature-based solutions as a key element of sustainable infrastructure systems. In addition to explaining the benefits, it also presents the main obstacles to the implementation of these solutions and introduces some recommendations on what different parties can do to overcome these obstacles.

“The publication highlights how we can propose nature-based solutions within the planning, implementation and use of infrastructure. These solutions can bring benefits to both humanity and biodiversity, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions” Steven Crosskey, Deputy Director of the UNOPS Infrastructure and Project Management Group

One of the main recommendations is the need for collaboration between policy makers and professionals to integrate nature into infrastructure planning and design. Additionally, the study calls for collecting more data on the long-term performance of nature-based infrastructure and the development of innovative financing models that can account for its wide-ranging benefits.

“The world faces the enormous challenge of meeting growing demand for infrastructure services, while limiting carbon dioxide emissions, using resources efficiently and protecting nature,” said Sheila Aggarwal-Khan. , Director of the Industry and Economics Division of the United Nations Environment Programme.

“This report highlights the crucial role that nature-based infrastructure plays in delivering many of the services and benefits that underpin sustainable development and foster healthy and resilient societies, increasing the positive impact of the Sustainable Development Goals by almost 50% in some sectors,” he added.

Drawing on examples from Belgium, Tanzania and other countries, the authors highlight the key contributions of nature-based infrastructure solutions to the mitigation and adaptation goals of the Paris Agreement, such as helping to eliminate or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. greenhouse gases derived from the construction and operation of new conventional or "gray" infrastructure.

The United Nations Environment Program and UNOPS will jointly present the report's findings at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). Together with specialists, the invaluable role that infrastructure plays in promoting climate action will be discussed.