Why it matters
Nature-based solutions are actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, including native forests, rivers, wetlands, and coastal habitats.
They are used to solve real-world challenges, including protecting communities from flooding, landslides, wildfires, coastal inundation, and biodiversity collapse.
This relatively new concept has emerged as international organisations search for remedies in nature to protect essential built infrastructure, removing reliance on conventional engineering remedies such as sea walls and riverside stop banks.
Nature-based solutions can help manage climate hazards, improve infrastructure resilience, and protect endangered native species, while offering other proven benefits, such as improved social and cultural wellbeing and better economic outcomes for people and nature.
Choose nature-based solutions
Forest & Bird has worked with local councils, private landowners, and iwi throughout the country to publish a new resource showcasing a selection of nature-based projects throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Each case study looks at the problem being solved, what has been achieved, and how the mahi offers multiple co-benefits for local communities.
Forest & Bird wants to see local councils and the government work with iwi, community groups, and private landowners to prioritise and accelerate the delivery of nature-based solutions throughout the country.
What else is Forest & Bird doing?
Our nature-based solution shout-outs
We’re celebrating successful nature-based solutions throughout Aotearoa! Check out these inspiring examples below – and watch what we’ve lost.
Lower Hutt Branch chair Andy Mitchell. Credit Caroline Wood
- Making a difference
(Pest Free Hibiscus Coast project) - Nursery champions
(Lower Hutt Branch) - Seeding a sponge city
(Forest & Bird member)
Forest & Bird has several campaigns and branch projects, focused on promoting and implementing nature-based solutions. From the grassroots level up, we work to protect, restore, and enhance our natural ecosystems.
Every wetland counts
Wetlands are like Swiss Army knives – they are multi-functional and endlessly useful when dealing with the impacts of climate change. They absorb floodwaters, draw in and store carbon, filter water, and replenish groundwater. They are sources of mahinga kai, used as places for recreation, and are vital habitat for precious wildlife and plants. Protecting, restoring, and enhancing wetlands is essential for climate resilience.
Room for rivers
Rivers need space to move, especially during extreme weather events. Making room for rivers – allowing rivers to reclaim parts of their natural flood plains in strategic places – is critical in the face of climate change. It protects communities from devastating floods while restoring the environment and enhancing local recreation opportunities. When rivers flow naturally there is reduced risk to life, property, and biodiversity.
Native forests for climate
Native forests and shrublands can’t regulate temperatures or work as carbon sinks if their leaves, branches, bark, and roots are being munched, stripped, and damaged by introduced browsing animals (deer, goats, and pigs) or being smothered by pest plants that shouldn’t be there. We can restore our ngahere forests by:
planting more native trees
weeding out pest plants
controlling introduced browsing animals.
By working with nature, we can prevent erosion and stop downstream towns, farms, and infrastructure from flooding. This is another nature-based solution that works and can help us mitigate and adapt to a range of climate risks.
Coastal care
Sea level rise and extreme weather mean our coastlines are getting a battering. Many animals, plants, and 75% of Aotearoa New Zealand's population live within 10 km of the coast. We can help safeguard ourselves from storm surges and erosion by protecting and restoring our coastal dunes and mangroves.
Submissions
Over the past three years, Forest & Bird has advocated for the prioritisation of nature-based solutions through numerous consultations, including two inquiries into climate adaptation (2023 and 2024), the National Policy Statement for Natural Hazard Decision-making (2023), and the Draft national adaptation plan (2022).
What can you do
Nature-based solutions offer ways for individuals, iwi, community groups, councils, and government to work together for the benefit of local communities and the economy. Here are some ways you can help:
Local body elections are coming up in 2025 – find out what your local representatives stand for when it comes to protecting the environment and responding to climate change challenges.
Stay informed and participate in local consultations (district or city) – keeping an eye out for consultations about the environment, land use, and climate and flood protection means you can have your say and influence policy decisions. Tell your local council and MP that you want them to choose nature-based solutions.
Volunteer to support local initiatives – connect with your local councils and conservation groups to find out what nature-based solution work is happening in your region. This might include urban or coastal dune planting, stream restoration, or removing pests from wetlands, nature reserves, and forests.
Donate to Forest & Bird and support our national solutions-in-nature advocacy and our major projects restoring te taiao nature on a landscape-scale.
Join Forest & Bird and contribute to practical nature-based solutions mahi with your local branch or network.
