Nature-based solutions

In other words, they store carbon in the trees and the soil. These initiatives enhance nature’s ability to absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere, thereby reducing the levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases responsible for climate change.

They also promote biodiversity by conserving, restoring and sustainably managing natural ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, wetlands and oceans. In particular, these projects provide habitats for wildlife, mitigate soil erosion and reduce the likelihood of flooding. Our projects are located where they will have the greatest impact, such as in degraded areas like grassland savannahs or endangered rainforest zones.

NBS projects include a variety of types aimed at mitigating climate change and conserving ecosystems:

• Afforestation, reforestation and regeneration (ARR) projects focus on creating new carbon sinks through tree planting, either by restoring recently cleared land or regenerating degraded areas. Reforestation involves replanting trees in deforested areas, while afforestation creates new forests on degraded land, both of which help reduce emissions and create employment opportunities, especially in community-led projects.
• Forest conservation initiatives tackle deforestation in biodiverse rainforests by addressing the root causes and involving local forest communities. These projects protect forests and their biodiversity while providing carbon finance to communities, recognising forests as vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots.

• Improved Forest Management (IFM) initiatives promote sustainable practices in commercial forests, such as longer growing cycles and maintaining minimum tree cover. Targeted at existing commercial forests around the world, these projects aim to reduce emissions by preserving forest cover and enhancing carbon sequestration through longer tree growth.
• Blue carbon projects harness the carbon sequestration potential of coastal and marine ecosystems while supporting ocean biodiversity and water quality. By restoring marine ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, and seaweeds, these projects contribute to emissions removal and provide vital coastal protection and livelihoods for coastal communities.

• Agriculture projects mitigate emissions from soil degradation and food production while advocating for sustainable agricultural practices. Regenerative and organic agriculture and other sustainable land management practices help adapt to climate change while improving food security and reducing the environmental impact of food production.
• Peatland restoration projects aim to restore wetland ecosystems, benefiting biodiversity, local water sources and reducing emissions from drained and degraded wetlands. Characterised by carbon-rich, waterlogged soils, peatlands provide flood mitigation, clean water and wildlife habitat, and conservation and restoration efforts prevent the release of emissions from drained or degraded peatlands.
• Grassland conservation projects target prairies, plains and savannahs to prevent land degradation and maintain carbon storage in underground root systems. Covering a significant proportion of the Earth’s land surface, grasslands play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, with restoration efforts focusing on sustainable land management and protecting grasslands from conversion to cropland.