Nature-based solutions, innovation, and sustainability

Nature-based solutions are activities that work with nature to confront the many challenges that we face today, when considering increasing urbanisation, climate change, natural disasters, loss of biodiversity, and improving human well-being.

The importance of innovation

This implies there must be a high degree of innovation to implement such solutions. The European Commission echoes the importance of implementation with their definition of innovation, where “innovation is the use of new ideas, products or methods where they have not been used before”.

Within a nature-based solutions context, while this may include assets such as gardens (not exactly a new idea), it also considers restoring wetlands, restoring waste areas, and understanding better how introducing greenery to urban areas has a definite impact on urban quality of life. This does not exclude the development of technologies which can be implemented into such actions, especially for environmental monitoring, providing rich grounds for innovations and subsequent commercialisation.

Nature-based solutions, innovation, and sustainability

With increasing pressure on resources, nature-based solutions offer innovative ways to improve our quality of life in a sustainable, less energy-intensive manner. Many studies have shown how including greenery in urban environments substantially reduces hotspots, improving comfort, while enhancing the mental health of residents.

ISG therefore pays close attention to developments in nature-based solutions and their contribution to sustainable living. If you have a project needing support, whether in managing its execution or gaining financial support, contact us.