Nature-based climate solutions
About this expertise
In short- Natural processes reduce climate change
- Contributing to mitigation and adaptation
- Mapping indicators and co-benefits
- Making successful examples applicable
- Collaborating for scaling and impact
At Wageningen University & Research, we explore how nature-based systems can contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation while supporting biodiversity and social well-being. These solutions — such as wetland restoration, sustainable peatland management, agroforestry and coastal protection — harness natural processes to store carbon, manage water, and enhance resilience.
Although nature-based solutions could provide up to one third of the global effort needed to reach the Paris Agreement targets, only a small fraction of climate finance is currently directed to them. We aim to strengthen the evidence base for NbS by measuring effectiveness, developing indicators, and demonstrating co-benefits for ecosystems, communities and economies.
Our work focuses on making the concept of nature-based climate solutions understandable and actionable for stakeholders. We do this by structuring the diversity of potential NbS, sharing successful case studies, and linking them to broader policy and business objectives. Through collaboration with governments, NGOs and the private sector, we help scale up the implementation of NbS as a key part of a sustainable climate strategy.
At Wageningen University & Research, we develop climate information services that turn scientific knowledge into actionable insights for policy and business. Our experts combine climate data with sector-specific knowledge to assess risks and opportunities, supporting partners in designing effective adaptation strategies.
We work closely with users to ensure that climate information is not only scientifically sound, but also useful, useable and used. This means providing tailor-made tools, integrated dashboards, and customized analyses that support decision-making on climate risks and opportunities.
Our core expertise lies in the agri-food and financial sectors, where we combine climate data with economic and ecological insights to support sustainable strategies. In doing so, we help companies, governments, and organizations prepare for the impacts of climate change and operate more resiliently in a changing world.
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D (Daan) Verstand, MSc
Researcher climate adaptation in rural areas