NbS result in positive change in the state of biodiversity and enhanced ecosystem integrity, including connectivity
As the recognition of the fundamental role that biodiversity and ecosystems play in addressing societal challenges and supporting human wellbeing is the cornerstone of the NbS definition, the NbS design and implementation shall avoid undermining the integrity of ecosystems and, instead, proactively seek to sustain and enhance their functionality, biodiversity and connectivity. Doing so can also ensure the long-term resilience and durability of the NbS.
3.1 The state of the ecosystems and the drivers of ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss are identified, assessed and documented
To develop a solution based on nature, it is important to have a well-founded understanding of the state of the ecosystems concerned. A baseline assessment should be established as a benchmark against which progress and the performance of the NbS can be measured (Criterion 7). The baseline assessment should characterise the state of the concerned ecosystems, identify the drivers of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. The baseline assessment should make use of both local/traditional knowledge and scientific understanding when available (Criterion 5) and provide a foundation for the NbS monitoring plan (Indicator 3.3 and Criterion 7).
3.2 Opportunities to enhance ecosystem integrity, including connectivity, are identified, assessed and documented
NbS provide an opportunity to enhance biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management efforts in ways that other types of interventions, such as engineering, will not be able to achieve. For example, NbS can enable greater ecosystem connectivity when implemented close to natural ecosystems that are managed explicitly for conservation outcomes. Or they can help re-introduce lost components of an existing ecosystem by deliberately choosing formerly existing species of vegetation when restoring. It is important to identify and assess any requirements and opportunities to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, including connectivity, through participatory process and based on the best available knowledge (both scientific and traditional/local knowledge) (Criterion 5).
3.3 Measurable biodiversity outcomes are identified, benchmarked, periodically assessed and reviewed according to evidence-based assessments
The NbS should integrate SMART outcomes for enhancing and/or recovering key biodiversity and ecosystem values (Indicator 1.3) that are based on a baseline assessment (Indicator 3.1) and respond to identified drivers and opportunities (Indicators 3.1 and 3.2). Based on the baseline assessment (Indicator 3.1), measurable indicators and associated targets for enhancing key biodiversity and ecosystem values are to be set to track progress (Criterion 7). For each NbS, the type of indicator and target may differ; for example, the indicator could be the percentage of ecosystem area restored or the return of a keystone species.
3.4 Unintended consequences on nature arising from the NbS are periodically assessed and addressed
Ecosystems are complex with interdependent components and processes. There will always be a level of uncertainty in how they will react to specific interventions or other external changes. NbS should be designed and periodically monitored (Indicator 2.3 and Criterion 7) to minimise and mitigate any unintended impacts that might undermine the ecological foundations of the solution itself.
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