On December 11, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) released an online Nature-based Solutions Roadmap tool to guide implementation and offer strategies to use natural features or processes for climate solutions. In addition, DOI announced a new policy that will strengthen the Department’s ability to meet its mission in the face of a changing climate by prioritizing nature-based solutions across bureaus and offices.

“Investing in nature is investing in ourselves. By employing nature-based solutions, land managers and decision makers can restore and sustain healthy ecosystems that in turn support healthy communities and economies,” said DOI Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz. The Assistant Secretary participated in the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai where she highlighted nature-based solutions as key to improving the resilience of our lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of climate change.

Nature-based solutions use or mimic natural features or processes to improve biodiversity, strengthen resilience for disaster and hazard-risk management, support climate adaptation, and address carbon management to offset greenhouse gas emissions, while also benefitting both people and nature. These can include green infrastructure, natural infrastructure, and natural climate solutions.

The Nature-based Solutions Roadmap, developed in partnership with Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for the Environment, is intended to provide DOI staff with consistent and credible information about nature-based solutions. The tool can help determine which strategies match certain conditions and goals, what co-benefits they are likely to provide, example projects, and additional resources for project planning, construction, and monitoring.