We’ve waded through the jargon to give you the next snapshot understanding of a carbon-related acronym to digest over your morning coffee. ☕
NbS! Nuts bolts Screws?
No bull S***?
It is definitely harder when there’s no C for carbon.
In this context, NbS stands for Nature-based Solutions.
Nature-based solutions are defined by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature as ‘actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal changes effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature’. It’s estimated that nature-based solutions can provide around a third of the mitigation needed to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
So, what does a nature-based solution look like? Well, this may involve planting trees to provide habitat, designing the landscape to prevent erosion and loss of soil nutrients, or planting mangroves to protect vulnerable communities from storm surge.
It is important that these solutions are well managed, with evidence-based benefits quantified through robust measurement and evidence – and not just with a single metric. Benefits should be manyfold, and may include:
- Sequestering carbon,
- Protecting and enhancing biodiversity,
- Contributing to food security,
- Building resilience to climate change, and
- Ensuring our ecosystems remain healthy and provide opportunity for sustainable business
Multiple platforms exist to incentivise Nature-based solutions in Australia. The ACCU Scheme has a range of vegetation and area based ‘methods’ applicable for a range of land-based enterprises, Queensland’s Reef Credits program is designed to prevent agricultural run-off entering the fragile Great Barrier Reef, and the Australian Government is looking to launch the Nature repair market in 2024.
Ready to find out more?
Explore our range of educational resources in our Carbon Farming Education Hub where we frequently publish educational articles, webinars, and guidebooks.
When you’re ready to explore the feasibility of undertaking a carbon project on your property, email us at hello@carbonfarming.org.au or give us a bell at (08) 6835 1140 to be connected with one of our project facilitators.
