Building Stability with Nature: NBS as a Pathway for Disaster Management in Fragile Contexts

The World Bank's report highlights the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in fragile, conflict-affected regions, emphasizing their role in disaster risk management, community resilience, and economic development. Despite challenges like political instability and data scarcity, NBS offers a cost-effective, sustainable approach to mitigating climate risks and fostering long-term stability.

The World Bank, in collaboration with the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and the Global Program on Nature-Based Solutions (GPNBS), has released a comprehensive report underscoring the pivotal role of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in disaster risk management, particularly within fragile, conflict, and violence-affected (FCV) countries. This initiative comes at a time when the world is grappling with the dual challenges of climate change and geopolitical instability, which are increasingly interlinked, particularly in regions already destabilized by conflict. According to the World Bank, by 2030, up to two-thirds of the global extreme poor will be living in fragile and conflict-affected situations, with these regions also being among the most vulnerable to climate change.

The report argues that NBS, which encompass a range of interventions designed to protect, manage, and restore natural ecosystems, can provide a sustainable, cost-effective approach to disaster risk management in these contexts. The World Bank highlights that traditional disaster risk reduction strategies often demand substantial financial investments and infrastructure, which are frequently unavailable in FCV settings. Conversely, NBS offers a more flexible and financially feasible alternative. These solutions leverage the resilience of natural systems, relying on local knowledge and practices to mitigate disaster risks, all while promoting environmental sustainability. For instance, by restoring wetlands, mangroves, or forests, communities can reduce the impacts of flooding, storms, and soil erosion natural defenses that require far less investment than hard infrastructure like dams or seawalls.

Community Engagement: A Key to Success

In addition to their environmental benefits, NBS are deeply intertwined with social and economic resilience. The report emphasizes that NBS projects often involve participatory approaches that engage local communities in planning, management, and maintenance processes. This community involvement not only enhances the effectiveness of the interventions but also strengthens social cohesion, builds trust in governance structures, and enhances disaster risk awareness. In FCV settings, where trust in institutions is often eroded, such approaches are particularly valuable. By addressing the needs of vulnerable groups and promoting inclusivity, NBS can help bridge social divides, reduce tensions, and foster a sense of shared responsibility for natural resource management.

Economic Opportunities through NBS

Furthermore, NBS initiatives are inherently linked to economic opportunities. In many FCV countries, unemployment and poverty are significant challenges that exacerbate social unrest and conflict. NBS projects, by promoting sustainable natural resource management, create employment and livelihoods opportunities. For example, reforestation and land restoration efforts not only protect the environment but also provide jobs in tree planting, agroforestry, and ecotourism. This dual focus on environmental sustainability and economic development addresses the root causes of conflict, contributing to longer-term stability and peace.

Challenges in Implementation

However, the implementation of NBS in FCV contexts is not without its challenges. The report acknowledges several cross-cutting issues that can complicate and delay these projects. Security concerns are paramount; ongoing conflict or high levels of violence can restrict access to NBS sites, disrupt infrastructure, and hinder community engagement. Political instability and fragile governance also pose significant risks, potentially leading to a lack of continuity in projects or shifts in priorities that undermine long-term sustainability. Moreover, data scarcity in these regions can complicate the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of NBS investments, as reliable information on hazard exposure and vulnerability is often lacking. Additionally, human capital constraints, such as brain drain or the absence of trained personnel with NBS-related expertise, can further hinder progress. Despite these challenges, the World Bank and its partners are committed to overcoming these obstacles and scaling up NBS interventions in FCV settings.

Case Studies Highlight NBS Impact

The report presents several case studies from around the world that illustrate the practical application and benefits of NBS in these contexts. In Chad, for example, NBS is being integrated into urban infrastructure projects to enhance flood protection and climate resilience. The project aims to expand local initiatives such as urban agriculture, composting, and tree nurseries, which not only improve food security but also address key drivers of fragility like water scarcity and environmental degradation. Similarly, in Niger, the government is working with the World Bank to adopt climate-smart restoration practices that improve livelihoods and reduce social conflicts. These efforts involve communal planning tools, strengthened governance structures, and capacity-building activities that empower local communities, particularly women, to take leadership roles. By restoring landscapes, these projects increase water availability, strengthen resilience against climate disasters, and support local food security, all while creating employment opportunities. Through these and other initiatives, the World Bank aims to demonstrate that NBS can play a crucial role in building resilience, fostering peace, and promoting sustainable development in some of the world's most vulnerable and conflict-affected regions. This report serves as a call to action for the global community to invest in nature as a critical tool for addressing the interconnected challenges of disaster risk, climate change, and conflict.