Promoting Nature-Based Solutions and Sustainable Infrastructure in the ECE Region

Environmental and Health Co-benefits of Nature-Based Solutions

As countries across the UNECE region face escalating climate, environmental, and public health challenges, the demand for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure has never been greater. In response to this urgency, a new publication—Promoting Nature-based Solutions and Sustainable Infrastructure in the ECE Region: Environmental and Health Co-benefits—offers a timely and practical guide to integrating nature into infrastructure planning.

📘 Published: November 2025
🌍 Launched at: COP30, 20 November 2025
📍 Regions covered: Central Asia and UNECE Member States

Why Nature-Based Solutions Matter

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) use natural processes to address societal challenges while delivering multiple benefits for people, biodiversity, and the economy. This publication highlights how NbS can protect, restore, and sustainably manage ecosystems, while supporting climate adaptation, environmental protection, and public health.

Rather than replacing conventional infrastructure, NbS can substitute for, complement, or enhance traditional systems—often at lower cost and with broader co-benefits.

Practical Guidance for Action

Designed for policymakers, planners, and practitioners, the report provides actionable insights into how NbS can be implemented across different contexts. It demonstrates how nature-based approaches can:

• Improve air and water quality
• Enhance climate resilience
• Support biodiversity conservation
• Promote public health and well-being

The publication showcases real-world examples from across the ECE region, including green roofs, wetlands, agroforestry systems, and urban parks. These case studies illustrate how NbS can help address pressing challenges such as flood risk, heat stress, water scarcity, and infrastructure vulnerability.

Tools, Case Studies, and Planning Support

Beyond examples, the report includes:

• Practical planning tips
• Implementation guidance
• Links to tools and resources
• Policy insights to support integration into national climate and biodiversity strategies

These elements make the guide not only informative, but directly usable for those working to embed NbS into infrastructure development from the outset.

Building a More Resilient Future

By placing nature at the heart of infrastructure planning, NbS unlock opportunities to create healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable communities. This publication aims to inspire and empower stakeholders across the UNECE region to fully harness the potential of NbS for long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits.

📥 Download the publication