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The global standard for Nature-based Solutions™
Actions to protect, manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems, which address societal challenges, effectively and adaptively, providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.
Explore the Global Standard
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At a glance
8 Criteria
A comprehensive framework ensuring NbS are environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable across all sectors and geographies. The Nature-based Solutions Global Standard includes 8 criteria and 27 indicators.
Criterion 1
Societal challenges
Criterion 2
Integrated systems perspective
Criterion 3
Enhanced biodiversity, ecosystem integrity and connectivity
Criterion 4
Financial feasibility and economic justification
Criterion 5
Inclusive governance and equity
Criterion 6
Balancing goals and impacts
Criterion 7
Adaptive management
Criterion 8
Enhancing sustainability and mainstreaming
learn more about the criteria
The Standard
What is the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™?
The IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™ is the world’s
first comprehensive framework to ensure that NbS interventions
deliver benefits for people and nature.
8 evidence-based criteria
guide users through every stage—from identifying societal challenges to design, implementation, and adaptive management—while 27 indicators provide measurable benchmarks toassess effectiveness, sustainability, and inclusiveness.
The IUCN Global Standard is applied by
governments, businesses, civil society, and communities worldwide
to unlock climate and biodiversity finance, reduce project risks, and maximize positive outcomes for people, biodiversity and ecosystems.
more about the NbS Standard
Good Reasons
Why the IUCN NbS Standard?
The IUCN NbS Standard serves diverse stakeholders across sectors, providing tailored guidance for effective Nature-based Solutions.
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Quality Assurance & Risk Mitigation
Investment Security & Financial Confidence
Effectiveness & Impact Measurement
Global Recognition & Legitimacy
Inclusive Governance & Equity
Biodiversity Integrity & Long-term Sustainability
Ensure quality and reduce risks
Evidence-based framework prevents common pitfalls in NbS design
Systematic risk identification and management protocols
Safeguards against unintended environmental and social consequences
Attract funding with credible NbS interventions
Internationally recognised standard increases investor confidence
Clear criteria enable robust project evaluation and due diligence
Standardised reporting facilitates access to climate and biodiversity finance
Deliver measurable outcomes
SMART indicators track progress toward stated goals
Adaptive management maximises intervention effectiveness
Benchmarking enables performance comparison and continuous improvement
Build credibility with stakeholders
IUCN-endorsed framework carries institutional authority
Alignment with international commitments (SDGs, Paris Agreement, GBF)
Peer recognition through globally consistent application
Design with people, for people
Co-design with stakeholders, rights-holders and IPLCs
Grievance and conflict resolution mechanisms in place
Equity outcomes tracked
Protect nature while solving societal challenges
Enhance ecosystem integrity and connectivity; avoid biodiversity trade-offs
Secure O&M and long-term financing (public, private, blended)
Mainstream into policy & regulatory frameworks
Target Groups
Who Is This Standard For?
The IUCN NbS Standard serves diverse stakeholders across sectors, providing tailored guidance for effective nature-based solutions.
GOV
Governments & Agencies
Develop and implement NbS policies and programs that deliver measurable results, strengthen resilience, and contribute to global commitments.
BIZ
Businesses
Integrate NbS into sustainability strategies and
environmental, social, and governance (
ESG) reporting with credible, science-based approaches that enhance long-term value and investor confidence.
NGO
NGOs & Project Developers
Apply a standardised approach to strengthen project credibility, secure sustainable funding, and demonstrate measureable impact for people and nature.
COM
Communities
Co-design local NbS that respect community needs, rights, and traditional knowledge while enhancing resilience and addressing local challenges.
Countries Using the Standard
Registered Users Worldwide
Scientific Publications on NbS
EU Investments in NbS (Horizon Europe)
UNDERSTAND
How Does The Standard Work?
A flexible, process-oriented approach that guides you through continuous improvement rather than rigid compliance thresholds.
PREPARE
Stakeholder mapping, baseline establishment
EVALUATE
Self-assessment against 8 criteria (SAT)
IMPROVE
Gap closure, safeguard development
IMPLEMENT
Adaptive management, monitoring, and learning
SCALE
Documentation, policy integration
how to use the IUCN NbS Global Standard
LEARN
How Does The Standard Work?
Dive into the foundations of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™. Explore practical learning resources, guidance materials, and real-world case studies that help you understand how the Standard is applied—from concept to implementation. Build your capacity to design, evaluate, and scale high-quality NbS interventions.
Case Studies →
Discover real-world examples of NbS in action—tested, evaluated, and shared to inspire replication and scaling.
NbS Knowledge Hub→
Browse a comprehensive database of NbS publications, reports, and data for practitioners and researchers.
IUCN NbS academy →
Join interactive online courses, webinars, and training sessions that deepen your expertise in NbS design and evaluation.
APPLY
How to apply the Standard
Turn knowledge into practice. Access step-by-step guidance, tools, and templates that support you in conducting a self-assessment, aligning projects with the Standard’s eight criteria, and improving performance over time. Whether you are a policymaker, practitioner, or investor, the Apply section helps you operationalize the Standard effectively.
start the Self-Assessment
Connect
Join the Global NbS Community
Collaborate with peers and experts shaping the future of Nature-based Solutions. The Connect section links you to regional hubs, community ambassadors, events, and discussion spaces. Share experiences, exchange lessons, and contribute to a growing global network that advances the quality and impact of NbS worldwide.
Regional Hubs→
Explore regional centers that connect local expertise, projects, and stakeholders advancing Nature-based Solutions worldwide.
ENACT Partnership →
Discover the global coalition driving policy alignment, investment, and collective action for Nature-based Solutions.
NbS Helpdesk→
Get tailored guidance and technical support for applying the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™
Evaluate your Nature-based Solution
Start the Self-Assessment