Nature-based Solutions: Why are states not focusing efforts on systemic transformations to address the drivers of biodiversity loss?

Over the past decade, the concept of ‘Nature-based Solutions’ (NbS) has been promoted within global environmental governance, with several big conservation NGOs and corporations (such as BP, Chevron, Shell, Bayer, and Microsoft) being strong proponents. Initially developed by IUCN, the term has since spread across climate and biodiversity fora, despite evidence showing that NbS can harm ecosystem functions, violate human rights, and justify greenwashing and offsetting schemes. Additionally, many NbS projects do not consider the risk of impermanence, as climate change and other anthropogenic factors can affect ecosystem health.