IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions

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Your input will help us make shape a more relevant and useful Standard 

Strengthening the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) — Your Contribution is Essential

Dear IUCN Members and Colleagues,

We invite you to play an integral role in advancing the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS), the most widely recognized and utilized operational framework for Nature-based Solutions worldwide. This Standard underpins the effective design, implementation, monitoring, and scaling of NbS, and its clarity, relevance, and utility must be preserved and enhanced.

Since its initial release in 2020, the NbS Standard has facilitated NbS initiatives, equipping policymakers, project planners, and practitioners with a structured approach to addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. Endorsed by IUCN’s 7th World Conservation Congress (WCC-2020-Res-060), the Standard provides an essential framework for ensuring that NbS initiatives are not merely aspirational concepts but effective, inclusive, and impactful actions.

Continuous Improvement of the NbS Standard

To maintain the Standard’s scientific rigour, cross-sectoral relevance, and practical applicability, IUCN undertakes a systematic review and update at least every five years. This process is designed to ensure compatibility with diverse socio-ecological contexts and thematic applications and to take into account the latest developments related to NbS implementation.

How You Can Contribute

Your input is critical to this review. We invite you to participate in a public survey focused on the 8 Criteria and 28 Indicators that form the foundation of the NbS Standard. The survey serves as a key opportunity to assess and refine the precision, accessibility, and inclusiveness of the Standard’s language, usability and structure.

Why Your Participation Matters

Contributions from IUCN members, colleagues, and partners and any actor interested in NbS implementation will be synthesized with expert feedback to ensure the Standard reflects diverse perspectives and remains fit for purpose. Your input will help ensure that the next edition of the Standard—scheduled for release in 2025—embodies the highest standards of clarity, coherence, and applicability. This revision is essential, as adherence to the IUCN Standard is increasingly required by donors and provides critical assurance to investors, funders, and policymakers that NbS projects are credible, verifiable, and impactful.

Survey Details

- Available in English, French, and Spanish.

- Focuses on the clarity, precision, and accessibility of the language used in the IUCN Global Standard for NbS, including its criteria, targets, and indicators.

- Completion time: approximately 5 minutes.

• Link ENG: Public Survey
• Link FR: Enquête Publique
• Link SP: La encuesta

Make Your Voice Count

By contributing to this survey, you will help to refine a globally significant instrument for environmental, social, and economic action. The result will be a more accessible and universally applicable Standard that facilitates the mainstreaming of Nature-based Solutions across sectors and geographies.

We sincerely appreciate your participation and look forward to your valuable insights.

With gratitude and respect.