Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are gaining attention as ways to support community resilience while also boosting biodiversity, ecosystem health, and community wellbeing.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems and cultural land practices reflect the principles of NbS, offering insights for developing more effective and context-specific climate adaptation strategies. These approaches are often centred on care, responsibility, and long-term sustainability, understanding humans as one with nature.
However, there is a lack of meaningful inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in the scientific literature. Much of the existing literature demonstrates an urban bias, with current frameworks relying heavily on Western approaches that view ecosystems as assets or services.
The Resilience Institute conducted a literature review, facilitated a learning workshop, and learned from our community connections to better understand how natural climate solutions can support resilience in rural and Indigenous communities across Canada.
Key Takeaways
Communities see nature-based approaches as relevant and beneficial, regardless of whether they use the term “nature-based solutions.”
- 72% of participants rated NbS as highly important for addressing climate risks.
The language used matters. Clear, accessible terminology may be just as important as the technical concepts themselves.
- A common comment from participants was: “Too many concepts, paradigms, and frameworks get thrown around.”
Despite this, the implementation of NbS is limited by funding, governance, capacity, and long-term support. A consistent theme identified by participants was that nature-based approaches require long-term investment, while many funding opportunities remain short-term and project-based.
Outcomes
The literature review and community questionnaire revealed a consistent message: nature-based approaches have significant potential to strengthen climate resilience in rural and Indigenous communities across Canada, but their successful implementation requires approaches that are community-driven, locally relevant, and supported through long-term investment and partnerships.
Many communities are already applying the principles of Nature-based Solutions through stewardship, restoration, conservation, and land-based practices. There is an opportunity to build on this existing knowledge and experience, fostering pathways that strengthen both ecosystem health and community resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Check out our Storymap to learn more about how natural climate solutions can support resilience in rural and Indigenous communities.
Click here to access the full report.
