Rooted in Reality: Critical Contextualization of Nature-based Solutions in Coastal Areas of Bangladesh

This study critically evaluates the effectiveness and adherence of integrated farming in coastal Bangladesh as a Nature-based Solutions (NbS) intervention using the IUCN’s Global Standard for NbS. The study also evaluates quality of evidence of the implementing organization (an NGO), motivation in adopting NbS as its core strategy, and issues considered to mainstream NbS. The research employed a series of qualitative methods combining content analysis, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs), complemented by validation sessions. Findings reveal that the NbS intervention effectively addressed societal challenges, but there remain opportunities to improve in certain key areas, such as ensuring net gain in biodiversity. The project also lacks knowledge mobilisation for wider impact, such as assisting others in designing NbS. However, the NGO’s motivation lies in contribution to global challenges, branding a new concept like NbS, taking a leadership role, and highlighting the tangible benefits. But, limited focus on biodiversity remains a critical aspect that underscores a need for place-based implementation and documentation. The study suggests that, if scientists want policymakers to choose the best evidence for a policy, they need to communicate more clearly, strategically, and frequently. Organizations also need to re-evaluate the nexus between ‘society and nature’ and shift in organizational commitments investing in appropriate staffing, capacity development, and adaptive management throughout the programing. Finally, we found a lack in proper guidelines adopting a new concept, like NbS, in policies and its utilization. This would enable policymakers for effective supervision, allow NGOs to implement intervention, and provide researchers to assess the effectiveness of emerging concepts.