Supportng Nature-Positive Livelihoods
Lessons Learned from Experiences with Nature-based Solutions
More than a third of humanity directly depends on nature for their livelihoods—including through fishing, farming and forestry. This is especially true for coastal communities across the Indo-Pacific, where the disproportionate impacts of climate change are being felt.
This, in turn, is placing critical ecosystems and rural livelihoods under strain, making it increasingly difficult for people to meet their needs and aspirations. In order to restore biodiversity and ecological processes and support sustainable livelihoods, we must centre on the relationships between people and nature. This is where nature-based solutions (NbS) and nature-positive livelihoods can offer a possile way forward.
Livelihoods and nature are intertwined
Nature-based solutions protect, restore, and sustainably manage ecosystems such as forests, mangroves, reefs and freshwater. These actions not only help to reduce emissions but also one of the most cost-effective ways to build resilience to the devastating impacts of climate change.
Nature-based solutions are not just about environmental restoration. Crucially, it must also support the sustainable development aspirations of the communities and economies that depend on those ecosystems.
Nature-based solutions must start with people and an understanding local livelihood strategies— as opposed to purely livelihoods activities or income generation. This requires a holistic understanding of the realities of people lives, their assets, capabilities, and the forces that shape opportunities or creates barriers surrounding local livelihoods and the strategies people employ to navigate these.
Nature-positive livelihoods
Nature-positive livelihoods allow people to live well and meet their needs, while ensuring nature thrives in the process.
We can think the concept of nature-positive livelihoods as a continuum that ranges from short-term coping strategies that enable households who rely on natural resources to meet their needs to transformative, long-term strategies that holistically regenerate ecosystems and improve human well-being.
Nature-based solutions should be designed to support both immediate needs and long-term adaptation and sustainability to maximise outcomes for people and nature. However, as no system is perfectly balanced, trade-offs are often necessary and must be negotiated fairly throughout the project cycle.
Examples in practice
Designing and implementing nature-based solutions requires careful consideration of risks, resilience, and the ability of livelihood strategies to withstand shocks and stresses, particularly in the face of a changing climate. To build resilience we must factor in key dimensions including diversity (multiple livelihood options), redundancy (ensuring safety nets so failure in one aspect can be offset) and safe-fail mechanisms (ability to recover from failure).
Some examples include:
In Viet Nam, farmers are transitioning to nature-positive, flood-adapted farming models. These models reintroduce ancient “floating” rice varieties and integrate fish-raising practices that work with natural, seasonal flooding. Farmers benefit from diversified income and reduced input costs. The model also decreases greenhouse gases emissions and improves the soil’s water retention.
In Solomon Islands, nature-based solutions have integrated traditional practices, such as respecting tambu (sacred reefs), by regulating harvest times, quantities, and locations. This has led to both increased sea grape coverage and higher incomes for women in target communities.
Key takeaways
A sustainable livelihoods framework identifies ingredients for success for nature-positive livelihoods:
People-centred approach: Nature-based solutions must start with people’s livelihoods, needs and aspirations, not just environmental goals.
Equity and inclusion: Addressing historical injustices, marginalisation, ensuring meaningful participation of all groups is fundamental, and that benefits accrue to those most vulnerable.
Resilience and adaptation: Building resilience through diverse, redundant, and adaptable livelihood strategies is key.
Negotiating trade-offs: Recognising and managing trade-offs between nature and livelihoods must be done equitably to balance outcomes, prioritising those most at risk from the potential negative impacts.
Resources and timeframes: Long-term commitment and adequate resources are necessary for transformative change.
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How can we best support nature-positive livelihoods? Read about lessons learned
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