Nature-based Solutions (NbS) draw inspiration from nature and natural processes to support sustainable forest management (SFM). By leveraging ecosystem services, NbS contribute to SFM outcomes through the conservation and rehabilitation of natural ecosystems, as well as the integration of natural processes within modified or artificial ecosystems. In the context of climate action, NbS in forestry involve utilising natural ecosystems to mitigate and adapt to climate change, with the aim of enhancing carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and improving the overall resilience of forest landscapes.
Recognising the crucial role of NbS in meeting climate goals, the ASEAN Member States (AMS) convened in Bali, Indonesia, from 2–3 May 2025, for a regional workshop on advancing NbS and Ecosystem-based Approach (EbA) practices in forestry, including social forestry. The workshop gathered over 60 participants from AMS, Timor Leste, and international development partners. During the event, AMS shared a wide range of NbS and EbA practices such as agroforestry, ecosystem restoration, forest and mangrove rehabilitation, village and customary forest management, urban forestry, and community-based coffee plantations.
As part of the regional initiative on Improving Regional Capacities on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Approaches (EbA) to Support Social Forestry Development, ASEAN is currently developing Regional Guidelines and practical Toolkits to support the effective implementation of NbS and EbA in the forestry sector. The guidelines comprise 16 guiding principles, which emphasise key aspects critical to successful NbS/EbA implementation—including institutional, economic, environmental, socio-cultural, and technical design considerations, as well as effective communication and strategies for scaling up initiatives.
The guidelines and its practical tools are being prepared collaboratively by the UN-REDD Programme (FAO), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the ASEAN Secretariat, and with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). This effort represents a significant step toward mainstreaming NbS/EbA as integrated approaches for climate change mitigation and adaptation in ASEAN forestry policies.
Looking ahead, the ASEAN Secretariat is working to initiate new NbS/EbA-based programmes to help Member States enhance sustainable forest management practices and address climate change impacts. ASEAN continues to promote a multi-stakeholder approach, welcoming the participation of dialogue partners, international organisations, the private sector, and civil society to support the effective implementation of these nature solutions.
For further information on NbS/EbA and ASEAN forestry cooperation, please contact the Food, Agriculture and Forestry Division at: nru@asean.org.
Photo credit: FAO/UNREDD
