What are the key findings of the Playbook?
The Playbook aims to help engineering and conservation practitioners better understand the opportunities and constraints associated with nature-positive infrastructure design and is meant to contribute to the important and growing broader dialogue around the concept of nature-positive. Drawn from an analysis of over 200 projects and supported by a selection of case studies, the Playbook includes a few key findings:
First, while nature-positive approaches for infrastructure development may be “high on the agenda,” there are still few examples of implemented projects. While there is considerable interest in using nature-based solutions to replace or complement certain functions of traditional (grey) infrastructure, there is still an implementation bias towards well-established approaches such as reforestation, wetland restoration, urban drainage systems, and more. We can and should continue to use these approaches while also exploring additional, less understood approaches that could have a positive impact on nature.
Second, there is a limited understanding of the full range of benefits of nature-based solutions. The inability to quantify the benefits, for example, may undermine or limit infrastructure practitioners’ willingness to deliver nature-positive projects.
And finally, and most importantly, there is a need to more frequently demonstrate the benefits of nature-based solutions. As noted in the Playbook, there is an urgent need to move beyond nature-related commitments and advocacy and firmly place considerations of nature and climate at the forefront of the process of planning, implementing, maintaining, and decommissioning infrastructure.
