Blogs and Features
Stories and Insights from the Field
Explore examples from across the World Bank’s portfolio showcasing how nature-based solutions (NBS) are being applied to address climate challenges, reduce disaster risk, and support sustainable development frameworks. The blogs and feature stories below draw upon a variety of field experiences, technical expertise, and policy engagements to highlight the practical integration of NBS on the ground.
Learn more about our work through real-world examples that demonstrate the value of embedding nature into development planning and implementation.
Spotlight
Nature-based Coastal Resilience: A Catalogue for Jobs and Local EconomiesCoastal zones are economic powerhouses, supporting millions of jobs in fisheries, tourism, ports, and manufacturing and hosting nearly 40% of the world’s population. Yet coastal communities and industries are increasingly vulnerable to rising sea levels, stronger storms, and rapid erosion. These risks are further exacerbated by the degradation of coastal ecosystems that once provided protection and services to people and economies.
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Nature-based Coastal Resilience: A Catalogue for Jobs and Local Economies
Coastal zones are economic powerhouses, supporting millions of jobs in fisheries, tourism, ports, and manufacturing and hosting nearly 40% of the world’s population. Yet coastal communities and industries are increasingly vulnerable to rising sea levels, stronger storms, and rapid erosion. These risks are further exacerbated by the degradation of coastal ecosystems that once provided protection and services to people and economies.
Unlocking Nature for Disaster Resilience: How Policies Can Pave the Way and Scale Up Nature‑Based SolutionsAround the world, governments and communities are harnessing the power of nature to manage rising climate risks. Mangroves are restored to reduce storm surges, wetlands rehabilitated to absorb floodwaters, urban trees planted to cool neighborhoods, and upland forests protected to stabilize slopes and protect drinking water sources.
Enhancing Capacity to Advance Nature-Based Solutions for Climate ResilienceFrom cities to coastlines, countries around the world are working to integrate NBS into development planning and climate resilience strategies. From flood protection and land restoration to urban cooling and biodiversity enhancement, NBS are increasingly recognized as approaches that can mitigate climate risks while supporting resilient infrastructure and sustainable development. Yet, despite growing interest, many stakeholders lack the technical capacity to effectively plan, design, implement, and sustainably manage NBS.
How ports work with nature to build climate resiliencePorts are crucial for global trade and particularly vital for low- and middle-income countries, handling over 11 billion tons of goods annually and supporting millions of jobs globally. However, ports increasingly face challenges in balancing efficiency, climate resilience, and sustainability. Nature-based solutions (NBS) can offer an additional tool for port authorities seeking to address these intersecting challenges effectively.
When the Beach Disappears: How Tourism Can Work with Nature to Fight ErosionIn many coastal areas, sandy beaches are more than scenic assets, they are economic engines. Coastal and marine tourism accounts for nearly 50% of global tourism, generating an estimated $4.6 trillion annually, or 5.2% of global GDP. These ecosystems also provide vital protection, acting as natural buffers against storm surges, flooding, and chronic erosion. However, their ability to support livelihoods and resilience is increasingly undermined by climate change, urban expansion, and poor coastal management.
