Scaling Up Nature-based Solutions in Humanitarian Contexts: Consultative Session, Geneva HNPW in-person and online, 8 May 2024

Registration: https://bit.ly/hnpw-8

Increasing disaster risk, fueled by climate change and environmental degradation, is pushing the humanitarian sector’s capacity to its limits. Addressing this challenge urgently requires innovative approaches to mitigate risks and preserve lives.

Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a vital strategy by reintegrating environmental considerations into humanitarian efforts. To effectively deploy NbS within humanitarian contexts—whether in fragile environments, protracted crises, or rapid-onset disasters—collaborative multi-sectoral partnerships and enhanced resource mobilization are essential. Moreover, bolstering capacities for NbS implementation, alongside strategic advocacy and awareness initiatives supported by robust evidence, is key to harnessing the potential of nature in humanitarian action.

In 2024, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Sphere, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are building on the progress from the 2023 debut of our pivotal guide,‘A Sphere Unpacked Guide: Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience in Humanitarian Action’.

We invite you to participate in our consultative session – which is divided into two parts:

1. Technical Session (9:00 – 10:30): An interactive workshop focused on understanding and implementing NbS and Sphere standards within humanitarian contexts. This hands-on session will demonstrate practical applications of NbS across different humanitarian scenarios, fostering exchange of knowledge and experiences amongst participants.

2. Panel Discussion (11:00 – 12:00): A dynamic panel exploring strategies to scale up NbS in humanitarian action. This discussion will feature insights from leading experts in the field, fostering dialogue on how these solutions can reduce risk.

Join us to contribute your insights and explore how NbS can create tangible impacts in humanitarian settings. Your participation is crucial as we aim to transform these innovative ideas into actions.