Nature-based solutions are not just for us – other species matter too

We often assume that nature exists for the benefit of humans. In decisions concerning nature-based solutions, researchers therefore emphasise the need for a shift in perspective, from ‘nature for humans’ to ‘nature with humans’. This means that nature is not seen merely as a resource for human needs, but as a system of which we are part and with which we interact. New nature-based solutions, such as green streets and rain gardens, need to take a wider range of factors into account, for example the animals they attract. This places practical demands on the planning and maintenance of new nature-based solutions, according to SLU researchers Misagh Mottaghi and Kes McCormick, who are behind a recently published scientific article.

“We start from our own needs. When nature is taken into account, it is often seen as part of infrastructure for humans– a tree should provide shade, a park should promote health. The difficulty of including other species in our decisions is not merely theoretical since we already know that our and their needs are interlinked; the key is translating this knowledge into practice. This requires a shift in how we view other species”, says Misagh Mottaghi, a postdoctoral researcher at SLU and lead author of the article. 

The study involved interviews with nearly 30 decision-makers and practitioners across five regions in Europe. The results show that including biodiversity in climate adaptation via nature-based solutions is relatively limited and that the participants lacked a nuanced understanding of the concept of justice beyond humans. According to the researchers, this means that nature-based solutions full potential – particularly in terms of justice – is not being realised. The researchers suggest that these solutions should not be viewed as technical but as relationships in which people and nature share many common needs.

”A tree does not need the same rights, but it might need the right to occupy space and live, just as a bee needs access to food from certain flowers. Justice for multiple species requires us to pay attention to more than just human needs, although even less privileged and vulnerable human groups are often not included in those as well. The point of justice for more species is not to humanise nature, but to highlight its multiplicity. It is rather about changing what we ignore and working to draw attention to those who are overlooked, as well as making them visible in nature-based solutions decision-making.”

However, the researchers take an optimistic view of the future and believe that small changes in decision-making can make a significant difference. One such change is for decision-makers to redefine the relationship between humans and nature.

”I was surprised that the discussion was far too focused on humans in the work with climate adaptation at a time when biodiversity loss is a threat to the entire planet and research has shown how interconnected these two issues are. Justice should not depend on, or be limited to, specific topic and project,” says Misagh Mottaghi.