Nature-based solutions a part of solving the crisis

Many seminars at COP focused a great deal on so-called nature-based solutions. This means taking advantage of nature to provide sustainable, cost-effective, versatile and flexible solutions to climate problems, using the characteristics of natural ecosystems. For example, this can be about managing and recreating woodlands to contribute to fertile soils and water infiltration. This, in turn, leads to more reliable harvests, reduced risk of flooding, or to strengthening biodiversity – and often all at the same time. Solutions based on nature’s own ability to deal with negative climate effects thus fulfill more functions than just technical ones.

Agroforestry is an example of a nature-based solution that was often highlighted during many conference sessions. Agroforestry, tree farming where trees are planted among crops and animals, can limit the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by binding carbon in vegetation and soil. At the same time, the cultivation system contributes to adaptation to the effects of climate change, as trees shade, bind soil and increase resistance to pests, drought and floods, as well as providing access to firewood and a variety of nutritious food. Trees in the agricultural landscape can also increase the soil’s ability to capture and retain water in the soil and replenish groundwater. Small-scale agroforestry farming is common in many developing countries, and systems have often evolved through adaptation to local conditions over the centuries. Local experiences of responding to severe weather conditions are often valuable complements to scientifically developed agricultural methods, for example to create systems with high resilience and good ability to sequester carbon.

The importance of social justice and gender equality strategies for climate action were important issues during the climate summit, especially among young women and representatives of indigenous peoples. Agroforestry is not just a farming system, but part of a social and economic system that has proven to be an effective tool in developing countries to support women’s right to income from the land they cultivate. Investments in agroforestry enable women to gain income from commercially valuable tree products, such as shea nuts. They can then send their children to schools and education, which in the long run helps the poor themselves lifting themselves out of poverty. In other words, agroforestry is a nature-based solution that can promote ecological, economic and social benefits, and contributes to several global sustainability goals (Agroforestry Network Report (2018) Scaling Up Agroforestry: Potential, Challenges and Barriers).

Nature-based solutions to the climate crisis cannot replace measures in other sectors to reduce fossil use, but sustainable use of agricultural land, such as agroforestry, can support in meeting both climate and development goals. This was presented as evidence during COP 25, where nature-based solutions were in strong focus. With agroforestry as a basis, we can support the climate adaptation of vulnerable people in poor countries – and at the same time meet several of the global sustainability goals.

Investments in agroforestry in development cooperation are just right in time.

Madeleine Fogde, Director, Swedish International Agricultural Network Initiative (SIANI).
Malin Gustafsson, Coordinator, Agroforestry Network & Program Officer, SWH, SIWI
Ulrik Ilstedt, Associate Professor, Swedish University of Agriculture (SLU)
Karin Lexén, Secretary general, Naturskyddsföreningen
Kristina Mastroianni, Technical Director agriculture, NIRAS
Lotta Samuelson, Program Manager, Swedish Water House (SWH), Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)
Christina Schaffer, Agroforestry Sweden
Maria Schultz, Director, Vi-skogen
Elisabeth Simelton, Scientist, World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
Anna Tengberg, Associated professor, Lunds University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS) & Program Manager, SWH, SIWI
Ingrid Öborn, Senior research fellow, Word Agroforestry (ICRAF) & professor, SLU
Maria Ölund, Project leader for the research network Focali

Originally published in Aktuell Hallbarhet, Sweden.
English version adapted by World Agroforestry (ICRAF).