Joana GUERRIN, INRAE - UMR GESTE, France
Ludovic DRAPIER, INRAE - UMR GESTE, France
The erosion of biodiversity and climate change are two main challenges internationally acknowledged. While they have been given different consideration for several decades, the need to address these challenges in an integrate manner is now emphasized by many actors. In this endeavor, nature-based Solutions (NbS) are often presented as tools that highly integrate these stakes. They are usually defined (i.e. by IUCN) as actions that simultaneously address societal challenges, e.g. climate change adaptation or risk management, and provide biodiversity benefits. NbS are actively promoted at an international scale by institutions such as the IUCN or the European Commission. IUCN developed an international standard in 2020 to frame this developing concept. NbS have been the main topic of numerous scientific publications recently. These publications often call for implementing more systematically NbS on the ground. However, there is little articulation between the international scale - at which NbS were developed - and the local scale - where NbS ought to be implemented. Therefore, this communication will tackle the following questions: What are the challenges associated with the downscaling of NbS concept? How are local stakeholders integrating NbS in their practices? To address these questions, we conducted multiple semi-directive interviews with managers and practitioners engaged in biodiversity conservation projects in France. In parallel, we analyzed how NbS were discussed and promoted in international arenas (World Conservation Congress, COP 26). Our results show that local practitioners are struggling to grasp NbS as promoted by international institutions. Despite a push to spread NbS in international arenas and demonstrate their efficiency, NbS are still considered as a blurry and non-operational tool at the local scale. By confronting the international and local scales, we wish to engage in a discussion around the scalar gaps in the implementation of NbS
Keywords: nature-based solutions|scale|France|IUCN|qualitative data
A103072LD