In the face of escalating environmental challenges, there’s a growing consensus that we must shift our focus from merely slowing down the degradation of nature to actively fostering its recovery and flourishing.
Enter the “positive nature” approach – a transformative paradigm that champions proactive measures to regenerate our ecosystems and biodiversity. Dr. Ken Henry’s review of the Biodiversity Conservation Act NSW recommended an urgent and concerted effort to prioritize nature conservation and adopt policies that promote a “nature positive” approach.
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“Positive Nature” Approach
The UNEA resolution formally adopted the definition of nature-based solution as ‘actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems, which address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being, ecosystem services and resilience and biodiversity benefits.’
This definition expands upon the IUCN definition of nature-based solutions.
Australia, along with regions like Borneo, the Amazon, and the Congo, finds itself on the front lines of global deforestation. The consequences are dire, with Australia bearing the unfortunate distinction of having the highest rate of mammal extinctions worldwide. But amidst these challenges, the positive nature approach offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for rejuvenating our natural world.
At its core, the positive nature approach advocates for a holistic and proactive approach to environmental stewardship. It’s not just about conserving what’s left of our natural heritage; it’s about actively restoring and enhancing it. This means embarking on ambitious initiatives to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, whether through reforestation efforts, wetland restoration projects, or habitat rehabilitation programs.
Conservation lies at the heart of this approach. By safeguarding natural habitats, protecting endangered species, and preserving genetic diversity, we can help ensure the resilience and long-term viability of our ecosystems. This entails establishing and effectively managing protected areas, creating wildlife corridors, and supporting community-led conservation efforts.
But the positive nature approach extends beyond conservation—it’s about transforming the ways we interact with and utilize our natural resources. Sustainable land use practices, including responsible agriculture, forestry, and urban planning, are essential for minimizing our ecological footprint while maximizing the benefits that nature provides.
Crucially, the positive nature approach recognizes the intimate connection between healthy ecosystems and climate resilience. Nature-based solutions, such as reforestation projects and ecosystem restoration initiatives, not only sequester carbon but also enhance the resilience of communities to climate-related disasters.
Community engagement lies at the heart of the positive nature approach. By involving local communities, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders in decision-making processes, we can ensure that conservation and restoration efforts are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
From a policy perspective, embracing the positive nature approach requires bold and visionary leadership. Governments must enact and enforce policies that prioritize nature conservation and restoration, while also integrating nature-positive principles into broader national and international agendas.
The positive nature approach represents a fundamental shift in our relationship with the natural world. It’s a call to action to not only halt the loss of biodiversity but to actively nurture its recovery.
By embracing this approach, we can pave the way for a future where humans and nature coexist in harmony, fostering a world of abundance, resilience, and vitality for generations to come.
Nature-positive solutions
The “positive nature” approach, also known as “nature-positive” or “nature-positive solutions,” refers to strategies, policies, and actions aimed at enhancing and restoring nature’s health and resilience.
This approach emphasizes not only halting the decline of ecosystems and biodiversity but also actively promoting their regeneration and flourishing.
Key components of the positive nature approach include:
Ecosystem Restoration: Implementing measures to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and habitat rehabilitation, to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting and conserving natural habitats, species, and genetic diversity through the establishment and management of protected areas, wildlife corridors, and conservation initiatives.
Sustainable Land Use: Promoting sustainable practices in agriculture, forestry, and urban planning to minimize negative impacts on ecosystems while maximizing their ecological benefits.
Climate Resilience: Recognizing the role of intact ecosystems in climate regulation and resilience, and integrating nature-based solutions into climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Community Engagement: Involving local communities, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders in decision-making processes to ensure the equitable and sustainable management of natural resources.
Policy and Governance: Developing and implementing policies, laws, and regulations that prioritize nature conservation and restoration, and incorporating nature-positive principles into national and international agendas.
Overall, the positive nature approach acknowledges the intrinsic value of nature and seeks to foster harmonious relationships between humans and the environment, ultimately leading to healthier ecosystems, improved well-being, and a more sustainable future for all.
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