NBS Invest Newsletter #2

Bi-Annual Newsletter

WELCOME TO THE SECOND EDITION OF THE NBS INVEST NEWSLETTER!

Over the two years since the launch of the NBS Invest Knowledge Platform, the team continues to strengthen its foundations, focusing on operationalizing NBS Invest, leveraging technical support and enhancing cross-sectoral partnerships.

This issue features the latest publications and analytics that highlight opportunities and best practices for designing and mainstreaming nature-based solutions (NBS), and training programs that aim to build technical capacities for NBS design and implementation for key stakeholders including client governments, World Bank staff, and others.

In case you missed it, NBS Invest is working to increase funding and mainstream NBS into climate mitigation and adaptation projects in least developed countries (LDCs). This four-year project (2023—2027) is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through its Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and implemented by the World Bank.

Stay tuned for our bi-annual report that will be published during summer to read more about NBS Invest impact and results!!!

Happy Reading!

The NBS Invest Team

#2 / July 2025

IN THIS ISSUE

LATEST PUBLICATIONS

CAPACITY BUILDING & TRAINING

PAST EVENTS

NBS NEWS AND BLOGS

ANALYTICS AND PUBLICATIONS

Unlocking NBS to Accelerate Adaptation Finance in Fragile and Conflict Affected Settings

This paper presents preliminary findings on the relevance of NBS for building climate resilience in fragile and conflict affected settings and outlines key barriers, opportunities, and recommendations to scale finance for NBS.

Financing Nature-based Solutions in Least Developed Countries: Barriers & Breakthroughs

Integrating NBS into development projects offers sustainable, long-term benefits for both human and natural systems. This report explores various instruments designed to enhance private sector engagement and address the financing gap for NBS, specifically in LDCs.

The Nature-Based Solutions Opportunity Scan

This report summarizes how the Nature-Based Solutions Opportunity Scan (NBSOS) supports the World Bank, its clients, and development partners to identify NBS investment opportunities, understand the associated benefits, and integrate these interventions into projects.

Embedding NBS into World Bank strategies: Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs)

Benin CCDR includes measures needed for protecting the coast from erosion and flooding, reforestation, and piloting low-cost NBS in the transport sector to increase road resilience.

Senegal CCDR includes the assessment of the potential for agroforestry in Chapter 3. NBS are also identified as options to increase resilience in urban and coastal areas.

Tanzania’s CCDR describes how efficient land use can promote climate-smart rural economies and carbon sequestration, and highlights conservation and improved natural habitat management as a key economic opportunity.

LEARNING AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Introduction to Nature-Based Solutions

This e-learning course introduces the concept of NBS, showcases examples across various landscapes and sectors, and highlights key enabling factors—such as governance, inclusion, and finance—to support the effective design and implementation of NBS for the benefit of both people and the planet.

Sign-up now>>

NBS for Climate, Biodiversity, and Development Outcomes Training Program

NBS Invest successfully delivered two capacity building training sessions in Nairobi, Kenya (March 2025) and in Lusaka, Zambia (May 2025). The training program sought to build capacity on NBS among government counterparts implementing large scale NBS investment projects, including those supported by NBS Invest, through facilitated co-finance by the GEF-Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF). The trainings were delivered in collaboration with Climate Investment Fund’s (CIF) Nature, People, Climate program (NPC), Pegasys Global Consulting, and respective ministries in Kenya and Zambia.

Integrated Landscape Management and Restoration Training

In partnership with the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program, the NBS Invest team delivered an online training session on NBS for integrated landscape management and restoration to government officials representing six FOLUR participating countries in Asia, including China, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

NBS training in Freetown, Sierra Leone

NBS Invest delivered two days of training in October 2024 on the role of NBS in achieving climate, biodiversity, and development goals in Freetown. The training complemented the technical and LDCF proposal support provided through Pillar 2 to the Sierra Leone Third Additional Financing to the Food Systems Resilience Program.