Knowledge Sheets / Knowledge Program: Nature-based Solutions toward a Resilient and Prosperous Africa

Abstract

Recent years have seen the concept of “Nature-based Solutions (NbS)” come increasingly into the spotlight in the quest for a sustainable society in which no-one is left behind. NbS is defined as “actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits” (IUCN 2016). Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been cooperating with Africa in the natural environment sector for many years and accumulated a wealth of collectively nurtured wisdom. In the hope that the array of different experiences and knowledge co-created by Japan and Africa can help in handling natural resource management issues in Africa, JICA launched a new program called “Knowledge Program: Nature-based Solutions toward a Resilient and Prosperous Africa.” This program identifies and introduces the co-created knowledge as an effective approach for NbS (hereinafter referred to as an “NbS approach”). Under this program, JICA created the Knowledge Sheets which compile 30 NbS approaches.