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The Nature-Based Solutions Roadmap includes:
- 29 strategy overviews
- 400+ case studies
- Key considerations for nature-based solutions project development
- Ideas for transitioning from gray infrastructure toward natural infrastructure
The Department of the Interior (DOI) Nature-Based Solutions Roadmap is a comprehensive resource to support DOI staff, partners, and anyone interested in implementing nature-based solutions (NBS). This first-of-its-kind reference was created by the Nicholas Institute in collaboration with DOI.
What are nature-based solutions?
Nature-based solutions are actions that incorporate natural features and processes to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use, and manage natural or modified ecosystems to address socio-environmental challenges while providing measurable co-benefits. Nature-based solutions benefit both people and the environment. Examples cited in the Roadmap include urban stormwater and runoff management, prescribed burns, living shorelines, and restoration of various ecosystems.
Why use nature-based solutions?
Nature-based solutions can help address challenges like coastal erosion, stormwater management, and wildfire risk. They are adaptable to a wide range of landscapes, from urban areas to wildlands. Even small projects can accumulate to create lasting value for communities and ecosystems—enhancing resilience while providing co-benefits like cleaner water, recreational spaces, and healthier habitats.
How can the Roadmap help me get started with nature-based solutions?
What are key considerations?
Why is the Department of the Interior using nature-based solutions?
DOI recognizes nature-based solutions as essential to fulfilling its mission to protect and manage the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage and honor its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Affiliated Island Communities. These approaches enhance biodiversity, improve disaster resilience, support climate adaptation, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
While nature-based solutions are already part of DOI’s work—such as habitat management and ecosystem restoration—there is potential for broader use. DOI policy indicates that wherever practicable and cost-effective, these solutions should be prioritized to enhance environmental and community outcomes.
Department of the Interior Nature-Based Solutions Roadmap
The Nature-Based Solutions Roadmap, originally released as a print version in 2023, is available here as a downloadable reference. Please note that the web version of the Roadmap is more current and offers additional content, such as project case studies, that are not part of the that version.
The Department of the Interior hosts the authoritative print version of the Roadmap on its website and may continue to make updates. Please visit https://doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/doi-nbs-roadmap.pdf for the most up-to-date print version of the PDF.
The Department of the Interior funded the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University to develop this website with the goal of expanding the utility, content, and accessibility of the 2023 DOI NBS Roadmap document.
