Nature-based solutions as building blocks for the transition towards climate resilient and circular food systems

Summary

Food systems—encompassing food production, transportation, processing and consumption, including food losses and waste—are currently not delivering what is expected or needed to ensure their full contribution to societal well-being and ecological sustainability. The literature has defined a set of food systems failures related to the functioning of the biosphere, society, and economy (including governing structures). In this paper, our hypothesis is that Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) can form the building blocks for a transition pathway to climate-resilient and circular food systems. We develop a conceptual framework to assess how NBS contribute to such transitions. Three types of NBS are evaluated: intrinsic NBS which make use of existing ecosystems; hybrid NBS which manage and adapt ecosystems; and inspired NBS which consist of newly constructed ecosystems. The evaluation of these three types supports our hypothesis is valid, and shows that inspired NBS in particular will increase opportunities to achieve sustainable development in food systems. We identify the knowledge gaps that impede the development of NBS to support a transition towards climate-resilient sustainable food systems.