Equilibrium Research, UK

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are seen as a response to many societal challenge. It is becoming increasingly obvious that protected and conserved areas (PCAs) are a major vehicle for NbS and essential to their success in many situations. This publication argues that with appropriate and implemented safeguarding policies, together NbS and PCAs are some of the best routes we have for providing a decent future for people and the planet by combining many important elements of sustainable development.

Like all the Arguments for Protection series, this report is primarily an attempt to assemble evidence about the positive benefits that can be provided by protected areas, in this case focusing on human health. Benefits explored here range from various ways of accessing genetic material to use as local or global medicines, to the use of wild, open and quiet spaces for physical exercise and emotional healing.