Nature-based Solutions Innovation Accelerator's Website

 Why investing in Nature-based Solutions? 

The Global Infrastructure Hub estimates that meeting the global demand for services by 2040 will require almost US$100 trillion of investment in sustainable infrastructure. These services are central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and other development objectives, and nature-based solutions can play a major role in delivering them in a cost-effective, sustainable, and resilient way. 

Infrastructure systems consist of built infrastructure, natural infrastructure, and the enabling environment. To date, infrastructure investments have focused predominantly on built infrastructure systems, at the expense of the natural environment.  

Nature can work alongside critical infrastructure to buffer climate risks and enhance resilience.  

Recognising the urgent need to integrate Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into existing and new infrastructure, the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), has launched the Nature-based Solutions Innovation Accelerator (NBS-IA). This 5-year global initiative aims to accelerate the uptake of NbS approaches to revamp infrastructure resilience. NBS-IA helps countries identify, design, prepare and integrate NbS in existing and future infrastructure.  

 How does NBS-IA work?

NBS-IA is a grant facility (up to 2 million USD per proposal) that supports countries to design and implement integrated NbS in existing and future infrastructure targeting 11 countris in 2 regions. Through competitive calls for proposals, the initiative will support consortia who can demonstrate the highest impact and innovation, as well as financial and operational viability. 

The initiative will also help selected consortia to be connected to potential capital providers and investors, to accelerate innovation and ensure long-term impact. 

NBS-IA will focus on Central Asia and Africa regions for selected types of infrastructure. 

Eligible countries under Phase I of the initiative are: 

• Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan 

• Africa: Algeria, Angola, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania

First Open Call for Proposals in Central Asia

You can download the Call for Proposals Framework Document, the overview of the application form and other templates upon completing a short form in the UN Environment Programme website.

First Open Call for Proposals in Africa

You can download the Call for Proposals Framework Document, the overview of the application form and other templates upon completing a short form in the UN Environment Programme website.

Please feel free to apply or share them with your network. The deadline for Call for Proposals is June 30th 2026.

 Related

IAHR Working Group on Nature Based Solutions