Guide

Conflict-Sensitive Nature-Based Solutions

Promoting resilience, nature, and peace

When nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation do not consider the broader social, economic, and environmental context, they can unintentionally worsen existing conflicts, tensions, and grievances. This infographic on conflict-sensitive NbS highlights why integrating conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding into NbS for climate adaptation is essential to strengthen resilience, promote peace, and guide practitioners on how to do it effectively.

By Alec Crawford on October 8, 2025

Key Messages

  • When NbS for adaptation do not consider the broader context, they risk creating new or worsening existing tensions, grievances, and conflicts.

  • Conflict-sensitive NbS for adaptation are designed and implemented to increase the climate resilience of ecosystems and communities in a way that considers the causes, actors, dynamics, and impacts of conflict.

  • Conflict-sensitive NbS for adaptation are specifically designed to minimize conflict risks and enhance peacebuilding opportunities.

  • Conflict-sensitive NbS for adaptation can help people and ecosystems thrive together.

Guide details