Accelerating nature-based solutions with data and partnerships

On June 16, Nature4Climate hosted the first Nature-based Solutions Data CoLab at the FSC offices in Bonn during the 62nd sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB 62). The event brought together a community of nature, data, and policy experts to explore how data can accelerate the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS).

In recent years, many organizations have developed data platforms that can contribute to informed climate decision-making. The CoLab sought to align efforts by creating a collaborative space for practical demonstration and open exchange around data interoperability and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Collaborative discussion

In an open discussion, participants shared data challenges including paywalls, disagreements in data, and funding. Participants also shared concerns of data accessibility due to language and issues with data privacy, especially with Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge.

To respond to these challenges, participants highlighted solutions such as citizen science, natural language query, and certification. Each organization shared concrete offerings to the group, as well as agreement that the door is open to continue collaboration and align around a data-specific call to action at COP30.

Demonstrating data solutions

In the second half of the event, attendees explored data platforms through interactive demonstrations. FSC presented two dashboards using GIS to support the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR):

• Risk Hub (launching soon): Centralized place for companies, operators, and traders to find risk data on the origin of forest products from FSC’s Risk Assessments for risk mitigation and EUDR compliance.
• Forest Degradation Risk Assessment: GIS-based tool to help identify areas at risk of forest degradation in alignment with EUDR by using satellite data to estimate tree cover loss.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about various platforms including Naturebase, Restor, Climate Risk Viewer, Transition Digital, NAZCA, CBD online reporting tool, and Food Systems Dashboard.

Next steps

The conversation will continue in future Nature-based Solutions Data CoLabs during London Climate Action Week, Climate Week New York, Africa Climate Week, and COP30. This continued collaboration will help advance data-driven climate action for nature-based solutions, forest protection, and restoration.