Designing with Nature-based Solutions (NbS): Towards an Ecological and Healthy City

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have emerged as a powerful opportunity to transform how cities and businesses respond to climate change and biodiversity loss. Increasingly recognized by governments, private sector, and professionals, NbS are being integrated into projects that deliver both ecological and social value.

This workshop will explore the multifaceted role of NbS — not only as an environmental strategy, but as a driver of innovation, resilience, and value creation to address societal challenges. Through interactive discussions, participants will discover practical approaches to embedding NbS in design and planning, uncover its potential to strengthen ESG performance and green finance, and mainstreaming NbS across disciplines and engaging the public. By positioning NbS as a catalyst for biodiversity and human well-being in cities, this workshop empowers participants to champion nature-driven approaches that accelerate Hong Kong’s sustainable development and inspire broader community participation.

Session Learnings:

• Understand key concepts, definitions and standards of NbS.
• Explore practical approaches and case studies to integrating NbS into design and planning to enhance biodiversity and improve human well-being in development projects.
• Discover the benefits of NbS in advancing ESG goals and green finance, highlighting its role in Sustainable Development Goals.
• Explore strategies and actionable pathways for mainstreaming NbS across interdisciplinary professions and engaging the wider public.

Post-Event Actions:

•  Conduct self-assessment to evaluate whether projects or investments meet the criteria of NbS standards.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with landscape architects and partnering organizations to strengthen NbS for diverse industries and sectors.
• Promote awareness and mainstream NbS through policy development, practical implementation, and education initiatives.