Nature Based Solution (NBS) as a ‘Sigma Solution’ for Climate Change Adaptation

– written by Yusuf Susena

Remote Sensing and Environmental Enthusiast

Forest as carbon capture. Picture by Yusuf Susena

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges, bringing severe consequences such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and ecosystem degradation. Addressing these issues requires holistic approaches that balance environmental sustainability with economic and social resilience. One of the most effective strategies is the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)—a concept that utilizes natural processes and ecosystems to mitigate climate change impacts while providing long-term benefits to communities and biodiversity.

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are actions that harness the power of nature to tackle societal challenges, particularly climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. These solutions work by restoring, conserving, and sustainably managing ecosystems to provide critical services, such as carbon sequestration, water purification, flood control, and habitat protection. NBS is increasingly recognized as a sigma solution—a term referring to comprehensive, scalable, and transformative strategies that offer multiple co-benefits. Unlike traditional engineered solutions, NBS is cost-effective, sustainable, and adaptable to diverse environments.

Why I Choose the Term of ‘Sigma Solution’

Urban Dictionary defines sigma as a person who is popular or successful and highly independent. The term is typically associated with men. Meanwhile, according to therapist Sally Baker, as quoted from Metro, there are many advantages to someone with a sigma personality. They are even considered superior to an alpha personality but tend to be more reserved. They also possess high self-confidence and independence. People with this personality type tend to be indifferent and live by their own rules. A person with a sigma personality is also believed to be innovative, creative, emotionally intelligent, and a good listener (kumparan.com). These traits are often cited as the main appeal of a sigma personality. In the context of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), this concept aligns with the idea of independent, innovative, and highly adaptable strategies that work efficiently without relying on conventional approaches. Just like a sigma personality that does not follow societal norms yet excels, NBS offers a unique and effective way to address climate challenges beyond traditional solutions.

NBS often requires lower investment compared to engineered infrastructure while providing long-term benefits. Strengthens ecosystems and supports a wide range of plant and animal species. Forests, wetlands, and grasslands act as carbon sinks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Supports sustainable livelihoods, particularly in rural communities dependent on natural resources. Reduces vulnerability to climate-induced disasters such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines nature-based solutions as “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits”. They can be categorized into five types: avoided deforestation, peatland impact, peatland restoration, reforestation, and cover crops. In a nutshell, nature-based solutions promote the resilience of natural ecosystems (climatetrade.com).

IUCN has developed eight principles to characterize nature-based solutions: they must embrace nature conservation norms and principles; they can be implemented alone or in an integrated manner with other solutions to societal challenges, such as technological and engineering solutions; they are determined by site-specific natural and cultural contexts that include traditional, local and scientific knowledge; they produce societal benefits in a fair and equitable way, in a manner that promotes transparency and broad participation; they maintain biological and cultural diversity and the ability of ecosystems to evolve over time; they are applied at a landscape scale; they recognise and address the trade-offs between the production of a few immediate economic benefits for development, and future options for the production of the full range of ecosystems services; and they are an integral part of the overall design of policies, and measures or actions, to address a specific challenge (climatetrade.com).

Can the NBS be implemented in Indonesia?

Indonesia, as an archipelagic country with vast natural resources, has significant potential for implementing NBS to address climate change adaptation. Indonesia is highly suitable for the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions due to its rich biodiversity, extensive forests, and vast coastal areas. With climate change threats such as rising sea levels, floods, and deforestation, NBS presents a viable approach to building resilience against these challenges.

One of the most crucial implementations of NBS in Indonesia is mangrove and peatland restoration. As the country holds one of the largest areas of tropical peatlands and mangrove ecosystem globally, restoring these critical ecosystems can significantly reduce carbon emissions, enhance biodiversity, and protect coastal communities from erosion and flooding. In urban environments, green infrastructure projects such as urban forests, vertical gardens, and permeable pavements can help cities mitigate the impacts of extreme heat, flooding, and air pollution. Jakarta, for example, the NBS can be adopted for flood mitigation efforts, including the rehabilitation of rivers and wetlands to improve water retention capacity. The agriculture sector in Indonesia can also benefit from NBS through agroforestry and regenerative farming. These practices not only increase crop yields and soil fertility but also support biodiversity conservation and water resource management.

Despite its potential, challenges remain in fully implementing NBS in Indonesia. These include land-use conflicts, lack of financial incentives, and limited community participation. Policies must be strengthened to encourage investment in nature-based solutions, and local communities should be actively involved in conservation efforts to ensure sustainable outcomes. By integrating NBS into national climate policies, strengthening institutional support, and leveraging scientific research, Indonesia can effectively harness nature’s potential to adapt to climate change while achieving long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits.

-- References --

https://climatetrade.com/nature-based-solutions-for-people-and-the-planet/ accessed at March 10, 2025 3:12 PM WIB.

https://wri-indonesia.org/en/insights/reasons-jakartas-frequent-flooding-and-how-nature-based-solutions-nbs-can-help-reduce-risk accessed at March 10, 2025 3:24 PM WIB.

https://kumparan.com/berita-hari-ini/mengenal-istilah-sigma-bahasa-gaul-yang-berhubungan-dengan-kepribadian-20Ihh0Aokeh/2 accessed at March 10 2025 3:51 PM WIB.

https://www.mangrovealliance.org/mangrove-forests/ accessed at March 10, 2025 3:59 PM WIB.