What is nature-based infrastructure?

The term nature-based infrastructure (NBI) is used to describe areas or systems that harness nature to provide infrastructure services for people, the economy, and the environment. This includes: 

  • Naturally occurring ecosystems, such as forests, mangroves, wetlands, and grasslands. 
  • Hybrid infrastructure combining engineered or “grey” structures with nature-based solutions, such as rain gardens, green roofs, sustainable urban drainage systems, and porous pavements.