On December 21st of 2023 we had a workshop organized by NbS Hub as part of its training program on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and socio-environmental integrity for the digital technologies sector (Web3.0, ReFi), where key figures in the climate sector convened to explore innovative strategies and collaborative solutions. The event featured notable speakers, including Ana Him from CCAP, Rodrigo Rodriguez from R21, Mariana Sarmiento from Terrasos, and Hania Othman from HBAR-Foundation, along with insights from Sam Lee and Agustín Matteri of NbS Hub.
The workshop commenced with NbS Hub’s insightful presentation, drawing parallels between current challenges in the climate sector and the trilemma once faced by blockchain technology. Emphasizing the importance of integrating urgency, transparency, and integrity through mainstream adoption, the presentation envisioned a secure, decentralized, and scalable implementation of nature-based solutions and ecosystem approaches with robust support from the Web3 movement.
Throughout the workshop, the consensus emerged on the necessity for the web3.0 sector to transform into a genuine movement deeply connected to “real-world assets.” NbS Hub’s training program, integrating concepts from the “climate trilemma,” was highlighted as a key initiative for guiding project design and implementation under NbS principles of adaptive management, design at scale, and increased focus on climate adaptation and eco-disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR).
Insights from Ana, Rodrigo, and Agustín underscored the importance of transcending socio-environmental safeguards from reactive checklists to integral components of climate financing projects. They stressed that this shift should significantly contribute to sustainable development at an ecosystem scale. Rodrigo urged that these principles should form the foundation for a new global financial system, overcoming the limitations of the outdated Bretton Woods system.
Mariana’s presentation on Terrasos’ methodology highlighted the creation of habitat banks, aligning actions at both the ecosystem and bioregion scales. The versatile utilization of market bio-credits, as described by Mariana, showcased potential applications for achieving sustainable outcomes.
The workshop concluded with Hania shedding light on the remarkable work of the HBAR Foundation in sustaining the HEDERA blockchain. Her insights demonstrated the foundation’s commitment to socio-environmental integrity and highlighted its exemplary leadership in scaling climate action within a secure and decentralized framework.
In summary, the workshop, organized by NbS Hub, served as a crucible of ideas and collaboration, emphasizing the urgency of integrating nature-based solutions and leveraging the potential of the Web3 movement. The outcomes, with contributions from Sam Lee and Agustín Matteri, pave the way for a future where climate solutions are not only effective but also sustainable, scalable, and aligned with the overarching goals of global sustainability. As we continue on this path, it is evident that the workshop, within the framework of NbS Hub’s training program, has set a solid foundation for transformative action in the climate sector.