Accelerating Nature-Based Solutions in Brazilian Cities

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are innovative and multifunctional alternatives that can make cities more resilient and inclusive. However, the scarcity of robust projects is a barrier to implementing these types of solutions in urban areas. WRI Brasil's Nature-Based Solutions Accelerator, a mentoring and capacity building program, supported the structuring of ten NBS projects in the ideation stage, seeking to improve their viability and potential for implementation. This publication presents the Accelerator’s contribution to the development of these projects, focusing on the main challenges faced by the teams and the lessons learned throughout the acceleration process. The program helped disseminate the NBS theme, encouraged the creation of projects and contributed to the capacity building of teams in the development of sustainable projects. The results of the acceleration program show the existence of public sector demand for this type of program, and that support mechanisms such as accelerators can foster the adoption of innovative solutions in Brazilian cities