Unlocking Nature's Potential for Drought Resilience Planning (Policy Brief)

Overview

Drought is one of the most complex and far-reaching natural hazards, affecting not only agriculture and water resources but also human health, energy production, biodiversity, livelihoods, and economic development. As climate change increases the frequency, severity, and duration of droughts in many regions, governments are recognizing the need to move beyond reactive crisis response and toward proactive approaches that reduce drought risk before impacts occur.

Nature-based solutions (NbS), including the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of ecosystems, can play a critical role in this transition. Healthy watersheds, forests, wetlands, and soils help regulate water availability, improve ecosystem resilience, and reduce drought risk while also delivering benefits for biodiversity, climate adaptation, and local communities.

This policy brief examines how nature-based solutions are incorporated into National Drought Plans (NDPs), drawing on analyses conducted through the UNCCD Drought Initiative and The Nature Conservancy's extensive experience advancing nature-based approaches for water security. The review identifies how countries are integrating ecosystem-based measures into drought planning, highlights common strengths and gaps, and showcases emerging practices that can enhance resilience.

The brief also includes practical recommendations to help governments and partners better embed nature-based solutions within drought policies, planning frameworks, financing mechanisms, and implementation strategies.