Overview

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are crucial in France’s climate strategy. These solutions focus on conserving, restoring, and managing ecosystems to capture carbon and mitigate climate change. France has implemented several large-scale initiatives, including reforestation programs, wetland restoration, and regenerative agriculture.

Key Nature-Based Solutions in France

• Forest Conservation and Reforestation:
  • France has 17 million hectares of forests, covering 31% of its area.
  • National reforestation efforts aim to plant 50 million trees by 2030.
  • Forests absorb approximately 70 million tons of CO2 annually.

• Wetland and Coastal Restoration:
  • The Loire and Camargue wetlands have been restored to enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
  • Salt marshes and seagrass meadows along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines help store up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests.

• Regenerative Agriculture:
  • France has introduced agroecology programs, promoting cover crops, no-till farming, and soil restoration.
  • Healthy soils can capture 2 to 3 metric tons of CO2 per hectare annually.
  • The “4 per 1000” initiative, launched by France, encourages global carbon sequestration in soils.

• Urban Green Infrastructure:
  • Paris has committed to planting 170,000 trees by 2026 and expanding green roofs and urban forests.
  • Vegetation in cities helps reduce heat island effects and improve air quality.

Impact on Emissions

• France’s forests and wetlands collectively absorb over 10% of the country’s annual CO2 emissions.
• Soil carbon sequestration in agricultural lands can potentially remove an additional 30 million tons of CO2 per year.
• NBS significantly complement France’s renewable energy and transport decarbonization efforts, reducing dependency on engineered carbon removal technologies.

Data and Monitoring

• The National Forest Inventory (IGN) tracks carbon sequestration in forests.
• The French Biodiversity Agency monitors wetland restoration projects.
• Satellite imaging and AI-based models are increasingly used to assess the impact of NBS on emissions.

Comparison with Other Emission Reduction Strategies

• While renewable energy and electric transport reduce emissions at the source, NBS provide natural carbon removal.
• NBS are cost-effective compared to carbon capture technologies, with reforestation costing as little as €10 per ton of CO2 sequestered.
• Unlike industrial solutions, NBS offer biodiversity and ecosystem resilience benefits beyond carbon capture.

Conclusion

Nature-based solutions are a vital part of France’s climate action plan. With robust monitoring and financial support, these strategies reduce CO2, restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and build climate resilience. France continues to expand NBS, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable environmental management.

 

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard France Country Manager Camille Huret.