At SELVAR, we are thrilled to share our new book, “Integrating Nature-Based Solutions in Cities from the Global South.” It is now available for those committed to transforming our cities toward a more resilient and inclusive future with nature. This book is the result of a collective effort by experts from 11 nationalities, who worked together to capture methodologies, experiences, and lessons learned on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the urban context of the Global South.

We held a pre-launch of the book during the Innovate4Cities conference in Montreal, on September 11. The event was recorded and can be viewed here (2:30 PM – 3:30 PM EDT, Rapid-fire resilience FORTIFICATIONS, 9th floor).
Then, on October 10, we held a global book launch, which was recorded and is available on our YouTube channel @SELVARnature. Finally, we held an in-person launch on October 26, 2024, during COP16, as part of the Green Zone agenda. We will soon be publishing a story about that day.

Who we are: a global effort for local change

The team behind this publication includes professionals from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, who contributed unique and in-depth perspectives on the value of NbS in their cities. Here are some of the contributors who made this project possible:

Latin America
– Colombia: Carolina Figueroa (lead author), Andrea Svensson, Sebastián Oyola, Diana Ruiz, Isabel Melo, Juan Carlos Caicedo, Maria Stella Sachica, Sandra-Viviana Murillo
– Ecuador: Pablo Lloret and Paola Zavala
– Brazil: Raquel Cruz
– Mexico: David González and Diana Carrillo
– Costa Rica: Huberth Méndez

Africa
– Kenya: Leah Ahoko and Washington Kanyang
– Ghana: Christopher Gordon
– South Africa: Nadia Sitas

Middle East and Asia
– Lebanon: Leticia Rahal
– Jordan: Zeena Al Ja’Ja
– India: Seema Mundoli and Harini Nagendra

In total we are 22 people (counting nature as an additional voice) who joined forces to bring this project to life, expanding and adapting knowledge on NbS to address urban challenges. This work builds on the first version of the guide, “Integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning. A first approach for Colombia” (Figueroa-Arango, 2020), developed by Carolina Figueroa, SELVAR’s director, under a research fellowship funded by the German government, together with the Ecologic Institute (Germany) and the Humboldt Institute (Colombia). SELVAR’s experience implementing NbS in cities across different regions showed us the value of taking this tool to a global level and seeking out other voices working on this same topic, in order to inspire and guide complex, unplanned urban contexts, such as those found in the Global South.

An inspiring and challenging project

Writing this book has been an inspiring and unique journey. It’s a journey that begins with listening to the story one wants to tell, while making room for other experienced voices that add to and enrich the narrative. The result is a collaborative guide that respects the diversity of urban experiences and realities, and offers practical tools for those interested in urban development aligned with nature.

Support a cause by purchasing the book

By purchasing “Integrating Nature-Based Solutions in Cities from the Global South,” you not only gain a valuable resource for learning about and applying NbS in urban settings, but you also support a conservation cause. SELVAR will direct the funds raised toward projects that protect and conserve nature in our cities.

Be part of this initiative for change

This book is a tool for everyone who believes in the potential of nature to transform our cities. Join us on this journey. For more information about the book, click here: https://www.selvar.co/en/our-book/

Next steps

We expect the printed English edition to be available for sale in December 2024. We will also be translating the book into Spanish and French during 2025.

For more information, contact us at: info@selvar.co