Nature-based Solutions are valuable tools for climate change mitigation, economic development, food security, improved health or Disaster Risk Reduction. The article discusses the crucial role that forests play in China's climate change mitigation strategy. It also underlines the often forgotten importance of wetlands, grasslands and croplands and their essential ecological, social and economic functions, which cannot be replaced by forestry alone.

Healthy ecosystems can reduce the negative impacts of climate change. For instance, coastal habitats like mangroves provide Natural flood defences, well-protected lakes retain water sources during droughts, and healthy forests reduce the risk of devastating wildfires.