🌿 Humanitarian–Nature Learning Lab

Operational Pathways for Nature-Based Solutions in Humanitarian Action

This hybrid, practitioner-led learning lab convenes humanitarian and environmental actors to accelerate the operational integration of nature-based solutions (NbS) into humanitarian assistance. Grounded in the Sphere Humanitarian Charter, the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), the Sphere NbS Unpacked Guide, and the IUCN Global Standard for NbS, the session moves beyond conceptual discussion to hands-on exploration of real-world tools and pathways.

Participants will engage in one of two expert-led learning labs:
(1) Landscape design and regenerative settlement approaches for humanitarian contexts; or
(2) Operational pathways for embedding NbS through environmental assessment tools (including NEAT+) and humanitarian standards.

Each lab combines technical inputs with practitioner dialogue to examine implementation challenges, safeguards, and ethical considerations across sectors such as WASH, shelter/NFI, health, food security, DRR, livelihoods and early recovery.

A cross-lab synthesis will identify common systemic barriers, tested solutions, and priority actions to advance NbS uptake within humanitarian systems. Insights generated will contribute to ongoing efforts to mainstream climate and environmental considerations into humanitarian standards and practice, including the Sphere Handbook update.