Editorial: Private lands – the missing link in nature-based solutions strategies. 

by Rares Halbac-Cotoara-Zamfir

Private lands – the missing link in nature-based solutions strategies. Why we urgently need implementation plans for nature-based solutions (NBS) in the fight to mitigate climate change

Europe is facing one of the greatest challenges of the century: how do we reduce carbon emissions while building societies that are resilient to climate shocks? We talk a lot about digitalisation, green energy, smart infrastructure and innovative technologies. But we too easily overlook a discreet but extremely powerful ally: nature itself.

Forests, wetlands, forest curtains, grasslands, smartly managed farmland – these are not just landscapes. They are the natural infrastructure that absorbs carbon, stabilises soil, regulates water and reduces temperature. They are, in fact, the mechanisms through which nature directly contributes to climate change mitigation.

But this natural infrastructure has one essential peculiarity: in Central and Eastern Europe, most of it is privately owned. In Romania, in particular, between 50% and 70% of forests, agricultural areas and pastures are in this regime. And our climate strategies cannot afford to ignore these spaces.

NBS does not work if they remain only in parks and public spaces

When we talk about nature-based solutions (NBS), the standard image is that of urban parks, green alleys or small interventions on public property. But the reality is much more complex.

Floods, droughts, erosion, soil detachment, biodiversity loss — they all start or are amplified on private lands. Torrential rains do not hit "only the public domain". Flash floods do not start only on state forests. Climate impact is an integrated phenomenon, and the management of solutions must be the same. Without coordinated interventions on private lands, any climate strategy is incomplete.

What does an NBS strategy actually mean for landowners?

It means a package of measures and tools that transform good intentions into operational reality:

1. Real financial and technical support, not just general recommendations

Landowners need compensation for areas dedicated to vegetation, for buffer zones, for prevention works or for reforestation.

2. A language that explains, not removes

Terms such as ecosystem services, runoff retention, carbon sequestration are not accessible to everyone. When we talk to end users (e.g. farmers), these terms need to be "translated" into a more accessible language:

- better soil,

- more water in dry periods,

- crop protection,

- less soil loss during heavy rains.

3. Local partnerships, not vertical impositions

NBS cannot be perceived as an obligation. They work through:

- co-design/co-development

- involvement,

- persuasion by example,

- voluntary agreements.

4. Clear planning tools

Maps, intervention models, priorities on micro-basins, standard contracts and easy-to-monitor indicators.

Mitigation: why private lands are essential in reducing the effects of climate change

Climate mitigation is not only about reducing industrial emissions.

It also means:

1. Natural carbon sequestration

Private forests, forest curtains and properly managed grasslands absorb considerable amounts of CO₂ annually.

2. Prevention of soil loss

Erosion is one of the main "invisible" sources of emissions. And erosion occurs largely on private lands.

3. Stabilization of local microclimates

Any planted area, any restored river, any forest curtain changes the temperature, humidity and thermal comfort of a community.

4. Resilient local economy

Farmers implementing NBS have lower losses in difficult years and more stable production.

A healthy soil is, above all, an economic anchor.

Why do we need clear strategies and implementation plans now?

Because, without them, we will repeat the same scenario:

- nice pilot projects

- local examples

- but no real impact at the regional or country level.

A national (or regional) strategy that includes private lands should provide:

- a clear framework for collaboration (owners – administration – experts)

- financial support instruments specific to NBS

- prioritization criteria on micro-watersheds

- simple monitoring mechanisms

- voluntary agreement models

- communication methods adapted to rural communities

Climate change is accelerating. It is time for our policies to do the same.

Conclusion: NBS on private lands – not an option, but a strategic necessity

If we really want climate mitigation, then we need to look at landscapes as a whole.

Not public versus private, not city versus rural, not state versus community.

We need to build a real partnership with landowners.

Without them, we will not be able to reduce emissions, stabilize ecosystems, or create a manageable climate future.

Nature is the infrastructure that protects us.

But natural infrastructure is, in large part, in people's backyards.

And the climate future depends on how we manage to engage them.