BIOTA SYNTHESIS - Nucleus of Analysis and Synthesis of Nature-Based Solutions

Abstract

This proposal seeks to create a nucleus of analysis and synthesis of nature-based solutions (the BIOTA SYNTHESIS) aimed at solving socio-environmental problems presented by the government of the state of São Paulo, with a focus on demands that have been put forward by the Secretariats of Infrastructure and Environment, Agriculture and Supply, and Health. The research approach is inspired by the Synthesis Centres format, where heterogeneous and collaborative groups are formed to incubate new ideas and solutions, from the reanalysis or reorganization of existing databases, or from the effectiveness analysis of previously applied interventions or public policies. Five thematic synthesis groups and a policy co-production group, each bringing together researchers and professionals from research institutions, government and NGOs, will compose BIOTA SYNTHESIS. The focus will be on thematic challenges related to sustainable agriculture, water security, zoonoses control, and prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases and common mental disorders in cities. We will value "solutions inspired and supported by nature", which can be more effective and less costly than solutions based solely on built infrastructure. These solutions are favoured by ecosystem services, i.e. the benefits that nature brings to society, as in the case of pollination in agriculture, or the role of native vegetation in the protection of water resources, or in reducing the spread of some zoonotic diseases. These solutions are related to native vegetation restoration and conservation actions, both in public (e.g. Protected Areas) and private areas (e.g. Legal Reserves, Permanent Preservation Areas), in the maintenance, expansion or improvement of green infrastructure in urban areas, in the adequate spatial planning of these areas and their species (for example, by controlling disease amplifying species such as java-pig), and, above all, in the strengthening or establishment of solid and efficient policies that promote these actions. Besides the collaborative approach and the focus on nature-based solutions, the different synthesis groups will be integrated in the light of the broader challenge of climate change, which impacts all the thematic challenges addressed. As these groups will always act in the format of coproduction of ideas and solutions, valuing both scientific knowledge and technical experience and practices, there will be greater opportunities for these solutions to be transformed into actions and public policies within the state government. (AU)