Contemporary societies are facing a broad range of challenges, from pressures on human health and well-being to natural capital depletion, and the security of food, water and energy. These challenges are deeply intertwined with global processes, such as climate change and with local events such as natural disasters. The EU's research & innovation (R&I) policy is now seeking to address these challenges from a new perspective, with Nature-Based Solutions, and turn them into innovation opportunities that optimise the synergies between nature, society and the economy.

Pursuing economic targets of job creation, growth, and innovation while tackling global environmental challenges, has long been seen as impossible. However, any long-term economic competitiveness and security depends on the extent to which natural resources are used sustainably. Therefore, the European Union is investing in nature-based solutions to achieve this double goal. The difference between the prevailing economic model and a sustainable resource use has long seemed insurmountable.

Nature has provided humankind with food, fuel, and shelter throughout evolutionary history. However, in contemporary cities, many natural landscapes have become degraded and replaced with impermeable hard surfaces (e.g., roads, paving, car parks and buildings). The reversal of this trend is dynamic, complex and still in its infancy. There are many facets of urban greening initiatives involving multiple benefits, sensitivities and limitations.

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly applied to guide the design of resilient landscapes and cities to enable them to reach economic development goals with beneficial outcomes for the environment and society. The NBS concept is closely related to other concepts including sustainability, resilience, ecosystem services, coupled human and environment, and green (blue) infrastructure; however, NBS represent a more efficient and cost-effective approach to development than traditional approaches.

Increasing urbanisation, changing disease scenarios, and current predictions of climate change impacts require innovative strategies for providing healthy and sustainable cities, now and in the future. The recently coined concept, Nature-based solutions (NBS), is one such strategy referring to actions that are inspired by, supported by, or copied from nature, designed to address a range of environmental challenges.

The Bali Province Technical Guidelines (written in Indonesian) for Implementing Green Buildings in the Context of Clean Energy represent a collaborative effort between the Bali Provincial Government, Global Building Performance Network (GBPN), and support from CORE Udayana. Developed through extensive studies and analysis from November 2021 to June 2022, the guidelines engage stakeholders from the Provincial Government Bali, Professional Expert Team, universities, associations, private sectors, and professionals in building and clean energy.

The Samarinda City Technical Guidelines represent a strategic initiative aligned with the city's development goals, as outlined in Mayor Regulation No. 55 of 2021. These guidelines meticulously consider the potential savings and additional benefits achievable through the implementation of energy and water-efficient measures, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions in buildings. Spearheaded by the Samarinda City Government, this effort reflects a commitment to fostering an environmentally friendly and sustainable urban landscape.