• Overview
  • Agenda

Date: 2 April 2026 

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CET 

Register to attend online

Join us for the launch webinar of the "Nature-Based Solutions Innovation Accelerator (NBS-IA)" Initiative, an inter-agency initiative funded by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 

Infrastructure is the backbone of economies, yet it is highly vulnerable to intensifying climate risks. An estimated 14 per cent of global GDP growth is at risk annually due to climate-related infrastructure losses. With nearly US$100 trillion in sustainable infrastructure investment needed by 2040, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer a cost-effective, resilient pathway—working alongside critical infrastructure to buffer climate risks and enhance long-term resilience. 

Recognising this urgent need, the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, in collaboration with UNEP, is launching a call for proposals under the NBS-IA Initiative in Central Asia. The call seeks to support pilot projects that integrate sustainable infrastructure through NbS and demonstrate clear and measurable climate adaptation impacts, generate practical implementation evidence, and create pathways for scaling and replication. 

The call for proposals is open to five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. 

The webinar will be an opportunity for interested stakeholders from the public and private sector to learn more about the call for proposals. Submitted proposals are expected to showcase innovative sustainable infrastructure through NbS models that advance the uptake of Nature-based Solutions in energy, water, road transport, and urban systems. The session will provide details on the terms of reference for pilot projects, eligible typologies, application process and timeline, and selection criteria. 

Contact 

nbs-ia@un.org 

Moderator: Alessandra Fidanza, Senior Expert, Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) 

Opening Remarks 

  • Alessandro Guerri, Director General for European Affairs, International Affairs and Sustainable Finance
    Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE)
  • Mirey Atallah, Head of Adaptation Branch, Climate Change Division, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 
  • Matthew Griffiths, Senior Programme Manager, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 

Presentation: UNECE Report “Promoting Nature-based Solutions and Sustainable Infrastructure in the ECE Region: Environmental and Health Co-benefits" 

  • Luna Montozzi, Climate Finance Specialist, MASE/CDP 

NbS for Water Infrastructure: Experiences from Italy 

  • Prof. Marco Casini, General Secretary of the Apennine Basin Authority 

Overview of the Call for Proposals 

  • Zhengzheng Qu, Programme Manager, UNEP 
  • Q&A Session 

Conclusions 

  • Mirey Atallah, Head of Adaptation Branch, Climate Change Division, UNEP