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Policy paper

Nature-based solutions for sustainable water resources: Environment Agency position statement

The Environment Agency’s position on the use of nature-based solutions (NbS) to support sustainable water resources. Includes how they work, benefits and current evidence.

Updates to this page

From:
Environment Agency
Published:
28 May 2026
Last updated:
17 August 2026
Show all updates

  1. Added a link to the Nature-based solutions (NbS) for water resources handbook, which was published on 17 August 2026.

  2. Added a link in section 7 to our guidance on how to request environmental permit and coordination support for nature projects.

  3. First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Nature-based solutions (NbS) for sustainable water resources: Environment Agency position statement

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Details

This statement sets out the Environment Agency’s position on using NbS to support sustainable water resources.

The position statement is for:

  • water companies
  • regional water resources groups
  • environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
  • local authorities
  • farmers and landowners

The Environment Agency published their technical handbook on NbS for water resources on 17 August 2026. This sets out how to use NbS to support water resources and design NbS projects to realise the benefits described in this position statement.

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