Natural infrastructure is an area or system that is either naturally occurring or naturalized and then intentionally managed to provide multiple benefits for the environment and human well-being.

It is a form of "green" infrastructure, a term that also includes systems with positive environmental outcomes, such as renewable energy or electric vehicles.

Many of the benefits provided by nature and natural systems are not valued in real economic terms. These benefits, or "ecosystem services," are gaining in popularity as a means to improved well-being and sustainable development. Even so, natural infrastructure is emerging as a useful means to acquire these benefits on a larger scale. Moreover, policies and markets are starting to emerge to deliver some ecosystem benefits, such as carbon sequestration.

IISD is working to advance the conversation around implementing and financing natural infrastructure in Canada.

We have worked on an analysis that evidences the great value of natural infrastructure systems in mitigating flooding, and are also convening an event at the end of 2018 to bring major stakeholders into one room and discuss how we can better finance and implement natural infrastructure systems in Canada.