The Asia-Pacific Real Assets Association ( Aprea ) has launched the Nature-Based Solutions ( NbS ) Playbook for Real Assets in Asia-Pacific, a first-of-its-kind publication for the industry.

The playbook marks a milestone in advancing sustainable practices across the region’s real assets sector, Aprea notes, offering investors, developers and stakeholders a practical guide to integrating NbS into portfolios and projects.

As climate risks intensify and urbanization accelerates, the role of nature-based approaches has never been more critical. From mangrove restoration and green roofs to permeable pavements and urban forests, Aprea points out, NbS provide cost-effective, scalable and resilient alternatives to traditional infrastructure. Beyond mitigating environmental risks, they also unlock opportunities to enhance asset performance, reduce operational costs and attract green financing.

The playbook delivers:

• A comprehensive overview of NbS and their business case for the real assets industry
• Case studies showcasing successful implementations across Asia-Pacific, from Singapore’s City in Nature vision to China’s Sponge Cities
• Practical guidance on overcoming barriers, such as financing gaps, fragmented policy frameworks and valuation challenges
• Frameworks and tools to help companies assess, implement and report on nature-related impacts.

With infrastructure and urban development driving over 25% of biodiversity loss globally, the adoption of NbS, Aprea stresses, is now a strategic imperative. The playbook demonstrates how real asset owners and investors can respond to rising physical risks, regulatory requirements and market demand for sustainable assets.

“This playbook is a pioneering step for the real assets industry,” adds Sigrid Zialcita, the association’s CEO. “By embracing NbS, we are not only addressing climate and biodiversity challenges, but also creating long-term value for investors and communities.”