This paper contains background information to inform the intergovernmental consultations on nature-based solutions. UNEP was requested to convene these consultations in United Nations Environment Assembly Resolution 5/5 Nature based-solutions for supporting sustainable development. All elements in this resolution are relevant to the consultations. This introduction addresses the definition of nature-based solutions contained in the resolution, and the three specific tasks that the consultations are intended to tackle. The subsequent three sections of the paper focus on providing information relevant to the three tasks.