Natural climate solutions (NCS) are essential for mitigating climate change in the near term. However, misunderstandings about what constitutes an NCS have led to confusion and delays in action. This Perspective outlines five foundational principles (nature-based, sustainable, climate-additional, measurable, and equitable) and fifteen operational principles to guide the implementation of NCS. These principles aim to clarify the scope of NCS, ensure climate benefits, and avoid negative impacts. NCS involve human stewardship of ecosystems to protect, restore, and improve management of forests, wetlands, grasslands, oceans, and agricultural lands. They must not move ecosystems further from their natural state, sustain biodiversity and food production, provide additional climate mitigation, be measurable, and be equitable. NCS must also be durable, avoid double-counting, and ensure that they are not used to compensate for readily abatable emissions. The principles emphasize the need for robust monitoring and reporting systems to measure the effectiveness of NCS. The paper also highlights the importance of equity, particularly in respecting Indigenous self-determination and human rights. The Family Forest Carbon Program is presented as an example of an NCS initiative that aligns with these principles. The paper concludes that NCS action is urgent and that the principles outlined will help expedite action while fostering discussion and learning.Natural climate solutions (NCS) are essential for mitigating climate change in the near term. However, misunderstandings about what constitutes an NCS have led to confusion and delays in action. This Perspective outlines five foundational principles (nature-based, sustainable, climate-additional, measurable, and equitable) and fifteen operational principles to guide the implementation of NCS. These principles aim to clarify the scope of NCS, ensure climate benefits, and avoid negative impacts. NCS involve human stewardship of ecosystems to protect, restore, and improve management of forests, wetlands, grasslands, oceans, and agricultural lands. They must not move ecosystems further from their natural state, sustain biodiversity and food production, provide additional climate mitigation, be measurable, and be equitable. NCS must also be durable, avoid double-counting, and ensure that they are not used to compensate for readily abatable emissions. The principles emphasize the need for robust monitoring and reporting systems to measure the effectiveness of NCS. The paper also highlights the importance of equity, particularly in respecting Indigenous self-determination and human rights. The Family Forest Carbon Program is presented as an example of an NCS initiative that aligns with these principles. The paper concludes that NCS action is urgent and that the principles outlined will help expedite action while fostering discussion and learning.