Pre-print paper on the politics of Nature-based Solutions governance for transformative change. This paper finds that dominant framings can end up undermining, rather than supporting, the changes that are needed for transformation to happen. Techno-centric and market-oriented approaches, perceptions of risk and uncertainty, and “democracy washing” risk perpetuating power imbalances and superficial participation. Making space for transformative change requires a commitment to cultivate and open up – rather than control and close down – alternative perspectives, pathways, and possibilities that foster justice and well-being for humans and nature.