Advancing systemic understanding of and approaches to NbS development and implementation is also referred to in identified gaps and entails:
- Developing easy-to-apply and established methods and tools for systematic evaluation of NbS, such as frameworks for identifying, selecting and designing NbS and conducting cost-benefits analyses, systematic comparisons of different processes of design and implementation as well as the adoption of standardised indicators for crosscutting measurement of NbS socio-ecological performance.
- Further developing systematic processes and approaches to engage and empower diverse stakeholders and institutions in NbS creation and implementation. Such processes need to address issues of NbS acceptance and environmental justice and pay attention to the tensions associated with biodiversity conservation through NbS. Expert consultations also raised further examples such as the co-development of pathways for NbS implementation across scales with the modelling community, or developing specific governance approaches to, e.g., protected and productive areas, or supporting the identification of investment needs and pathways and better characterisation of NbS markets.
- Identifying and synthesising knowledge on the approaches and governance systems that can reinforce innovation with and the deployment of NbS, enable institutional cooperation and allow to include NbS in planning and policy frameworks. Expert feedback suggests in particular a need for synthesis and systematisation of existing knowledge to generate adaptive governance and financing strategies, alongside a recognised need for business models and financial mechanisms to support NbS implementation without generating negative socio-economic impacts. This aspect is further highlighted by stakeholders consulted, who experience deep institutional, legal, economic, and governance barriers to implementing NbS at scale and see a strong avenue for science on how to overcome these barriers.
Anguelovski, I. et al. Expanding the boundaries of justice in urban greening scholarship: toward an emancipatory, antisubordination, intersectional, and relational approach. Ann. Am. Assoc. Geogr. 110, 1743–1769 (2020).
De Vreese, R. Reviewing the knowledge on the importance of UF-NbS for resilient cities (CLEARINGHOUSE Deliverable 1.2). (2021).
Dorst, H. et al. What’s behind the barriers? Uncovering structural conditions working against urban nature-based solutions. Landsc. Urban Plan. 220, 104335 (2022).
Dumitru, A., Frantzeskaki, N. & Collier, M. Identifying principles for the design of robust impact evaluation frameworks for nature-based solutions in cities. Environ. Sci. Policy 112, 107–116 (2020).
Eggermont, H. et al. Strategic Research & Innnovation Agenda : Horizon Europe Partnership on Biodiversity. (2021).
European Commission. Directorate General for Research and Innovation. The vital role of nature-based solutions in a nature positive economy. (Publications Office of the European Union, 2022).
European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation et al. Nature-based solutions: state of the art in EU funded projects. (Publications Office of the European Union, 2020).
European Environment Agency. Nature-based solutions in Europe policy, knowledge and practice for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. (Publications Office of the European Union, 2021).
Grace, M. et al. Priority knowledge needs for implementing nature-based solutions in the Mediterranean islands. Environ. Sci. Policy 116, 56–68 (2021).
Hamel, P. & Tan, L. Blue–Green Infrastructure for Flood and Water Quality Management in Southeast Asia: Evidence and Knowledge Gaps. Environ. Manage. (2021) doi:10.1007/s00267-021-01467-w.
Raymond, C. M. et al. Inclusive conservation and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework: Tensions and prospects. One Earth 5, 252–264 (2022).
Raymond, C. M. et al. An impact evaluation framework to support planning and evaluation of nature-based solutions projects: prepared by the EKLIPSE Expert Working Group on nature-based solutions to promote climate resilience in urban areas. (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, 2017).
Seddon, N. et al. Understanding the value and limits of nature-based solutions to climate change and other global challenges. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 375, 20190120 (2020).
Somarakis, G., Stagakis, S. & Chrysoulakis, N. ThinkNature / Nature-Based Solutions Handbook. (2019) doi:10.26225/JERV-W202.