Support better policy implementation of NbS from EU to local scales and integration in the EU regional policy. Stakeholder inputs highlighted the impression that there is knowledge available on NbS applications at the EU level, particularly through EU demonstration projects and access to a significant number of experts. However, this knowledge is not necessarily found to be reaching the Member States, at different national and local levels of governance, and policies rarely contain quantitative and measurable targets relating to NbS deployment or quality, which can present a barrier to their widespread implementation. Under this lever, R&I can be determinant in, e.g., the development of common grounds of prioritisation of biodiversity, ecosystem services and NbS at various administrative levels, as well as provide science-based advice for the implementation and monitoring of binding and non-binding EU policy targets, e.g. in the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030. An example would be providing evidence-based recommendations for assessing the potential and uptake of NbS in the upcoming national nature restoration plans or in the development and implementation of no-net loss approaches addressing urban and rural biodiversity via the urban green plans.
Davis, M., Abhold, K., Mederake, L. & Knoblauch, D. Nature-based solutions in EUropean and national policy frameworks. Deliverables 1.5, NATURVATION, Horizon Europe Grant Agreement No 730243. (2018).
De Vreese, R. Reviewing the knowledge on the importance of UF-NbS for resilient cities (CLEARINGHOUSE Deliverable 1.2). (2021).
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).