Local level

Responsibilities and power assigned to the local level may vary between the Nordic countries. However, NBS are often implemented and managed locally at smaller scales, requiring certain priorities and tools for support in the local administrations, usually municipalities. There is large variation between the size of municipalities and their resources.

There is also large geographical variation and differences in societal challenges from inland municipalities, coastal areas, islands and larger cities. While some municipalities have more resources in terms of financing, skills and competence in different fields of expertise, others may have less resources on topics related to the environment. Municipalities can also acquire the EU and other sources of funding for NBS work, and with many Nordic cities and regions being the EU Mission Adaptation Charter signatories, the adaptation efforts are targeted to increase.

Applying assessment frameworks for NBS

A robust assessment framework can ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of ecological and socio-economic outcomes, collaboration, transparency, and enables comparison across initiatives.

Carry out cost-benefit analysis considering the Total Economic Value of NBS

Analysing the Total Economic Value of NBS highlights their long-term benefits, including ecosystem services and helps policymakers and investors recognize NBS as cost-effective and scalable.

Collaborate with research institutions and other knowledge-producing actors

Promoting engagement and collaboration with local research institutes and other knowledge-producing actors such as NGOs can lead to better understanding of NBS impacts and wider outreach.

Collaborations across municipalities with common challenges

To overcome challenges with lack of resources, time, or expertise to apply NBS, municipalities with common challenges should utilise existing arenas for collaboration.

Develop guidelines for stakeholder involvement in NBS projects

Guidelines on how to design and conduct good stakeholder involvement in NBS projects can improve and streamline these processes, and that they become a routine in NBS projects in the long-term.

Earmark funds to support NBS in agriculture

Earmarking funds for NBS within financial support programmes for agriculture is one way to encourage NBS within the productive landscape.

Engage schools and youth in NBS activities

Engaging youth in NBS education and activities has much potential and can benefit the youth, as well as educate them in more sustainable practices which they can apply later in their adult life.

Establish interdisciplinary networks within public administrations

Interdisciplinary networks on specific NBS-related topics such as stormwater management or natural hazards can lead to a more cohesive and effective implementation of measures.

European funding opportunities for NBS-eligible projects

Several EU funding opportunities are available that can support the implementation and execution of projects focusing on nature, climate and the environment demonstrating the potential of NBS locally

Facilitate monitoring and documenting the effects of NBS

Systems to assess the multiple short- and long-term benefits of NBS enable improvement and scalability of NBS initiatives.

Facilitate private funding of nature-based solutions

Exploring innovative funding mechanisms and facilitating private funding of NBS through economic incentives can prove successful for mainstreaming and upscaling NBS.

Guidance and strategies for plant selection in NBS

Providing guidance regarding plant selection in restoration and protection oriented NBS can underpin the protection of local biodiversity and limit spreading of harmful, invasive species.

Including traditional knowledge in nature management

Integrating traditional knowledge when working with NBS can foster sustainable land management, deepen ecological insight, and strengthen biodiversity.

Increase capacity building for key public local actors

Implementing NBS in local strategies and projects calls for capacity building for public workers across several sectors, and can be especially relevant in smaller municipalities with fewer resources.

Integrating NBS in local planning policy

Integrating NBS on the strategic level for planning in municipalities, can enable use of NBS locally, both on public and private property.

Integrating NBS in strategies for health and recreational areas

Recreational areas for human health and well-being can be the first step of introducing NBS in the urban and rural contexts.

Involving citizens through community programmes for NBS

Citizen engagement through community-based programmes, citizen science and NBS activities helps spreading awareness, contribute to social learning and gain confidence in NBS actions.

Land exchange - swapping properties to protect or restore important ecosystems

Land swaps are the exchange of one real estate for another. This tool can be used by public authorities to secure land for protecting or restoring important ecosystems.

Look for NBS opportunities when planning infrastructure projects

To overcome challenges with lack of funding and space to apply NBS, public authorities can capitalise on large infrastructure projects by making funding or integration of NBS mandatory.

Promote cross-sectoral collaboration and partnerships with industry and private actors

Overcoming sectoral silos and fostering interdisciplinary efforts between municipalities/regions, industries and private sector are key for NBS policies to succeed.

Stormwater fees supporting NBS for stormwater management

Adopting or adapting stormwater fees, or water utility fees, can secure funding for nature-based solutions for stormwater management.

Training programs for contractors

Including NBS in education relevant for becoming a contractor, or promoting in-service training on NBS for these professionals, can promote appropriate use and quality of NBS in construction projects

Utilise planning tools for green and blue-green infrastructure

Existing planning tools, such as blue-green factor and guidelines for green structure can be adapted and supplemented to integrate NBS into zoning planning.

Zoning overhaul: Revising local zoning plans to prioritise nature

Updating or repealing old zoning plans can help municipalities in their strategy to use nature to address societal challenges and make building applications processing more efficient.