National level
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.
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.
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.
Financial support for integrating NBS in local policies
Allocating a dedicated budget specifically to support local efforts to prioritize NBS can significantly accelerate the adoption of NBS across municipalities.
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 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.
Governmental grants to facilitate expansion and restoration projects for NBS
Grants directed at municipalities, NGOs and businesses can play a crucial role in mainstreaming and scaling up restoration projects, as financing remains a main barrier.
Including traditional knowledge in nature management
Integrating traditional knowledge when working with NBS can foster sustainable land management, deepen ecological insight, and strengthen biodiversity.
Integrating NBS in national land-use planning policy
Integrating NBS in national planning policy enables and encourages municipalities to include NBS in their municipal master plans, zoning plans and other important planning documents.
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.
Promote and develop decision-making support tools
Enhancing such tools for NBS helps stakeholders effectively evaluate impacts, costs, and benefits. This can strengthen collaboration, improve decision quality, and build greater confidence in NBS.
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.
Strengthening nature protection legislation
Protected areas are still under pressure. Focusing on enforcement of restrictions to ensure the effectiveness of nature protection is fundamental.
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