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.
Specific Advice
To effectively support, upscale, or mainstream the use of NBS through policy, it is important to implement a robust assessment framework tailored to NBS initiatives. An assessment framework is a structured tool that provides a systematic approach for evaluating the effectiveness, progress, and impact of projects by defining clear criteria, measurable indicators, and methods for data collection and analysis.
For instance, the IUCN has created a user-friendly framework for the verification, design and scaling up for NBS, which for example can assist comprehensive evaluation by establishing clear criteria and measurable indicators that align with environmental and socio-economic goals. By incorporating data collection methods, such as community surveys and ecological monitoring, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of NBS projects.
Assessment frameworks promote transparency and foster collaboration among diverse actors, from policymakers to local communities. Moreover, they enable the identification of best practices and areas for improvement, thereby enhancing the scalability of successful initiatives. This method not only reinforces the credibility of NBS but also builds public support, creating a strong case for investment in sustainable solutions. Embracing this approach can inspire innovation and resilience in tackling environmental challenges.
The IUCN global framework can be used for self-assessment of NBS initatives (source: IUCN, 2020).
Good to Know
A robust assessment framework should include clear criteria and measurable indicators, aligned with both environmental and socio-economic goals. This clarity enables stakeholders to effectively evaluate NBS initiatives and ensures that assessments are meaningful and actionable.
Through utilizing various data collection methods, such as community surveys and ecological monitoring, one can gather comprehensive insights into the effectiveness of NBS projects. A multi-faceted approach to data collection enhances the reliability and richness of the evaluation.
The assessment framework can be used to identify best practices and areas for improvement in NBS initiatives. This iterative process allows stakeholders to learn from experiences, adapt strategies, and enhance the scalability of successful projects.
It is important that the framework is not to over-simplified, even if it aims to streamline evaluation. Hence, oversimplified complex ecological and socio-economic interactions can lead to overlooking critical factors that influence project outcomes, which creates incomplete assessments of the NBS.
Context
The increasing urgency of addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and urban resilience has led to a growing interest in NBS as effective strategies. However, many countries encounter significant barriers, including limited financing, insufficient data, and a lack of standardized metrics for evaluating NBS initiatives. Various authorities and companies may develop their own separate biodiversity strategies, but the absence of effective cooperation and coordination between these entities often limits their impact. For example, municipalities in Finland are taking the initiative to advance the biodiversity agenda despite the lack of national-level action. While these local efforts are commendable, they often occur in isolation, without the support of frameworks or coordinated strategies at the national level.
By adopting a robust assessment framework, stakeholders can overcome these barriers by enhancing transparency, enabling evidence-based decision-making, and ultimately attracting funding for sustainable initiatives. This framework not only facilitates the comparison of NBS projects across diverse contexts but also reinforces public support for investments in ecological and social outcomes.
Examples and Cases
Nordic examples of applying assessment frameworks for NBS:
#NORWAY – Reopening of rivers and streams in Oslo
The City of Oslo has developed a governance document for the reporting of data on rivers and streams. This document outlines the main goals, their corresponding sub-goals, and the indicators used to measure progress toward these objectives.
The framework is closely aligned with the municipality’s overarching goals of creating a greener, more inclusive city with sustainable urban spaces for all. By connecting the governance document to these municipal goals, the framework ensures that the indicators facilitate effective monitoring and assessment of progress toward achieving these broader targets. This alignment allows for a cohesive approach to urban environmental management, promoting both ecological and community benefits.
More information about the Online portal for Climate adaptation can be found here:
Reopening of rivers and streams in Oslo (Gjenåpning av elver og bekker i Oslo) https://www.oslo.kommune.no/getfile.php/13461306-1661931566/Tjenester%20og%20tilbud/Politikk%20og%20administrasjon/Milj%C3%B8%20og%20klima/Vannmilj%C3%B8%20og%20overvann/Vann-%20og%20avl%C3%B8p_Gjen%C3%A5pning%20av%20bekker%20og%20elver_innmat_nettversjon.pdf
#NORWAY – Action program 2020-2024: Regional plan for climate adaptation in Rogaland 2020-2050.
Norwegian name: Handlingsprogram 2020-2024: Regionalplan for klimatilpasning i Rogaland 2020-2050)
The action program 2020-2024 is part of the broader Regional Plan for Climate Adaptation (Regionalplan for klimatilpasning i Rogaland 2020-2050), which aims to prepare the region for the impacts of climate change by promoting NBS. One of the key objectives of the program is to build knowledge and competence around NBS and support innovation in the private sector for climate adaptation. This includes developing new NBS frameworks and methods to evaluate their effectiveness and efficiency in adapting to climate challenges.
The program emphasizes applying assessment frameworks for NBS, ensuring that NBS projects are evaluated through systematic approaches that consider ecological, social, and economic impacts. This is important for comparing NBS with conventional approaches and for demonstrating their long-term value, including benefits such as flood control, enhanced biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.
More information about the Action program 2020-2024 can be found here:
Regional plan for climate adaptation in Rogaland: https://www.rogfk.no/vare-tjenester/planlegging/gjeldende-planer-og-strategier/energi-og-klima/regionalplan-for-klimatilpasning/
Guidance for working with NBS for climate adaptation in Rogaland: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1c12236763d34446b91b3c02c6442300
Check list for using NBS in storm water management and climate adaptation in spatial planning: https://www.rogfk.no/_f/p1/iaefbea73-b279-4ec3-9a14-f8d4400f3d50/sjekkliste_overvannshandtering.pdf
#SWEDEN – Sustainable city (hållbarstad.se)
Hållbarstad.se is a platform led by Council for Sustainable Cities, created to support municipalities in Sweden in their efforts to meet
Goal 11
of the UN Agenda 2030
. This goal focuses on promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development. The platform provides resources and guidance for municipalities to implement NBS in urban planning and development, supporting the long-term sustainability of cities and communities.A key aspect of this initiative is applying assessment frameworks for NBS to evaluate their impact on urban resilience, sustainability, and social well-being. These frameworks allow municipalities to measure the ecological, social, and economic outcomes of NBS projects, ensuring that they contribute to broader sustainability goals. By providing tools, best practices, and collaborative knowledge from various authorities, Hållbarstad.se helps municipalities systematically assess the benefits of NBS in relation to more traditional urban planning solutions.
More information about hållbarstad.se can be found here:
Learn more
The IUCN online self-assessment tool:
The IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions self-assessment is an online tool with eight criteria and associated indicators. It can be used for designing new NBS, upscaling pilots by identifying gaps and verifying past projects and future proposals. https://nbs-sat.iucn.org/Assessment frameworks of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction:
A technical report produced by the European Environment Agency European Topic Centre on Climate Change Impacts, Vulnerabiltiy and Adaptation. It explores the purpose of carrying out NBS assessments and available methodological approaches matching decision-makers' needs, as well as provide examples of real-world lessons learned concerning successes and challenges in working with NBS assessments. https://www.eionet.europa.eu/etcs/etc-cca/products/etc-cca-reports/tp_3-2021Evaluating the impact of nature-based solutions: A handbook for practitioners:
This handbook published by the European Commission includes extensive information on how to plan and conduct assessments of NBS. https://op.europa.eu/s/zXcYInternational Obligations
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, target 14
“Ensure the full integration of biodiversity and its multiple values into policies, regulations, planning and development processes, poverty eradication strategies, strategic environmental assessments, environmental impact assessments and, as appropriate, national accounting, within and across all levels of government and across all sectors, in particular those with significant impacts on biodiversity, progressively aligning all relevant public and private activities, and fiscal and financial flows with the goals and targets of this framework.”Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
“It aims to achieve the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries over the next 15 years.”Applying an assessment framework for NBS directly contributes to this goal by providing measurable ways to evaluate and scale up the effectiveness of NBS interventions. It ensures that NBS are contributing to both biodiversity and societal goals, which helps countries meet their obligations under Target 14.