Administrative practices and strategies

Administrative practices aim to structure and streamline the governance and implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS) at local, regional, and national levels. Often, NBS requires new types of collaboration and (re)establishment of practices that can take time to change. NBS implementation can be supported by establishing clear administrative processes and enhancing coordination between different stakeholders, including authorities, private sector, and civil society. For example, land use and infrastructure planning can include NBS as part of routines for processing applications or the initial phase of new projects. Establishing new arenas for coordination and collaboration across different departments and fields can also be part of this.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.