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Research and innovation
News article16 July 2020Directorate-General for Research and Innovation

New publication: What Nature-Based Solutions can do for us

Between November 2019 and May 2020, six independent experts undertook the analysis of EU-funded projects in the area of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in order to assess their impact and valorise their results. Their work highlights the added value and policy relevance of EU-funded NBS projects.

Working closely with European Commission expert staff and supported by the network of Horizon 2020-funded NBS projects, the experts have produced six sectorial reports and a final consolidated report.

EU research and innovation projects were scanned for results pertaining to key areas such as biodiversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation (including flooding), water quality, air quality and microclimate, and sustainable communities. The reports contextualise the reviewed projects by presenting the state of the art in the sector, including policy developments, research results and key lessons learnt. The resulting evidence base includes figures and monetary values showing the relative cost-effectiveness of NBS and exploring how they support policy implementation.

The reports also identify knowledge gaps and propose policy recommendations to strengthen strategies and actions for the uptake of NBS, in order to deliver targeted and efficient interventions that can contribute to solving societal challenges in Europe and beyond.

Sectorial reports:

Biodiversity – Out now

This report presents evidence on NBS benefits and successes in the domain of biodiversity and highlights how NBS can help citizens restore a harmonious relationship with the planet, thus contributing to societal transformation towards sustainability in Europe and beyond.

Climate mitigation – Out now

This report explores how Nature-based Solutions can contribute to climate mitigation through storing and sequestering carbon and through reducing energy demand.

Sustainable communities – Out now

This report examines the contribution of Nature-based Solutions to transformative action for sustainable communities. It examines how such initiatives enable participation and inclusion in the design and implementation of sustainability at the local level.

Microclimate regulation and air quality

Air quality and temperature significantly affect human health, especially in urban areas. This report highlights different kinds of Nature-based Solutions that help improve air quality and regulate microclimate and that present a combination of other environmental and social benefits, including mental health.

Improving water quality and waterbody conditions

This report presents evidence on Nature-based Solutions improving water quality and waterbody conditions, and highlights how NBS can support water policy implementation.

Flood mitigation and coastal resilience

This report presents evidence on the contribution of Nature-based Solutions to flood mitigation and coastal resilience and highlights how NBS can support flood-related policy implementation.

Final report:

Nature-based Solutions - State of the Art in EU-funded Projects

This report summarises outcomes from the EC individual expert reports delivered through its ‘Valorisation of NBS Projects’ initiative. EU

research and innovation projects were scanned for results pertaining to key areas such as biodiversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation

(including flooding), water quality, air quality and microclimate, sustainable communities, innovative governance and business models, and market challenges and solutions.

This announcement was updated on 22 December 2020 to include the final report.

Details

Reference
ISBN 978-92-76-18204-7
Publication date
16 July 2020
Author
Directorate-General for Research and Innovation