What is the EU's policy?
Nature-based solutions support major EU policy priorities, in particular the European Green Deal, biodiversity strategy and climate adaptation strategy, as a way to foster biodiversity and make Europe more climate-resilient.
The Commission actively pursues policy dialogues and outreach initiatives at EU and global level to foster engagement, develop a broad knowledge base and stimulate market supply and demand.
Nature-based solutions: Commission definition
Current policy goals
- provide the evidence for nature-based solutions
- improve framework conditions for nature-based solutions at EU policy level
- develop a European research and innovation community
- advance the development, uptake and upscale of innovative nature-based solutions
- mainstream nature-based solutions in international research and innovation
How the policy is implemented
EU research and innovation for nature-based solutions is currently implemented through
- the EU’s funding programme Horizon 2020
- BiodivERsA ERA-Net is a network of national research programmes on biodiversity across Europe that organises international research funding on a competitive basis. Work will be continued in the upcoming Biodiversity Partnership under Horizon Europe, the EU’s next framework programme (2021-2027)
In Horizon Europe, nature-based solutions will be further tested, deployed, promoted and their benefits and impacts assessed, notably via EU missions.
What are the benefits?
Nature-based solutions are about using nature’s own resources - clean air, water and soil - in a smart way, to tackle environmental challenges.
They work with nature rather than against it to provide sustainable, cost-effective ways to achieve a greener economy that is competitive and resource-efficient.
Nature-based solutions help to create new jobs and economic growth, through the manufacture and delivery of new products and services that enhance the natural capital rather than deplete it.
Nature-based solutions are designed o bring more nature and natural features and processes to cities, landscapes and seascapes. These innovative solutions also support economic growth, create jobs enhance our well-being.

Background
European citizens are facing a broad range of challenges
- unsustainable urbanisation and related human health issues
- degradation and loss of natural capital - the world's stocks of natural assets - and the ecosystem services it provides such as clean air, water and soils
- climate change
- losses caused by an alarming increase in natural disasters
Over 70% of people in Europe live in cities, a figure expected to increase to over 80% by mid century. This means 36 million new urban citizens needing housing, employment and care by 2050.
Biodiversity loss, the climate emergency and the Sustainable Development Goals also call for transformative change over this timeframe.
The European Green Deal steps up efforts on climate-proofing, resilience-building, prevention and preparedness. Public and private investments, including in nature-based solutions, are a key component of the transformational change needed to adapt to climate change and help ongoing efforts to limit it.
Documents
- Report
- Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
The vital role of nature-based solutions in a nature positive economy
A first step in addressing knowledge gaps in the potential economic benefits of Nature-Based Solutions and the challenges facing Nature Based Enterprises
- Report
- Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Evaluating the impact of nature-based solutions
A summary for policy makers
- Report
Nature-based solutions in Europe: European Environment Agency report
European Environment Agency report on policy, knowledge and practice for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction
- Report
- Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Nature-based solutions: state of the art in EU-funded projects
Summary of outcomes from the Commission individual expert reports delivered through its ‘Valorisation of NBS Projects’ initiative
- Report
- Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Public procurement of nature-based solutions
Addressing barriers to the procurement of urban NBS : case studies and recommendations
- Report
- Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Biodiversity and nature-based solutions
Analysis of EU-funded projects
- Report
- Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Municipal Governance for Nature-based Solutions
Executive summary of the Unalab municipal governance guidelines (August 2019)
- Report
- Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
The EU–Brazil sector dialogue on nature-based solutions
Contribution to a Brazilian roadmap on nature-based solutions for resilient cities