- Email: [email protected]
Nature-Based Solutions in the EU: Innovating with nature to address social, economic and environmental challenges
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Environmental Research journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/envres
Nature-Based Solutions in the EU: Innovating with nature to address social, economic and environmental challenges☆
MARK
⁎
Nicolas Faivre , Marco Fritz, Tiago Freitas, Birgit de Boissezon, Sofie Vandewoestijne European Commission, Directorate-General Research & Innovation (DG RTD), Directorate - Climate Action and Resource Efficiency, Unit - Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, Belgium
A R T I C L E I N F O
A B S T R A C T
Keywords: Nature-Based Solutions Innovating with nature EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020 Sustainable development Ecosystem-based approaches Ecosystem services Climate-change adaptation and mitigation Resilient societies Disaster risk reduction Green infrastructure
Contemporary societies are facing a broad range of challenges, from pressures on human health and well-being to natural capital depletion, and the security of food, water and energy. These challenges are deeply intertwined with global processes, such as climate change and with local events such as natural disasters. The EU's research & innovation (R & I) policy is now seeking to address these challenges from a new perspective, with Nature-Based Solutions, and turn them into innovation opportunities that optimise the synergies between nature, society and the economy. Nature-Based Solutions can be an opportunity for innovation, and are here promoted by both policymakers and practitioners as a cost-effective way of creating a greener, more sustainable, and more competitive economy. Since 2013, the European Commission has devoted particular attention to Nature-Based Solutions through consultations and dialogues that sought to make the concept of these solutions more concrete and to define the concept's place within the spectrum of ecosystem-based approaches. In 2014, the Commission launched an expert group, which conducted further analysis, and made recommendations to help increase the use of NatureBased Solutions and bring nature back into cities. In 2015, a survey was conducted on citizens' views and perceptions of 'Nature in Cities' to provide further insight for future work. Based on these elements and on results from running EU projects, the Commission has developed an R & I agenda for Nature-Based Solutions and has published targeted calls for proposals for large-scale demonstration projects in this field in 2016 and 2017. Additional R & I actions at EU level that promote systemic Nature-Based Solutions and their benefits to cities and territories are planned with the aim to improve the implementation capacity and evidence base for deploying Nature-Based Solutions and developing corresponding future markets. They are also expected to foster an interdisciplinary R & I and stakeholder community and the exchange of good practices in this field, as well as help shaping and implementing international R & I agendas on Nature-Based Solutions.
1. Introduction There is a growing awareness of the value of nature in addressing environmental, social and economic challenges. This awareness is present in the worlds of business and policy, and in society more broadly (Maes and Jacobs, 2015). The EU has actively supported environmental research since the start of its Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development (FP). These programmes had an initial emphasis on biodiversity assessments, better understanding ecosystem structures and functioning, and on assessing ecosystem services and the vulnerability of these ecosystems to stressors. The framing of research within a socio-ecological framework as of FP6 (Sixth Framework Programme; 2002–2006) is evidence of the progressive
integration of social and political sciences. The further consideration of economic dimensions has led to research on the value of ecosystems (and their services), with an increasing focus on the benefits that nature may provide for humans (MA, 2005; TEEB, 2010; Mace, 2014). The science and research community is now focusing on the best ways to use innovation to find solutions that mutually support nature, society and the economy. With its new orientation towards Nature-Based Solutions, the EU's R & I policy addresses cross-cutting societal challenges by focusing research on biodiversity and ecosystem services for innovation, growth and job creation. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) is a concept that builds on and supports other closely related concepts such as the ecosystem approach (Eggermont et al., 2015). The ecosystem approach is a concept that has
☆ ⁎
Disclaimer: All views expressed in this article are entirely the authors' own. They do not reflect the position of the EU institutions and do not, in any way, engage any of them. Corresponding author. E-mail address: [email protected] (N. Faivre).
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2017.08.032 Received 27 December 2016; Received in revised form 8 August 2017; Accepted 16 August 2017 0013-9351/ © 2017 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
been used in the scientific community since the early 2000s. It advocates the integrated management of land, water, and living resources and promotes their conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way (COP 5 Decision V/6). A number of other ecosystem-based initiatives have been promoted by the European Commission and further integrated into its policies, each of them being part of a dedicated strategy at European level. These include Ecosystem-based Adaptation, Green Infrastructure, Ecosystem-based Disaster-Risk Reduction and Natural Water Retention Measures. These approaches can be complementary and promote a variety of policy goals. But each of them often focuses on short-term economic gains and effectiveness (Nesshöver et al., 2016). Moreover, they tend to address social, economic and environmental challenges from a distinct perspective, whether the challenges are biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, or human health and well-being. The strength of the concept of Nature-Based Solutions is its integrated perspective for addressing societal challenges. Ecosystem services are the contributions that ecosystems, in combination with other inputs, make to human well-being. Nature-Based Solutions operationalize the concept of ecosystem services in real-world situations to promote sustainability more explicitly. Nature-Based Solutions also play a critical role in promoting 'transitions' from a resource-intensive growth model towards a more resource-efficient, inclusive and sustainable growth model. Transitions are radical innovations in structures, mind-sets and practices that involve actors from different sectors, domains and scale levels in the co-design and co-implementation of solutions (Nevens et al., 2013). Research has shown that Nature-Based Solutions can spark social innovation in cities and accelerate the transition to sustainability. They do this by fostering innovative planning and governance, as well as new models for business, finance, institutions and the wider society (Wolfram and Frantzeskaki, 2016; see EU-funded ARTS project). The European Commission defines Nature-Based Solutions as a way to address societal challenges with ‘solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience. Such solutions bring more, and more diverse, nature and natural features and processes into cities, landscapes and seascapes, through locally adapted, resource-efficient and systemic interventions’ (EC, 2016a). This description builds on the report of the European Commission Expert Group on Nature-Based Solutions and aims to promote the use of a common narrative within the science, practice and policy communities. The Expert Group report also provides examples of Nature-Based Solutions for bringing nature back into cities and degraded ecosystems, improving human health and well-being, and adapting to climate change. These examples include green roofing, floodplain restoration and creating pocket parks (more than 200 measures implementing NBS are listed in the report; EC, 2015b). Multiple societal challenges can be addressed simultaneously through Nature-Based Solutions (Raymond et al., 2017; Cohen-Shacham et al., 2016). These include: increasing human well-being; urban regeneration; enhancing coastal resilience; multi-functional watershed management and ecosystem restoration; increasing sustainable use of matter and energy; developing the insurance value of ecosystems; and increasing carbon sequestration (Fig. 1). In the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions, the conservation of biodiversity is an objective, but it is also a pre-requisite: functioning ecosystems are necessary to ensure the delivery of ecosystem services. The following sections highlight recent developments in the NatureBased solutions R & I agenda and describe how they align with EU policies and global agreements. European standards and environmental legislation have already contributed to reducing human impacts on the
Fig. 1. Potential environmental, social, and economic benefits provided by a naturebased solution, in this case a green roof in an urban environment. Nature-Based Solutions should always help enhance natural capital and promote biodiversity while delivering other co-benefits.
environment (SOER, 2015). Europe is therefore well-placed to adopt a leadership role and take decisive action to address the challenge of global sustainability through innovative environmental technologies and policies (Oberthür and Roche Kelly, 2008; Gupta and Grubb, 2013; EC, 2016a). Although significant knowledge gaps in the field have yet to be filled, Europe has extensive pools of knowledge, scientific expertise, skills, and technological capacity relevant to Nature-Based Solutions. Specific actions that support the R & I agenda and promote the systematic exploration, development and implementation of NatureBased Solutions are described below. The European Commission is actively engaged in investing in Nature-Based Solutions, and using them as a driver for a wide deployment of ecosystem-based approaches in Europe and worldwide (EC, 2016a, 2016b). 2. Nature-Based Solutions in the global policy context Science-based organisations such as The Nature Conservancy and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, have been active in integrating Nature-Based Solutions into policy debates (IUCN, 2012). As part of its Strategic Framework for Climate Change and Development, the World Bank has helped secure investment of ca. $6 billion between 1988 and 2008 in climate change mitigation and adaptation projects that fully or partially support Nature-Based Solutions for enhanced conservation and sustainable use of natural capital (World Bank, 2008). The EU has played a leading role in the negotiations of three global agreements: the Paris Agreement (2015), the New Urban Agenda (2016) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (Estrella et al., 2016). They all underline the role of Research and Innovation for their implementation. The Paris Agreement notes the importance of ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems in its preamble and the agreement underpins the role of adaptation in protecting livelihoods and ecosystems (Article 7). The New Urban Agenda makes specific reference to nature-based innovation for urban and territorial planning (Article 157). Nature-Based Solutions and other ecosystem-based approaches have also been promoted in decisions of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity relating to restoration of biodiversity, climate change and mainstreaming biodiversity (CBD, 2016). The role of strategic urban planning involving Nature-Based Solutions, such as green buildings is also highlighted in bilateral cooperation (EU-China Partnership on Urbanisation; EC, 2012). The recommendations from
510
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Fig. 2. How Nature-Based Solutions address sustainable development goals: examples of approaches that use Nature-Based Solutions and measures linked to SDGs across Europe.
SDG 11 on 'Making Cities and Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable' is a particular focus of the EU's R & I NatureBased Solutions agenda. Urban areas have a large share of the overall population (75% of the EU's population lives in urban areas, as do 54% of the world's population), and are drivers of economic growth. These factors, combined with the often-limited access to natural environments in urban areas, suggest that introducing Nature-Based Solutions to urban areas will be especially beneficial (Fig. 3).
existing EU policies on climate action, disaster risk reduction, the circular economy, biodiversity protection and health security have greatly contributed to the international mainstreaming of policies that innovate with nature and contributed especially to implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (UN, 2015). The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognises the need to address the negative global trends affecting society, the economy and the environment. The Nature-Based Solutions R & I agenda can contribute to a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and not only those that relate to enhancing nature and natural processes (i.e. SDGs 14 and 15) (Fig. 2). For example, research has shown that access to recreational/green areas may help prevent socioeconomic inequality from leading to health inequality (de Vries et al., 2003). Indeed, many chronic medical conditions disproportionately affect those living in deprived communities, where green areas are absent. Other studies demonstrated a direct correlation between the existence of green space in urban settings and decreased morbidity and mortality (Hartig et al., 2014; Mitchell et al., 2015). Hence, access to healthy natural environments is especially important for vulnerable populations. Increasing access to green spaces through Nature-Based Solutions and green infrastructure networks would therefore address both SDG 10 (which aims at reducing inequalities within and between societies), and SDG 3 (which aims at improving health and well-being) (Fig. 2).
3. An EU R & I agenda for Nature-Based Solutions The Horizon 2020 Expert Group report on 'Nature-Based Solutions and Re-Naturing Cities' (EC, 2015b) was one of the precursors to the development of the R & I agenda on Nature-Based Solutions. The Expert Group identified and described several research and innovation actions that highlight the multi-functional role of NBS and their potential ability to fulfil multiple social, economic and environmental goals. In their concluding remarks, the experts stressed the need to develop a scientifically sound R & I programme articulated around multi-stakeholder engagement, and the development of an evidence base for Nature-Based Solutions. The successful uptake of Nature-Based Solutions requires multiple stakeholders across disciplines and sectors to be implicated in the design, implementation, financing, and decisionmaking processes. Additionally, the R & I agenda makes provision for
511
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Fig. 3. Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable with NatureBased Solutions. The figure shows the various benefits associated with the implementation of NBS in an urban context to address SDG 11 targets.
more widespread adoption of NBS across Europe through the development of innovative business and investment models, as well as legal and institutional frameworks to ensure the long-term financing of Nature-Based Solutions. According to the report, particular attention should also be paid to empowering and involving citizens, and reconnecting them with nature. The Nature-Based Solutions concept has gained momentum in different stakeholder communities (science, practitioners, civil society, and the business sector). But despite the efforts from policymakers (EC, 2016a; UN, 2013) and practitioners (Rizvi et al., 2015; Cohen-Shacham et al., 2016) to communicate on the purpose and use of Nature-Based Solutions, the concept remains vague or unknown to the larger public (Nesshöver et al., 2016). The European Commission is using the evidence base resulting from the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions to further refining the concept. The aim is to make the concept more accessible to different stakeholders and improve coherence in research and policy dialogues. The concept is now being advocated in policy debates, as highlighted by the conclusions from the EU Council of the European Union (2015) in 2015. In these conclusions, the EU Council both ‘recognises the importance of integrating green infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions into financing instruments such as the ERDF’ and ‘invites EU Member States to promote nature- and biobased solutions without compromising food security and environmental integrity, resource efficiency, the resilience of ecosystems and their services and the sustainable use of renewables’. To ensure the successful deployment of Nature-Based Solutions and their integration in existing national policy frameworks, the European Commission is aligning the R & I agenda on Nature-Based Solutions with several European policies and actions that support the implementation of ecosystem-based approaches (EC, 2016b). These policies and actions include:
• • •
role of ecosystem-based adaptation in enhancing urban resilience and providing multiple benefits; the recently launched Urban Water Agenda 2030 and the Blueprint to safeguard Europe's water resources (EC, 2014) highlight the role of Natural Water Retention Measures in addressing urban challenges over water management; the Commission's Green Infrastructure Strategy (EC, 2013b), which is part of the wider EU Biodiversity Strategy and aims at promoting the deployment of green infrastructure in urban and rural areas of the EU the EU action plan for disaster-risk reduction EC (2016c)), linked to the implementation of the EU Action Plan for the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
Standards and guidelines for Nature-Based Solutions are at present limited, and implementation is still mostly experimental (Kabisch et al., 2016). Knowledge and awareness of the effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions therefore needs to be increased if these solutions are to be further mainstreamed. Enabling mechanisms and instruments, including the Horizon 2020 research programme, can provide valuable information on appropriate designs, implementation techniques and cost-benefit analyses for Nature-Based Solutions. In line with its priorities on jobs and growth, energy and climate action (Juncker, 2014, 2016), the Commission is currently developing a roadmap that formulates the five major targets of the EU R & I agenda for Nature-Based Solutions. A conceptual view of the roadmap is presented in Annex 1 to outline the expected objectives and associated actors that can potentially participate in their realisation. 4. EU R & I actions to promote Nature-Based Solutions 4.1. Building the evidence base
• the EU Adaptation Strategy (EC, 2013a), and the new Covenant of
There is currently very little cost-benefit analysis on Nature-Based
Mayors for Climate and Energy (CoM, 2016), which recognises the
512
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Applications; http://operas-project.eu/) project. The project involved constructing and maintaining semi-fixed dunes on 15 km of Barcelona's (Spain) urban coastline in order to optimise the flows of ecosystem services, and enhance coastal defence against sea-level rise. A systematic analysis of the beach management system led to a simpler and more cost-effective strategy, which integrates the building of natural capital and adaptation to climate change. Horizon 2020 provides new opportunities, including the dedicated focus area on 'Smart and Sustainable Cities with Nature-Based Solutions', in which large-scale demonstration projects will explore innovative solutions to the challenges faced by European cities (EC, 2015a). Projects such as CONNECTING, GROW GREEN, UNALAB and URBAN GreenUP will implement Nature-Based Solutions for climate and water resilience in cities. These projects will demonstrate the benefits of re-naturing cities and provide an EU-wide evidence base of the efficacy, efficiency and comparative advantages of a range of tested, scalable, and easy-to-promote Nature-Based Solutions. The findings of these projects will support other projects, such as Nature4Cities and NATURVATION, which will investigate new governance, business and financing models, and economic-impact assessment tools. The NAIAD project will complement these actions by providing a robust framework for assessing the insurance value of ecosystem services. This is to be done by co-developing and co-testing - with key insurers and municipalities - the concepts, tools, applications and instruments (business models) applicable, and making sure they can be used across all of Europe.
Solutions. For this reason it is important to gather more information on the effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions, and to ensure that this information is scientifically rigorous. To facilitate the comparison of different Nature-Based Solutions, the European Commission requested the EU science-policy-society mechanism, EKLIPSE (Knowledge & Learning Mechanism on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services; www.eklipse-mechanism.eu/) to develop a first version of an impact-evaluation framework with a list of criteria for assessing the performance of Nature-Based Solutions in dealing with challenges related to climate resilience (Raymond et al., 2017). This should help the formulation of an assessment framework that can be used by demonstration projects in the design, development, implementation and assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in urban areas. The framework will also complement the action on mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services (Maes et al., 2016), in particular through providing data and indicators that can be used to develop green infrastructure policy in cities (MAES urban pilot). Horizon 2020, the current EU framework programme for research and innovation (2014–2020), provides funding opportunities for building the evidence base and further developing Nature-Based Solutions. Several successful FP7 (2007–2013) projects have already demonstrated how approaches that use Nature-Based Solutions work in practice, and the positive outcomes they can generate. The TURAS (Transitioning towards Urban Resilience and Sustainability; www. turas-cities.eu) project provides examples of solutions for building urban resilience, such as the development of modular, urban green walls that can be established almost anywhere and at a reasonable cost to local authorities.
4.2. A repository of best-practice examples By collecting experience and knowledge on the practical implementation of Nature-Based Solutions across EU regions and cities, the European Commission is developing a repository of best-practice examples. These will demonstrate the costs and benefits of approaches that use Nature-Based Solutions in comparison with traditional engineered approaches, and identify potential obstacles to implementation as well as solutions to overcome these obstacles. The repository will include case-studies examples from European cities that have implemented Nature-Based Solutions in a systematic manner. As in many other European cities, the city of Lisbon in Portugal currently faces challenges such as heat-island effects, floods, air pollution and a lack of green areas. In recent decades, Lisbon experienced significant population decline, and a deterioration in quality of life as a result of uncontrolled urbanisation. The city administration has taken a series of actions for the regeneration of the city, while prioritising the environment, the well-being of citizens and greater tourism potential, thus improving the city's attractiveness (Fig. 4). Green areas, urban agriculture and green corridors have been instrumental in the green transition of the city as set out in its Master Development Plan.
TURAS Green living room. City of Ludwigsburg, Germany. The GREEN SURGE (Green Infrastructure and Urban Biodiversity for Sustainable Urban Development and the Green Economy; http:// greensurge.eu/) project developed the planning principles for how to develop urban green infrastructure. These principles cover issues such as the integration of green and grey infrastructures, the connectivity of green spaces, the multifunctional nature of green infrastructure, and social inclusion in urban planning. A guide with good practices for urban green infrastructure planning is already being tested by practitioners and will be released in 2017. Among several successful case studies, the OpenNESS (Operationalisation of Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services; www. openness-project.eu/) project shows how a green infrastructure strategy was integrated into the urban planning of the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain) and its peripheral areas. This systemic approach put the principles of Nature-Based Solutions into practice, and resulted in (i) improved water-flow regulation and energy efficiency, (ii) an increase in biodiversity, enhanced health, and (iii) better liveability in the city (improved air quality, reduced noise, and a reduction in the heat-island effect). The successful combination of Nature-Based Solutions with traditional solutions was demonstrated through one of the case-studies of the OPERAs (Operational Potential of Ecosystem Research
4.3. Creating a Nature-Based Solutions community OPPLA (http://oppla.eu/) is an open platform for collaboration between communities of science, policy and practice on natural capital, ecosystem services and Nature-Based Solutions (Verweij et al., 2015). At the same time, OPPLA is a knowledge forum where the outputs of research are made accessible to end-users, within and beyond the environmental sector. It offers a range of products, including a case-study finder, an ecosystem-service assessment support tool, as well as a ‘Question & Answer’ helpdesk. The helpdesk will complement the EKLIPSE ‘call for requests’ service, which invites policy and other societal actors to identify topics relating to biodiversity and ecosystem services, where there is a need for more evidence, in-depth analyses, and a
513
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Fig. 4. Lisbon (Portugal) – Nature-Based Solutions for urban regeneration. Left panel illustrates the main green corridor connecting Monsanto park to Eduardo VII park. Right panel shows the street trees along Rua Ferreira Borges. More city case studies can be found at the OPPLA platform (http://info.oppla.eu/) (Soares et al., 2011).
way, mostly by volunteering with their time. Although more than a quarter of Europeans fear that natural features may not be properly maintained, a wide majority (83%) are in favour of the EU promoting Nature-Based Solutions throughout Europe. The main benefits of introducing more natural features are primarily ‘a better quality of life’, followed by aesthetics, improved health, and cleaner water and air. Increased recreational activities, greater diversity in flora and fauna, as well as economic benefits (e.g. tourism, business opportunities, property values) were acknowledged less frequently by the participants of the survey. Perceived barriers to applying Nature-Based Solutions include the lack of financial resources (50% of survey respondents said this was a problem) followed by the lack of political will, and the fact that Nature-Based Solutions are not seen as a priority in urban planning. The two surveys revealed strong widespread regional and national variations when considering the willingness of citizens to have more natural features in the urban areas in which they live. These variations can be related to socio-demographic differences between and within countries (Grant, 2012; see Fig. 5).
consolidated view from science and other knowledge holders. Complementing OPPLA, the ThinkNature platform is a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform and think-tank for promoting innovation with Nature-Based Solutions. It will bring multi-disciplinary scientific expertise, policy, business and society together to further increase knowledge exchange and capacity building. 4.4. Creating awareness: eurobarometer surveys In order to assess public awareness, public opinion and the public's potential willingness to engage in Nature-Based Solutions at EU level, the European Commission in 2015 launched two Eurobarometer studies involving surveys and focus groups across the 28 Member States. A Eurobarometer qualitative study entitled 'Innovating Cities with Nature: Citizen Engagement in Nature-Based Solutions' was carried out in summer 2015 on 56 focus groups in 28 cities across all Member States to investigate European citizens' concerns, ideas, preferences and willingness to pay for greener and healthier cities. Building on the results from this qualitative study, a second Eurobarometer survey focusing on citizen views on NBS was launched in late 2015 to provide a quantitative, EU-wide, statistically significant estimation of the European public opinion on the relevance of and need for NBS for renaturing cities. In the survey, nearly 28,000 citizens from all Member States were interviewed face-to-face on their views of the benefits of Nature-Based Solutions in response to the problems they faced in their areas, their main concerns, and their own willingness to participate in the implementation of NBS. The results from the primary survey showed that six out of ten Europeans favour Nature-Based Solutions over other technological solutions to these problems. It also showed that if Nature-Based Solutions were implemented in their area, many would like to participate in some
5. Conclusion Innovative solutions to improve the condition and resilience of ecosystems are needed to pave the way towards sustainable, low-carbon and climate-resilient societies. EU R & I policy aims at accelerating this transition through a systemic exploration, proof-of-concept, and market development of Nature-Based Solutions. At EU level, the Nature-Based Solutions initiative launched by the European Commission answers a real demand from citizens and brings together several European policies and actions related to climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, energy efficiency, air quality, biodiversity, and circular
514
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Fig. 5. The map shows differences in the percentage of EU citizens across the 28 Member States who say they would like more natural features in the urban area in which they live.
programmes, the European Commission is also dedicated to improving the conditions for implementing Nature-Based Solutions by engaging society at large through innovative science-policy-society mechanisms, open consultations and knowledge-exchange platforms. Implementing Nature-Based Solutions to improve the environment and the economy, and address social issues, is supported by citizens across Europe. Innovating with nature has already been incorporated into several global plans of action, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Continued R & I cooperation at global level help integrate Nature-Based Solutions in international policy frameworks. This may in turn make it easier to develop new investment models and legal and institutional frameworks that can be applied by practitioners, citizens and decision-makers locally.
economy under a common R & I agenda. The Horizon 2020 framework programme is instrumental for the medium-term objective of the EU R & I agenda for Nature-Based Solutions, namely to develop the evidence base for such solutions and assist in their more widespread adoption. For the 2016–2017 period, the EU allocated EUR 140 million on R & I for Nature-Based Solutions. These investments focused on large demonstration projects and coordinated support actions to develop, implement and mainstream Nature-Based Solutions across a variety of sectors, scales and stakeholders. Synergies between Horizon 2020 and other EU policies and programmes such as the Common Agricultural Policy and the European Structural and Investment Funds as well as the LIFE programme would facilitate the large-scale deployment of such solutions and enhance their impact. Beyond the broad scientific outreach of its framework Annexure A
See Fig. A1 and Table A1 Annex 1 (caption) Target 1 seeks to make it easier to incorporate Nature-Based Solutions into EU policy-making while ensuring coherence and consistency with the EU priorities on growth, climate and energy. Building on the growing awareness of Nature-Based Solutions, Target 2 provides for the development of a European research and innovation community of innovators, which will be supported through a science-policy-society forum, open dialogue platforms, science knowledge hubs, joint programming initiatives (JPIs), and European Research Area Networks (ERA-NETs). Providing empirical evidence and knowledge of the effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions is the core of Target 3 and a major milestone of the roadmap. The results from EU-funded projects and local initiatives will be compiled and documented in a repository of successful approaches that use Nature-Based Solutions. Delivering a proof of concept for Nature-Based Solutions that are effective according to their economic, social, environmental costs and benefits will make it easier to put in place a funding community and bring such solutions to market. This will in turn advance the development, uptake and spread of innovative Nature-Based Solutions as laid down in Target 4. The policy instruments and incentive mechanisms involved in the above targets will be incorporated into the international R & I agenda to foster cooperation on Nature-Based Solutions (Target 5).
515
Fig. A1. Mapping of the targets of the Research & Innovation agenda for Nature-Based Solutions. Entities potentially contributing to the implementation of the roadmap are cited as examples. The map does not intend to serve as an exhaustive list. Acronyms explained in Annex 1 (table).
N. Faivre et al.
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
516
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Table A1 Description of the acronyms cited in the mapping above. Target
Acronym
Description
Target 1
H2020 FP7 ERCEA REA INEA EASME EEA JRC ENV CLIMA RTD ECHO AGRI REGIO GROW DEVCO ENER JPI-Climate PRIMA BISE WISE CoU DRMKC EKLIPSE
Horizon 2020 Framework Programme Framework Programme 7 European Research Council Executive Agency Research Executive Agency Innovation & Networks Executive Agency Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized enterprises European Environment Agency Joint Research Centre Environment Climate Action Research and Innovation European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Agriculture and Rural Development Regional and urban Policy Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs International Cooperation and Development Energy Joint Programming Initiative "Connecting Climate Knowledge for Europe" Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area Biodiversity Information System for Europe Water Information System for Europe Community of Users on Safe, Secure and Resilient Societies Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre European Knowledge and Learning Mechanism to Improve the Policy-Science-Society Interface on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services OPen PLAtform for Nature-Based Solutions PLAtform for Climate Adaptation and Risk reDuction Multi-stakeholder dialogue platform and think-tank to promote innovation with Nature-Based Solutions Climate Resilient Cities and Infrastructure Smart Mature Resilience Reconciling Adaptation, Mitigation and Sustainable Development in Cities Transitioning Towards Urban Resilience and Sustainability Green Infrastructure and Urban Biodiversity for Sustainable Urban Development and the Green Economy Operationalisation of Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services: from Concepts to Real-World Applications Operational Potential of Ecosystem Research Applications European Investment Bank Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Financial Instrument for the Environment Natural Capital Financing Facility European Regional Development Fund C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives Corporate Social Responsibility Departments of organisations The Nature Conservancy International Union for Conservation of Nature World Wildlife Fund CARE International group Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development United Nations Development Programme United Nations Environment Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization United Nations University United Nations Human Settlements Programme United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
European Agencies
Directorate General
Target 2
European R & I initiatives and projects
Target 3
Target 4
Target 5
OPPLA PLACARD Think Nature RESIN SMR RAMSES TURAS Green SURGE OPENNESS OPERAs EIB SME LIFE NCFF ERDF C40 ICLEI CSR Dpts TNC IUCN WWF CARE OECD UNDP UNEP FAO UNISDR UNESCO UNU UN HABITAT UNFCCC PEDRR IPCC IPBES
PRESSE 84, PR CO 76 〈http://www.consilium.europa.eu/press-releases-pdf/2016/6/ 47244642933_en.pdf〉 (Accessed 21 April, 2017). Eggermont, H., Balian, E., Azevedo, J.M.N., Beumer, V., Brodin, T., Claudet, J., Fady, B., Grube, M., Keune, H., Lamarque, P., Reuter, K., Smith, M., van Ham, C., Weisser, W.W., Le Roux, X., 2015. Nature-Based Solutions: new influence for environmental management and research in Europe. GAIA – Ecol. Perspect. Sci. Soc. 24, 243–248. Estrella, M., Renaud, F.G., Sudmeier-Rieux, K., Nehren, U., 2016. Defining new pathways for ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and adaptation in the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda. In: Renaud, F.G., Sudmeier-Rieux, K., Estrella, M., Nehren, U. (Eds.), Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation in Practice. Springer International Publishing, Cham, pp. 553–591. European Commission, 2012. Joint Declaration on the EU-China Partnership on Urbanisation. (〈https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/20120503_
References CBD, 4–17 December 2016. Mainstreaming and the Integration of Biodiversity across Relevant Sectors, and Further Implications of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and of Other Relevant International Processes for the Future Work of the Convention (UNEP/CBD/COP/13/10). Cancun, Mexico. Cohen-Shacham, E., Janzen, C., Maginnis, S., Walters, G., 2016. Nature-Based Solutions to Address Global Societal Challenges.: IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, xiii, 97. CoM, 22 June, 2016. Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy. EU Covenant of Mayors and Compact of Mayors Launch Largest Global Coalition of Cities Committed to Fighting Climate Change. European Commission – Press release. Brussels. 〈http:// europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-2247_en.htm〉 (Accessed 21 December 2016). Council of the European Union, 16 December, 2015. 3441st Council Meeting 15380/15.
517
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Martín, F., Naruševičius, V., Verboven, J., Pereira, H.M., Bengtsson, J., Gocheva, K., Marta-Pedroso, C., Snäll, T., Estreguil, C., San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., Pérez-Soba, M., GrêtRegamey, A., Lillebø, A.I., Malak, D.A., Condé, S., Moen, J., Czúcz, B., Drakou, E.G., Zulian, G., Lavalle, C., 2016. An indicator framework for assessing ecosystem services in support of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. Ecosyst. Serv. 17, 14–23. Mitchell, R.J., Richardson, E.A., Shortt, N.K., Pearce, J.R., 2015. Neighborhood Environments and Socioeconomic Inequalities in Mental Well-Being. Am. J. Prev. Med. 49, 80–84. Nesshöver, C., Assmuth, T., Irvine, K.N., Rusch, G.M., Waylen, K.A., Delbaere, B., Haase, D., Jones-Walters, L., Keune, H., Kovacs, E., Krauze, K., Külvik, M., Rey, F., van Dijk, J., Vistad, O.I., Wilkinson, M.E., Wittmer, H., 2016. The science, policy and practice of nature-based solutions: an interdisciplinary perspective. Sci. Total Environ. 579, 1215–1227. Nevens, F., Frantzeskaki, N., Gorissen, L., Loorbach, D., 2013. Urban Transition Labs: cocreating transformative action for sustainable cities. J. Clean. Prod. 50, 111–122. New Urban Agenda, 2016. United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III), Quito, 17–20 October 2016 〈https://habitat3.org/thenew-urban-agenda〉 Accessed on 20 December, 2016). Oberthür, S., Roche Kelly, C., 2008. EU leadership in international climate policy: achievements and challenges. Int. Spect. 43 (3), 35–50. Paris Agreement , 2015. United Nations Treaty Collection. Chapter XXVII.7.d. 〈https:// treaties.un.org/doc/Treaties/2016/02/20160215%2006-03%20PM/Ch_XXVII-7-d. pdf〉 (Accessed on 28 April, 2017). Raymond, C.M., Berry, P., Breil, M., Nita, M.R., Kabisch, N., de Bel, M., Enzi, V., Frantzeskaki, N., Geneletti, D., Cardinaletti, M., Lovinger, L., Basnou, C., Monteiro, A., Robrecht, H., Sgrigna, G., Munari, L., Calfapietra, C., 2017. An Impact Evaluation Framework to Support Planning and Evaluation of Nature-based Solutions Projects. Report prepared by the EKLIPSE Expert Working Group on Nature-based Solutions to Promote Climate Resilience in Urban Areas. Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Wallingford, United Kingdom. 〈https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 313870834_An_impact_evaluation_framework_to_support_planning_and_evaluation_ of_nature-based_solutions_projects〉. Rizvi, A.R., Baig, S., Verdone, M., 2015. Ecosystems Based Adaptation: Knowledge Gaps in Making an Economic Case for Investing in Nature Based Solutions for Climate Change. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN 48. Soares, A.L., et al., 2011. Benefits and costs of street trees in Lisbon, Portugal. Urban For. Urban Green. 10 (2), 69–78. SOER, 2015. The European Environment – State and Outlook 2015 Report. (Accessed 15 November, 2016). 〈http://www.eea.europa.eu/soer〉. TEEB , 2010. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Mainstreaming the Economics of Nature – A Synthesis of the Approach, Conclusions and Recommendations of TEEB. UNEP, Bonn. United Nations, 2015. Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (〈https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/ transformingourworld/publication〉 (Accessed 27 November, 2016). United Nations, 23 May 2013. Integrating Nature-based Solutions Into Urban Planning Can Also Help Us Build Better Water Futures for Cities, Where Water Stresses May Be Especially Acute Given the Rapid Pace of Urbanization. Secretary-General Says in Message for Day of Biodiversity. Press Release – Dept. of UN Secretary General, NY. Verweij, P., Pérez-Soba, M., Vanmeulebrouk, B., Brown, C., Wilkinson, T., Cojocaru, G., Aldescu, A., Brown, M., Porter, J., Mahoney, P., Metzger, M., Rounsevell, M., Delbaere, B., Saarikoski, H., Harrison, P., 2015. A Demonstration Version of the Common Platform (Oppla) 〈http://oppla.eu/home〉 (Accessed 27 November, 2016). de Vries, S., Verheij, R.A., Groenewegen, P.P., Spreeuwenberg, P., 2003. Natural environments – healthy environments? An exploratory analysis of the relationship between greenspace and health. Environ. Plan. 35, 1717–1731. Wolfram, M., Frantzeskaki, N., 2016. Cities and systemic change for sustainability: prevailing epistemologies and an emerging research agenda. Sustainability 8 (2), 144. World Bank, 2008. Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Adaptation: Nature-based Solutions from the World Bank Portfolio. World Bank, Washington DC.
eu_china_joint_declaration_urbanisation_en.pdf〉 (Accessed on 15 December, 2016). European Commission, 2013a. Communication From The Commission To The European Parliament, The Council, The European Economic And Social Committee and The Committee of The Regions. An EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change. COM/ 2013/216 final. European Commission, 2013b. Communication From The Commission to The European Parliament. The Council. The European Economic And Social Committee and The Committee of The Regions. Green Infrastructure (GI) – Enhancing Europe’s Natural Capital. COM/2013/0249 final. European Commission, 2015a. SCC-02-2016–2017 TOPIC: Demonstrating innovative Nature-Based Solutions in cities'. 〈http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/ desktop/en/opportunities/h2020/topics/4081-scc-02-2016-2017.html〉 (Accessed 15 November, 2016). European Commission, 2015b. Towards an EU Research and Innovation policy agenda for Nature-Based Solutions & Re-Naturing Cities: Final Report of the Horizon 2020 Expert Group on Nature-Based Solutions and Re-Naturing Cities. Brussels. 〈https://ec. europa.eu/research/environment/pdf/renaturing/nbs.pdf〉 (Accessed 21 April, 2017). European Commission, 2016a. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of The Regions Next Steps for a Sustainable European future – European Action for Sustainability. COM/2016/0739. European Commission, 2016b. Policy Topics: Nature-Based Solutions. 〈https://ec.europa. eu/research/environment/index.cfm?Pg=nbs〉 (Accessed 21 April, 2017). European Commission, 2016c. Commission Staff Working Document. Action Plan on the Sendai Framework for DisasterRisk Reduction 2015–2030 – A disaster risk-informed approach for all EU policies. SWD(2016) 205 final/2. (〈http://ec.europa.eu/echo/ sites/echo-site/files/sendai_swd_2016_205_0.pdf〉 (Accessed 28 April, 2017). European Commission, 2014. EU Policy Document on Natural Water Retention Measures by the Drafting Team of the WFD CIS Working Group Programme of Measures (WG PoM), DG ENV. Technical Report-2014-2082. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.2779/ 227173. Grant, G., 2012. Ecosystem Services Come to Town: greening cities by working with nature. Wiley-Blackwell, London. Gupta, J., Grubb, M.J., 2013. Climate Change and European Leadership: A Sustainable Role for Europe? 27 Springer Science & Business Media. Hartig, T., Mitchell, R., Vries, S. d., Frumkin, H., 2014. Nature and Health. Annu. Rev. Public Health 35, 207–228. IUCN, 2012. The IUCN Programme 2013-16. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. 〈(http:// cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/iucn_programme_2013_16_third_draft_january_2012. pdf〉 (Accessed 19 December, 2016). Juncker, J.-C., 2014. A new start for Europe: my agenda for jobs, growth, fairness and democratic change. Political Guidelines for the next European Commission. Opening Statement in the European Parliament Plenary Session. 〈http://europa.eu/rapid/ press-release_SPEECH-14-546_en.htm〉 (Accessed 21 April, 2017). Juncker, J.-C., 2016. State of The Union 2016. Towards A Better Europe – A Europe That Protects, Empowers and Defend. 〈https://ec.europa.eu/commission/state-union2016_enn〉 (Accessed 21 April, 2017). Kabisch, N., Frantzeskaki, N., Pauleit, S., Naumann, S., Davis, M., Artmann, M., Haase, D., Knapp, S., Korn, H., Stadler, J., Zaunberger, K., Bonn, A., 2016. Nature-based solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation in urban areas: perspectives on indicators, knowledge gaps, barriers, and opportunities for action. Ecol. Soc. 21. MA, 2005. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment – Ecosystems and Human Well-being. 5 Island Press, Washington, DC. Mace, G.M., 2014. Whose conservation? Science 345, 1558–1560. Maes, J., Jacobs, S., 2015. Nature-Based Solutions for Europe’s Sustainable Development. Conservation Letters:n/a-n/a. Maes, J., Liquete, C., Teller, A., Erhard, M., Paracchini, M.L., Barredo, J.I., Grizzetti, B., Cardoso, A., Somma, F., Petersen, J.-E., Meiner, A., Gelabert, E.R., Zal, N., Kristensen, P., Bastrup-Birk, A., Biala, K., Piroddi, C., Egoh, B., Degeorges, P., Fiorina, C., Santos-
518
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Environmental Research journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/envres
Nature-Based Solutions in the EU: Innovating with nature to address social, economic and environmental challenges☆
MARK
⁎
Nicolas Faivre , Marco Fritz, Tiago Freitas, Birgit de Boissezon, Sofie Vandewoestijne European Commission, Directorate-General Research & Innovation (DG RTD), Directorate - Climate Action and Resource Efficiency, Unit - Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, Belgium
A R T I C L E I N F O
A B S T R A C T
Keywords: Nature-Based Solutions Innovating with nature EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020 Sustainable development Ecosystem-based approaches Ecosystem services Climate-change adaptation and mitigation Resilient societies Disaster risk reduction Green infrastructure
Contemporary societies are facing a broad range of challenges, from pressures on human health and well-being to natural capital depletion, and the security of food, water and energy. These challenges are deeply intertwined with global processes, such as climate change and with local events such as natural disasters. The EU's research & innovation (R & I) policy is now seeking to address these challenges from a new perspective, with Nature-Based Solutions, and turn them into innovation opportunities that optimise the synergies between nature, society and the economy. Nature-Based Solutions can be an opportunity for innovation, and are here promoted by both policymakers and practitioners as a cost-effective way of creating a greener, more sustainable, and more competitive economy. Since 2013, the European Commission has devoted particular attention to Nature-Based Solutions through consultations and dialogues that sought to make the concept of these solutions more concrete and to define the concept's place within the spectrum of ecosystem-based approaches. In 2014, the Commission launched an expert group, which conducted further analysis, and made recommendations to help increase the use of NatureBased Solutions and bring nature back into cities. In 2015, a survey was conducted on citizens' views and perceptions of 'Nature in Cities' to provide further insight for future work. Based on these elements and on results from running EU projects, the Commission has developed an R & I agenda for Nature-Based Solutions and has published targeted calls for proposals for large-scale demonstration projects in this field in 2016 and 2017. Additional R & I actions at EU level that promote systemic Nature-Based Solutions and their benefits to cities and territories are planned with the aim to improve the implementation capacity and evidence base for deploying Nature-Based Solutions and developing corresponding future markets. They are also expected to foster an interdisciplinary R & I and stakeholder community and the exchange of good practices in this field, as well as help shaping and implementing international R & I agendas on Nature-Based Solutions.
1. Introduction There is a growing awareness of the value of nature in addressing environmental, social and economic challenges. This awareness is present in the worlds of business and policy, and in society more broadly (Maes and Jacobs, 2015). The EU has actively supported environmental research since the start of its Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development (FP). These programmes had an initial emphasis on biodiversity assessments, better understanding ecosystem structures and functioning, and on assessing ecosystem services and the vulnerability of these ecosystems to stressors. The framing of research within a socio-ecological framework as of FP6 (Sixth Framework Programme; 2002–2006) is evidence of the progressive
integration of social and political sciences. The further consideration of economic dimensions has led to research on the value of ecosystems (and their services), with an increasing focus on the benefits that nature may provide for humans (MA, 2005; TEEB, 2010; Mace, 2014). The science and research community is now focusing on the best ways to use innovation to find solutions that mutually support nature, society and the economy. With its new orientation towards Nature-Based Solutions, the EU's R & I policy addresses cross-cutting societal challenges by focusing research on biodiversity and ecosystem services for innovation, growth and job creation. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) is a concept that builds on and supports other closely related concepts such as the ecosystem approach (Eggermont et al., 2015). The ecosystem approach is a concept that has
☆ ⁎
Disclaimer: All views expressed in this article are entirely the authors' own. They do not reflect the position of the EU institutions and do not, in any way, engage any of them. Corresponding author. E-mail address: [email protected] (N. Faivre).
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2017.08.032 Received 27 December 2016; Received in revised form 8 August 2017; Accepted 16 August 2017 0013-9351/ © 2017 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
been used in the scientific community since the early 2000s. It advocates the integrated management of land, water, and living resources and promotes their conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way (COP 5 Decision V/6). A number of other ecosystem-based initiatives have been promoted by the European Commission and further integrated into its policies, each of them being part of a dedicated strategy at European level. These include Ecosystem-based Adaptation, Green Infrastructure, Ecosystem-based Disaster-Risk Reduction and Natural Water Retention Measures. These approaches can be complementary and promote a variety of policy goals. But each of them often focuses on short-term economic gains and effectiveness (Nesshöver et al., 2016). Moreover, they tend to address social, economic and environmental challenges from a distinct perspective, whether the challenges are biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, or human health and well-being. The strength of the concept of Nature-Based Solutions is its integrated perspective for addressing societal challenges. Ecosystem services are the contributions that ecosystems, in combination with other inputs, make to human well-being. Nature-Based Solutions operationalize the concept of ecosystem services in real-world situations to promote sustainability more explicitly. Nature-Based Solutions also play a critical role in promoting 'transitions' from a resource-intensive growth model towards a more resource-efficient, inclusive and sustainable growth model. Transitions are radical innovations in structures, mind-sets and practices that involve actors from different sectors, domains and scale levels in the co-design and co-implementation of solutions (Nevens et al., 2013). Research has shown that Nature-Based Solutions can spark social innovation in cities and accelerate the transition to sustainability. They do this by fostering innovative planning and governance, as well as new models for business, finance, institutions and the wider society (Wolfram and Frantzeskaki, 2016; see EU-funded ARTS project). The European Commission defines Nature-Based Solutions as a way to address societal challenges with ‘solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience. Such solutions bring more, and more diverse, nature and natural features and processes into cities, landscapes and seascapes, through locally adapted, resource-efficient and systemic interventions’ (EC, 2016a). This description builds on the report of the European Commission Expert Group on Nature-Based Solutions and aims to promote the use of a common narrative within the science, practice and policy communities. The Expert Group report also provides examples of Nature-Based Solutions for bringing nature back into cities and degraded ecosystems, improving human health and well-being, and adapting to climate change. These examples include green roofing, floodplain restoration and creating pocket parks (more than 200 measures implementing NBS are listed in the report; EC, 2015b). Multiple societal challenges can be addressed simultaneously through Nature-Based Solutions (Raymond et al., 2017; Cohen-Shacham et al., 2016). These include: increasing human well-being; urban regeneration; enhancing coastal resilience; multi-functional watershed management and ecosystem restoration; increasing sustainable use of matter and energy; developing the insurance value of ecosystems; and increasing carbon sequestration (Fig. 1). In the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions, the conservation of biodiversity is an objective, but it is also a pre-requisite: functioning ecosystems are necessary to ensure the delivery of ecosystem services. The following sections highlight recent developments in the NatureBased solutions R & I agenda and describe how they align with EU policies and global agreements. European standards and environmental legislation have already contributed to reducing human impacts on the
Fig. 1. Potential environmental, social, and economic benefits provided by a naturebased solution, in this case a green roof in an urban environment. Nature-Based Solutions should always help enhance natural capital and promote biodiversity while delivering other co-benefits.
environment (SOER, 2015). Europe is therefore well-placed to adopt a leadership role and take decisive action to address the challenge of global sustainability through innovative environmental technologies and policies (Oberthür and Roche Kelly, 2008; Gupta and Grubb, 2013; EC, 2016a). Although significant knowledge gaps in the field have yet to be filled, Europe has extensive pools of knowledge, scientific expertise, skills, and technological capacity relevant to Nature-Based Solutions. Specific actions that support the R & I agenda and promote the systematic exploration, development and implementation of NatureBased Solutions are described below. The European Commission is actively engaged in investing in Nature-Based Solutions, and using them as a driver for a wide deployment of ecosystem-based approaches in Europe and worldwide (EC, 2016a, 2016b). 2. Nature-Based Solutions in the global policy context Science-based organisations such as The Nature Conservancy and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, have been active in integrating Nature-Based Solutions into policy debates (IUCN, 2012). As part of its Strategic Framework for Climate Change and Development, the World Bank has helped secure investment of ca. $6 billion between 1988 and 2008 in climate change mitigation and adaptation projects that fully or partially support Nature-Based Solutions for enhanced conservation and sustainable use of natural capital (World Bank, 2008). The EU has played a leading role in the negotiations of three global agreements: the Paris Agreement (2015), the New Urban Agenda (2016) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (Estrella et al., 2016). They all underline the role of Research and Innovation for their implementation. The Paris Agreement notes the importance of ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems in its preamble and the agreement underpins the role of adaptation in protecting livelihoods and ecosystems (Article 7). The New Urban Agenda makes specific reference to nature-based innovation for urban and territorial planning (Article 157). Nature-Based Solutions and other ecosystem-based approaches have also been promoted in decisions of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity relating to restoration of biodiversity, climate change and mainstreaming biodiversity (CBD, 2016). The role of strategic urban planning involving Nature-Based Solutions, such as green buildings is also highlighted in bilateral cooperation (EU-China Partnership on Urbanisation; EC, 2012). The recommendations from
510
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Fig. 2. How Nature-Based Solutions address sustainable development goals: examples of approaches that use Nature-Based Solutions and measures linked to SDGs across Europe.
SDG 11 on 'Making Cities and Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable' is a particular focus of the EU's R & I NatureBased Solutions agenda. Urban areas have a large share of the overall population (75% of the EU's population lives in urban areas, as do 54% of the world's population), and are drivers of economic growth. These factors, combined with the often-limited access to natural environments in urban areas, suggest that introducing Nature-Based Solutions to urban areas will be especially beneficial (Fig. 3).
existing EU policies on climate action, disaster risk reduction, the circular economy, biodiversity protection and health security have greatly contributed to the international mainstreaming of policies that innovate with nature and contributed especially to implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (UN, 2015). The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognises the need to address the negative global trends affecting society, the economy and the environment. The Nature-Based Solutions R & I agenda can contribute to a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and not only those that relate to enhancing nature and natural processes (i.e. SDGs 14 and 15) (Fig. 2). For example, research has shown that access to recreational/green areas may help prevent socioeconomic inequality from leading to health inequality (de Vries et al., 2003). Indeed, many chronic medical conditions disproportionately affect those living in deprived communities, where green areas are absent. Other studies demonstrated a direct correlation between the existence of green space in urban settings and decreased morbidity and mortality (Hartig et al., 2014; Mitchell et al., 2015). Hence, access to healthy natural environments is especially important for vulnerable populations. Increasing access to green spaces through Nature-Based Solutions and green infrastructure networks would therefore address both SDG 10 (which aims at reducing inequalities within and between societies), and SDG 3 (which aims at improving health and well-being) (Fig. 2).
3. An EU R & I agenda for Nature-Based Solutions The Horizon 2020 Expert Group report on 'Nature-Based Solutions and Re-Naturing Cities' (EC, 2015b) was one of the precursors to the development of the R & I agenda on Nature-Based Solutions. The Expert Group identified and described several research and innovation actions that highlight the multi-functional role of NBS and their potential ability to fulfil multiple social, economic and environmental goals. In their concluding remarks, the experts stressed the need to develop a scientifically sound R & I programme articulated around multi-stakeholder engagement, and the development of an evidence base for Nature-Based Solutions. The successful uptake of Nature-Based Solutions requires multiple stakeholders across disciplines and sectors to be implicated in the design, implementation, financing, and decisionmaking processes. Additionally, the R & I agenda makes provision for
511
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Fig. 3. Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable with NatureBased Solutions. The figure shows the various benefits associated with the implementation of NBS in an urban context to address SDG 11 targets.
more widespread adoption of NBS across Europe through the development of innovative business and investment models, as well as legal and institutional frameworks to ensure the long-term financing of Nature-Based Solutions. According to the report, particular attention should also be paid to empowering and involving citizens, and reconnecting them with nature. The Nature-Based Solutions concept has gained momentum in different stakeholder communities (science, practitioners, civil society, and the business sector). But despite the efforts from policymakers (EC, 2016a; UN, 2013) and practitioners (Rizvi et al., 2015; Cohen-Shacham et al., 2016) to communicate on the purpose and use of Nature-Based Solutions, the concept remains vague or unknown to the larger public (Nesshöver et al., 2016). The European Commission is using the evidence base resulting from the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions to further refining the concept. The aim is to make the concept more accessible to different stakeholders and improve coherence in research and policy dialogues. The concept is now being advocated in policy debates, as highlighted by the conclusions from the EU Council of the European Union (2015) in 2015. In these conclusions, the EU Council both ‘recognises the importance of integrating green infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions into financing instruments such as the ERDF’ and ‘invites EU Member States to promote nature- and biobased solutions without compromising food security and environmental integrity, resource efficiency, the resilience of ecosystems and their services and the sustainable use of renewables’. To ensure the successful deployment of Nature-Based Solutions and their integration in existing national policy frameworks, the European Commission is aligning the R & I agenda on Nature-Based Solutions with several European policies and actions that support the implementation of ecosystem-based approaches (EC, 2016b). These policies and actions include:
• • •
role of ecosystem-based adaptation in enhancing urban resilience and providing multiple benefits; the recently launched Urban Water Agenda 2030 and the Blueprint to safeguard Europe's water resources (EC, 2014) highlight the role of Natural Water Retention Measures in addressing urban challenges over water management; the Commission's Green Infrastructure Strategy (EC, 2013b), which is part of the wider EU Biodiversity Strategy and aims at promoting the deployment of green infrastructure in urban and rural areas of the EU the EU action plan for disaster-risk reduction EC (2016c)), linked to the implementation of the EU Action Plan for the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
Standards and guidelines for Nature-Based Solutions are at present limited, and implementation is still mostly experimental (Kabisch et al., 2016). Knowledge and awareness of the effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions therefore needs to be increased if these solutions are to be further mainstreamed. Enabling mechanisms and instruments, including the Horizon 2020 research programme, can provide valuable information on appropriate designs, implementation techniques and cost-benefit analyses for Nature-Based Solutions. In line with its priorities on jobs and growth, energy and climate action (Juncker, 2014, 2016), the Commission is currently developing a roadmap that formulates the five major targets of the EU R & I agenda for Nature-Based Solutions. A conceptual view of the roadmap is presented in Annex 1 to outline the expected objectives and associated actors that can potentially participate in their realisation. 4. EU R & I actions to promote Nature-Based Solutions 4.1. Building the evidence base
• the EU Adaptation Strategy (EC, 2013a), and the new Covenant of
There is currently very little cost-benefit analysis on Nature-Based
Mayors for Climate and Energy (CoM, 2016), which recognises the
512
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Applications; http://operas-project.eu/) project. The project involved constructing and maintaining semi-fixed dunes on 15 km of Barcelona's (Spain) urban coastline in order to optimise the flows of ecosystem services, and enhance coastal defence against sea-level rise. A systematic analysis of the beach management system led to a simpler and more cost-effective strategy, which integrates the building of natural capital and adaptation to climate change. Horizon 2020 provides new opportunities, including the dedicated focus area on 'Smart and Sustainable Cities with Nature-Based Solutions', in which large-scale demonstration projects will explore innovative solutions to the challenges faced by European cities (EC, 2015a). Projects such as CONNECTING, GROW GREEN, UNALAB and URBAN GreenUP will implement Nature-Based Solutions for climate and water resilience in cities. These projects will demonstrate the benefits of re-naturing cities and provide an EU-wide evidence base of the efficacy, efficiency and comparative advantages of a range of tested, scalable, and easy-to-promote Nature-Based Solutions. The findings of these projects will support other projects, such as Nature4Cities and NATURVATION, which will investigate new governance, business and financing models, and economic-impact assessment tools. The NAIAD project will complement these actions by providing a robust framework for assessing the insurance value of ecosystem services. This is to be done by co-developing and co-testing - with key insurers and municipalities - the concepts, tools, applications and instruments (business models) applicable, and making sure they can be used across all of Europe.
Solutions. For this reason it is important to gather more information on the effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions, and to ensure that this information is scientifically rigorous. To facilitate the comparison of different Nature-Based Solutions, the European Commission requested the EU science-policy-society mechanism, EKLIPSE (Knowledge & Learning Mechanism on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services; www.eklipse-mechanism.eu/) to develop a first version of an impact-evaluation framework with a list of criteria for assessing the performance of Nature-Based Solutions in dealing with challenges related to climate resilience (Raymond et al., 2017). This should help the formulation of an assessment framework that can be used by demonstration projects in the design, development, implementation and assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in urban areas. The framework will also complement the action on mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services (Maes et al., 2016), in particular through providing data and indicators that can be used to develop green infrastructure policy in cities (MAES urban pilot). Horizon 2020, the current EU framework programme for research and innovation (2014–2020), provides funding opportunities for building the evidence base and further developing Nature-Based Solutions. Several successful FP7 (2007–2013) projects have already demonstrated how approaches that use Nature-Based Solutions work in practice, and the positive outcomes they can generate. The TURAS (Transitioning towards Urban Resilience and Sustainability; www. turas-cities.eu) project provides examples of solutions for building urban resilience, such as the development of modular, urban green walls that can be established almost anywhere and at a reasonable cost to local authorities.
4.2. A repository of best-practice examples By collecting experience and knowledge on the practical implementation of Nature-Based Solutions across EU regions and cities, the European Commission is developing a repository of best-practice examples. These will demonstrate the costs and benefits of approaches that use Nature-Based Solutions in comparison with traditional engineered approaches, and identify potential obstacles to implementation as well as solutions to overcome these obstacles. The repository will include case-studies examples from European cities that have implemented Nature-Based Solutions in a systematic manner. As in many other European cities, the city of Lisbon in Portugal currently faces challenges such as heat-island effects, floods, air pollution and a lack of green areas. In recent decades, Lisbon experienced significant population decline, and a deterioration in quality of life as a result of uncontrolled urbanisation. The city administration has taken a series of actions for the regeneration of the city, while prioritising the environment, the well-being of citizens and greater tourism potential, thus improving the city's attractiveness (Fig. 4). Green areas, urban agriculture and green corridors have been instrumental in the green transition of the city as set out in its Master Development Plan.
TURAS Green living room. City of Ludwigsburg, Germany. The GREEN SURGE (Green Infrastructure and Urban Biodiversity for Sustainable Urban Development and the Green Economy; http:// greensurge.eu/) project developed the planning principles for how to develop urban green infrastructure. These principles cover issues such as the integration of green and grey infrastructures, the connectivity of green spaces, the multifunctional nature of green infrastructure, and social inclusion in urban planning. A guide with good practices for urban green infrastructure planning is already being tested by practitioners and will be released in 2017. Among several successful case studies, the OpenNESS (Operationalisation of Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services; www. openness-project.eu/) project shows how a green infrastructure strategy was integrated into the urban planning of the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain) and its peripheral areas. This systemic approach put the principles of Nature-Based Solutions into practice, and resulted in (i) improved water-flow regulation and energy efficiency, (ii) an increase in biodiversity, enhanced health, and (iii) better liveability in the city (improved air quality, reduced noise, and a reduction in the heat-island effect). The successful combination of Nature-Based Solutions with traditional solutions was demonstrated through one of the case-studies of the OPERAs (Operational Potential of Ecosystem Research
4.3. Creating a Nature-Based Solutions community OPPLA (http://oppla.eu/) is an open platform for collaboration between communities of science, policy and practice on natural capital, ecosystem services and Nature-Based Solutions (Verweij et al., 2015). At the same time, OPPLA is a knowledge forum where the outputs of research are made accessible to end-users, within and beyond the environmental sector. It offers a range of products, including a case-study finder, an ecosystem-service assessment support tool, as well as a ‘Question & Answer’ helpdesk. The helpdesk will complement the EKLIPSE ‘call for requests’ service, which invites policy and other societal actors to identify topics relating to biodiversity and ecosystem services, where there is a need for more evidence, in-depth analyses, and a
513
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Fig. 4. Lisbon (Portugal) – Nature-Based Solutions for urban regeneration. Left panel illustrates the main green corridor connecting Monsanto park to Eduardo VII park. Right panel shows the street trees along Rua Ferreira Borges. More city case studies can be found at the OPPLA platform (http://info.oppla.eu/) (Soares et al., 2011).
way, mostly by volunteering with their time. Although more than a quarter of Europeans fear that natural features may not be properly maintained, a wide majority (83%) are in favour of the EU promoting Nature-Based Solutions throughout Europe. The main benefits of introducing more natural features are primarily ‘a better quality of life’, followed by aesthetics, improved health, and cleaner water and air. Increased recreational activities, greater diversity in flora and fauna, as well as economic benefits (e.g. tourism, business opportunities, property values) were acknowledged less frequently by the participants of the survey. Perceived barriers to applying Nature-Based Solutions include the lack of financial resources (50% of survey respondents said this was a problem) followed by the lack of political will, and the fact that Nature-Based Solutions are not seen as a priority in urban planning. The two surveys revealed strong widespread regional and national variations when considering the willingness of citizens to have more natural features in the urban areas in which they live. These variations can be related to socio-demographic differences between and within countries (Grant, 2012; see Fig. 5).
consolidated view from science and other knowledge holders. Complementing OPPLA, the ThinkNature platform is a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform and think-tank for promoting innovation with Nature-Based Solutions. It will bring multi-disciplinary scientific expertise, policy, business and society together to further increase knowledge exchange and capacity building. 4.4. Creating awareness: eurobarometer surveys In order to assess public awareness, public opinion and the public's potential willingness to engage in Nature-Based Solutions at EU level, the European Commission in 2015 launched two Eurobarometer studies involving surveys and focus groups across the 28 Member States. A Eurobarometer qualitative study entitled 'Innovating Cities with Nature: Citizen Engagement in Nature-Based Solutions' was carried out in summer 2015 on 56 focus groups in 28 cities across all Member States to investigate European citizens' concerns, ideas, preferences and willingness to pay for greener and healthier cities. Building on the results from this qualitative study, a second Eurobarometer survey focusing on citizen views on NBS was launched in late 2015 to provide a quantitative, EU-wide, statistically significant estimation of the European public opinion on the relevance of and need for NBS for renaturing cities. In the survey, nearly 28,000 citizens from all Member States were interviewed face-to-face on their views of the benefits of Nature-Based Solutions in response to the problems they faced in their areas, their main concerns, and their own willingness to participate in the implementation of NBS. The results from the primary survey showed that six out of ten Europeans favour Nature-Based Solutions over other technological solutions to these problems. It also showed that if Nature-Based Solutions were implemented in their area, many would like to participate in some
5. Conclusion Innovative solutions to improve the condition and resilience of ecosystems are needed to pave the way towards sustainable, low-carbon and climate-resilient societies. EU R & I policy aims at accelerating this transition through a systemic exploration, proof-of-concept, and market development of Nature-Based Solutions. At EU level, the Nature-Based Solutions initiative launched by the European Commission answers a real demand from citizens and brings together several European policies and actions related to climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, energy efficiency, air quality, biodiversity, and circular
514
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Fig. 5. The map shows differences in the percentage of EU citizens across the 28 Member States who say they would like more natural features in the urban area in which they live.
programmes, the European Commission is also dedicated to improving the conditions for implementing Nature-Based Solutions by engaging society at large through innovative science-policy-society mechanisms, open consultations and knowledge-exchange platforms. Implementing Nature-Based Solutions to improve the environment and the economy, and address social issues, is supported by citizens across Europe. Innovating with nature has already been incorporated into several global plans of action, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Continued R & I cooperation at global level help integrate Nature-Based Solutions in international policy frameworks. This may in turn make it easier to develop new investment models and legal and institutional frameworks that can be applied by practitioners, citizens and decision-makers locally.
economy under a common R & I agenda. The Horizon 2020 framework programme is instrumental for the medium-term objective of the EU R & I agenda for Nature-Based Solutions, namely to develop the evidence base for such solutions and assist in their more widespread adoption. For the 2016–2017 period, the EU allocated EUR 140 million on R & I for Nature-Based Solutions. These investments focused on large demonstration projects and coordinated support actions to develop, implement and mainstream Nature-Based Solutions across a variety of sectors, scales and stakeholders. Synergies between Horizon 2020 and other EU policies and programmes such as the Common Agricultural Policy and the European Structural and Investment Funds as well as the LIFE programme would facilitate the large-scale deployment of such solutions and enhance their impact. Beyond the broad scientific outreach of its framework Annexure A
See Fig. A1 and Table A1 Annex 1 (caption) Target 1 seeks to make it easier to incorporate Nature-Based Solutions into EU policy-making while ensuring coherence and consistency with the EU priorities on growth, climate and energy. Building on the growing awareness of Nature-Based Solutions, Target 2 provides for the development of a European research and innovation community of innovators, which will be supported through a science-policy-society forum, open dialogue platforms, science knowledge hubs, joint programming initiatives (JPIs), and European Research Area Networks (ERA-NETs). Providing empirical evidence and knowledge of the effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions is the core of Target 3 and a major milestone of the roadmap. The results from EU-funded projects and local initiatives will be compiled and documented in a repository of successful approaches that use Nature-Based Solutions. Delivering a proof of concept for Nature-Based Solutions that are effective according to their economic, social, environmental costs and benefits will make it easier to put in place a funding community and bring such solutions to market. This will in turn advance the development, uptake and spread of innovative Nature-Based Solutions as laid down in Target 4. The policy instruments and incentive mechanisms involved in the above targets will be incorporated into the international R & I agenda to foster cooperation on Nature-Based Solutions (Target 5).
515
Fig. A1. Mapping of the targets of the Research & Innovation agenda for Nature-Based Solutions. Entities potentially contributing to the implementation of the roadmap are cited as examples. The map does not intend to serve as an exhaustive list. Acronyms explained in Annex 1 (table).
N. Faivre et al.
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
516
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Table A1 Description of the acronyms cited in the mapping above. Target
Acronym
Description
Target 1
H2020 FP7 ERCEA REA INEA EASME EEA JRC ENV CLIMA RTD ECHO AGRI REGIO GROW DEVCO ENER JPI-Climate PRIMA BISE WISE CoU DRMKC EKLIPSE
Horizon 2020 Framework Programme Framework Programme 7 European Research Council Executive Agency Research Executive Agency Innovation & Networks Executive Agency Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized enterprises European Environment Agency Joint Research Centre Environment Climate Action Research and Innovation European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Agriculture and Rural Development Regional and urban Policy Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs International Cooperation and Development Energy Joint Programming Initiative "Connecting Climate Knowledge for Europe" Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area Biodiversity Information System for Europe Water Information System for Europe Community of Users on Safe, Secure and Resilient Societies Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre European Knowledge and Learning Mechanism to Improve the Policy-Science-Society Interface on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services OPen PLAtform for Nature-Based Solutions PLAtform for Climate Adaptation and Risk reDuction Multi-stakeholder dialogue platform and think-tank to promote innovation with Nature-Based Solutions Climate Resilient Cities and Infrastructure Smart Mature Resilience Reconciling Adaptation, Mitigation and Sustainable Development in Cities Transitioning Towards Urban Resilience and Sustainability Green Infrastructure and Urban Biodiversity for Sustainable Urban Development and the Green Economy Operationalisation of Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services: from Concepts to Real-World Applications Operational Potential of Ecosystem Research Applications European Investment Bank Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Financial Instrument for the Environment Natural Capital Financing Facility European Regional Development Fund C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives Corporate Social Responsibility Departments of organisations The Nature Conservancy International Union for Conservation of Nature World Wildlife Fund CARE International group Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development United Nations Development Programme United Nations Environment Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization United Nations University United Nations Human Settlements Programme United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
European Agencies
Directorate General
Target 2
European R & I initiatives and projects
Target 3
Target 4
Target 5
OPPLA PLACARD Think Nature RESIN SMR RAMSES TURAS Green SURGE OPENNESS OPERAs EIB SME LIFE NCFF ERDF C40 ICLEI CSR Dpts TNC IUCN WWF CARE OECD UNDP UNEP FAO UNISDR UNESCO UNU UN HABITAT UNFCCC PEDRR IPCC IPBES
PRESSE 84, PR CO 76 〈http://www.consilium.europa.eu/press-releases-pdf/2016/6/ 47244642933_en.pdf〉 (Accessed 21 April, 2017). Eggermont, H., Balian, E., Azevedo, J.M.N., Beumer, V., Brodin, T., Claudet, J., Fady, B., Grube, M., Keune, H., Lamarque, P., Reuter, K., Smith, M., van Ham, C., Weisser, W.W., Le Roux, X., 2015. Nature-Based Solutions: new influence for environmental management and research in Europe. GAIA – Ecol. Perspect. Sci. Soc. 24, 243–248. Estrella, M., Renaud, F.G., Sudmeier-Rieux, K., Nehren, U., 2016. Defining new pathways for ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and adaptation in the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda. In: Renaud, F.G., Sudmeier-Rieux, K., Estrella, M., Nehren, U. (Eds.), Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation in Practice. Springer International Publishing, Cham, pp. 553–591. European Commission, 2012. Joint Declaration on the EU-China Partnership on Urbanisation. (〈https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/20120503_
References CBD, 4–17 December 2016. Mainstreaming and the Integration of Biodiversity across Relevant Sectors, and Further Implications of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and of Other Relevant International Processes for the Future Work of the Convention (UNEP/CBD/COP/13/10). Cancun, Mexico. Cohen-Shacham, E., Janzen, C., Maginnis, S., Walters, G., 2016. Nature-Based Solutions to Address Global Societal Challenges.: IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, xiii, 97. CoM, 22 June, 2016. Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy. EU Covenant of Mayors and Compact of Mayors Launch Largest Global Coalition of Cities Committed to Fighting Climate Change. European Commission – Press release. Brussels. 〈http:// europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-2247_en.htm〉 (Accessed 21 December 2016). Council of the European Union, 16 December, 2015. 3441st Council Meeting 15380/15.
517
Environmental Research 159 (2017) 509–518
N. Faivre et al.
Martín, F., Naruševičius, V., Verboven, J., Pereira, H.M., Bengtsson, J., Gocheva, K., Marta-Pedroso, C., Snäll, T., Estreguil, C., San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., Pérez-Soba, M., GrêtRegamey, A., Lillebø, A.I., Malak, D.A., Condé, S., Moen, J., Czúcz, B., Drakou, E.G., Zulian, G., Lavalle, C., 2016. An indicator framework for assessing ecosystem services in support of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. Ecosyst. Serv. 17, 14–23. Mitchell, R.J., Richardson, E.A., Shortt, N.K., Pearce, J.R., 2015. Neighborhood Environments and Socioeconomic Inequalities in Mental Well-Being. Am. J. Prev. Med. 49, 80–84. Nesshöver, C., Assmuth, T., Irvine, K.N., Rusch, G.M., Waylen, K.A., Delbaere, B., Haase, D., Jones-Walters, L., Keune, H., Kovacs, E., Krauze, K., Külvik, M., Rey, F., van Dijk, J., Vistad, O.I., Wilkinson, M.E., Wittmer, H., 2016. The science, policy and practice of nature-based solutions: an interdisciplinary perspective. Sci. Total Environ. 579, 1215–1227. Nevens, F., Frantzeskaki, N., Gorissen, L., Loorbach, D., 2013. Urban Transition Labs: cocreating transformative action for sustainable cities. J. Clean. Prod. 50, 111–122. New Urban Agenda, 2016. United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III), Quito, 17–20 October 2016 〈https://habitat3.org/thenew-urban-agenda〉 Accessed on 20 December, 2016). Oberthür, S., Roche Kelly, C., 2008. EU leadership in international climate policy: achievements and challenges. Int. Spect. 43 (3), 35–50. Paris Agreement , 2015. United Nations Treaty Collection. Chapter XXVII.7.d. 〈https:// treaties.un.org/doc/Treaties/2016/02/20160215%2006-03%20PM/Ch_XXVII-7-d. pdf〉 (Accessed on 28 April, 2017). Raymond, C.M., Berry, P., Breil, M., Nita, M.R., Kabisch, N., de Bel, M., Enzi, V., Frantzeskaki, N., Geneletti, D., Cardinaletti, M., Lovinger, L., Basnou, C., Monteiro, A., Robrecht, H., Sgrigna, G., Munari, L., Calfapietra, C., 2017. An Impact Evaluation Framework to Support Planning and Evaluation of Nature-based Solutions Projects. Report prepared by the EKLIPSE Expert Working Group on Nature-based Solutions to Promote Climate Resilience in Urban Areas. Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Wallingford, United Kingdom. 〈https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 313870834_An_impact_evaluation_framework_to_support_planning_and_evaluation_ of_nature-based_solutions_projects〉. Rizvi, A.R., Baig, S., Verdone, M., 2015. Ecosystems Based Adaptation: Knowledge Gaps in Making an Economic Case for Investing in Nature Based Solutions for Climate Change. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN 48. Soares, A.L., et al., 2011. Benefits and costs of street trees in Lisbon, Portugal. Urban For. Urban Green. 10 (2), 69–78. SOER, 2015. The European Environment – State and Outlook 2015 Report. (Accessed 15 November, 2016). 〈http://www.eea.europa.eu/soer〉. TEEB , 2010. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Mainstreaming the Economics of Nature – A Synthesis of the Approach, Conclusions and Recommendations of TEEB. UNEP, Bonn. United Nations, 2015. Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (〈https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/ transformingourworld/publication〉 (Accessed 27 November, 2016). United Nations, 23 May 2013. Integrating Nature-based Solutions Into Urban Planning Can Also Help Us Build Better Water Futures for Cities, Where Water Stresses May Be Especially Acute Given the Rapid Pace of Urbanization. Secretary-General Says in Message for Day of Biodiversity. Press Release – Dept. of UN Secretary General, NY. Verweij, P., Pérez-Soba, M., Vanmeulebrouk, B., Brown, C., Wilkinson, T., Cojocaru, G., Aldescu, A., Brown, M., Porter, J., Mahoney, P., Metzger, M., Rounsevell, M., Delbaere, B., Saarikoski, H., Harrison, P., 2015. A Demonstration Version of the Common Platform (Oppla) 〈http://oppla.eu/home〉 (Accessed 27 November, 2016). de Vries, S., Verheij, R.A., Groenewegen, P.P., Spreeuwenberg, P., 2003. Natural environments – healthy environments? An exploratory analysis of the relationship between greenspace and health. Environ. Plan. 35, 1717–1731. Wolfram, M., Frantzeskaki, N., 2016. Cities and systemic change for sustainability: prevailing epistemologies and an emerging research agenda. Sustainability 8 (2), 144. World Bank, 2008. Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Adaptation: Nature-based Solutions from the World Bank Portfolio. World Bank, Washington DC.
eu_china_joint_declaration_urbanisation_en.pdf〉 (Accessed on 15 December, 2016). European Commission, 2013a. Communication From The Commission To The European Parliament, The Council, The European Economic And Social Committee and The Committee of The Regions. An EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change. COM/ 2013/216 final. European Commission, 2013b. Communication From The Commission to The European Parliament. The Council. The European Economic And Social Committee and The Committee of The Regions. Green Infrastructure (GI) – Enhancing Europe’s Natural Capital. COM/2013/0249 final. European Commission, 2015a. SCC-02-2016–2017 TOPIC: Demonstrating innovative Nature-Based Solutions in cities'. 〈http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/ desktop/en/opportunities/h2020/topics/4081-scc-02-2016-2017.html〉 (Accessed 15 November, 2016). European Commission, 2015b. Towards an EU Research and Innovation policy agenda for Nature-Based Solutions & Re-Naturing Cities: Final Report of the Horizon 2020 Expert Group on Nature-Based Solutions and Re-Naturing Cities. Brussels. 〈https://ec. europa.eu/research/environment/pdf/renaturing/nbs.pdf〉 (Accessed 21 April, 2017). European Commission, 2016a. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of The Regions Next Steps for a Sustainable European future – European Action for Sustainability. COM/2016/0739. European Commission, 2016b. Policy Topics: Nature-Based Solutions. 〈https://ec.europa. eu/research/environment/index.cfm?Pg=nbs〉 (Accessed 21 April, 2017). European Commission, 2016c. Commission Staff Working Document. Action Plan on the Sendai Framework for DisasterRisk Reduction 2015–2030 – A disaster risk-informed approach for all EU policies. SWD(2016) 205 final/2. (〈http://ec.europa.eu/echo/ sites/echo-site/files/sendai_swd_2016_205_0.pdf〉 (Accessed 28 April, 2017). European Commission, 2014. EU Policy Document on Natural Water Retention Measures by the Drafting Team of the WFD CIS Working Group Programme of Measures (WG PoM), DG ENV. Technical Report-2014-2082. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.2779/ 227173. Grant, G., 2012. Ecosystem Services Come to Town: greening cities by working with nature. Wiley-Blackwell, London. Gupta, J., Grubb, M.J., 2013. Climate Change and European Leadership: A Sustainable Role for Europe? 27 Springer Science & Business Media. Hartig, T., Mitchell, R., Vries, S. d., Frumkin, H., 2014. Nature and Health. Annu. Rev. Public Health 35, 207–228. IUCN, 2012. The IUCN Programme 2013-16. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. 〈(http:// cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/iucn_programme_2013_16_third_draft_january_2012. pdf〉 (Accessed 19 December, 2016). Juncker, J.-C., 2014. A new start for Europe: my agenda for jobs, growth, fairness and democratic change. Political Guidelines for the next European Commission. Opening Statement in the European Parliament Plenary Session. 〈http://europa.eu/rapid/ press-release_SPEECH-14-546_en.htm〉 (Accessed 21 April, 2017). Juncker, J.-C., 2016. State of The Union 2016. Towards A Better Europe – A Europe That Protects, Empowers and Defend. 〈https://ec.europa.eu/commission/state-union2016_enn〉 (Accessed 21 April, 2017). Kabisch, N., Frantzeskaki, N., Pauleit, S., Naumann, S., Davis, M., Artmann, M., Haase, D., Knapp, S., Korn, H., Stadler, J., Zaunberger, K., Bonn, A., 2016. Nature-based solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation in urban areas: perspectives on indicators, knowledge gaps, barriers, and opportunities for action. Ecol. Soc. 21. MA, 2005. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment – Ecosystems and Human Well-being. 5 Island Press, Washington, DC. Mace, G.M., 2014. Whose conservation? Science 345, 1558–1560. Maes, J., Jacobs, S., 2015. Nature-Based Solutions for Europe’s Sustainable Development. Conservation Letters:n/a-n/a. Maes, J., Liquete, C., Teller, A., Erhard, M., Paracchini, M.L., Barredo, J.I., Grizzetti, B., Cardoso, A., Somma, F., Petersen, J.-E., Meiner, A., Gelabert, E.R., Zal, N., Kristensen, P., Bastrup-Birk, A., Biala, K., Piroddi, C., Egoh, B., Degeorges, P., Fiorina, C., Santos-
518