Nature-based solutions in Europe: Policy, knowledge and practice for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction

This report shows that nature-based solutions and related concepts are increasingly integrated into the global and European Union (EU) policy frameworks that are relevant for resilience to climate change, biodiversity conservation and restoration and related areas. However, the concept is not yet sufficiently embedded. The authors conducted a scientific literature review to analyse key options for nature-based solutions and their multiple benefits, as well as their potential trade-offs and limitations for relevant sectors in Europe (water, forests and forestry, agriculture, urban and coastal areas).

This analysis confirms that the nature-based solutions approach to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction is a valid and effective socio-economic option for these sectors, increasing resilience to climate change while providing many societal benefits. The report suggests that further implementation of nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction needs to be accompanied by developing technical standards, collaborative governance, capacity building and sufficient funding. More information is needed on the synergies and trade-offs, which can arise when combining nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction with grey infrastructures (i.e. hybrid measures). Indicators would need to be standardised to allow for cross-site comparison of the effectiveness of nature-based solutions.