Abstract
The term nature-based solutions (NBSs) is understood as a multidisciplinary umbrella concept that includes aspects such as green/blue infrastructure and urban gardens and forests. However, the important question here is what features of ecosystem-based approaches are essential for them to be considered nature-based? This study aims to answer this question by analysing the potential of allotment gardens (AGs) to be considered as NBSs. To do so, the possibilities and obstacles regarding a Polish case study were analysed based on the following six research questions: (1) How do AGs use blue and green infrastructure? (2) What problem(s) do AGs solve today? (3) What kind of benefits do AGs provide? (4) Do AGs possess implementation and management capabilities? (5) Can AGs be treated as economically efficient? (6) What are the advantages of AGs versus other possible solution(s)? With regards to obstacles, the study has identified: institutional barriers, irregular distribution of benefits, and deficiencies in economic efficiency. Nevertheless, AGs together with other historical urban green/blue infrastructure may be regarded as a kind of unsophisticated NBS, the effectiveness of which is limited. These solutions may be created as independent structures or (historical) green/blue infrastructure may be enlarged, fitted out, linked, and improved to implement NBS projects.
Highlights
Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are understood as a multidisciplinary umbrella concept which links social benefits with a notion of “nature”
Regardless of the type of NBS, this notion conceptualizes actions addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges simultaneously by maximizing the benefits provided by nature [9]
Urban green/blue infrastructure provides a range of social benefits, including recreation, relaxation, a place to meet with friends, and it contributes to physical and mental health [17]
Summary
Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are understood as a multidisciplinary umbrella concept which links social benefits with a notion of “nature”. NBSs relate to or overlap with other concepts such as ecological engineering, catchment systems engineering, ecosystem approaches, ecosystem-based adaptation/mitigation, ecosystem services, and natural capital [1]. This link with pre-existing concepts has resulted in an ambiguous understanding of the term. Quite similar terms such as nature-based infrastructure and engineering with nature [2] had already been introduced before this concept became popular within the HORIZON 2020 programme. Many synonymous and similar terms are used interchangeably with NBS, including green and blue infrastructure, urban green space, urban gardens, urban forests, urban lakes, and canals and fountains [3]. Synonyms are used in reference to review studies [3,4,5,6], conceptual papers [1,4,7], and case studies [8]
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