Catalyzing Innovation: Governance Enablers of Nature-Based Solutions

Juliette G C Martin,Wei Liu,Joanne Linnerooth-Bayer,Jörg Balsiger,Anna Scolobig

doi:10.3390/su13041971

Abstract

There is growing recognition that using the properties of nature through nature-based solutions (NBS) can help to provide viable and cost-effective solutions to a wide range of societal challenges, including disaster risk reduction (DRR). However, NBS realization depends critically on the governance framework that enables the NBS policy process. Drawing from three case studies in Nocera Inferiore (Italy), Munich (Germany), and Wolong (China), we identify key governance enablers—the contextual preconditions, policy processes, and institutions—that proved essential for NBS initiation, planning, design, and implementation. In the three cases, interviews confirm the success of the NBS measures and their benefits in terms not only of DRR but of multiple ecological and social–economic co-benefits. Results highlight critical governance enablers of NBS, including: polycentric governance (novel arrangements in the public administration that involved multiple institutional scales and/or sectors); co-design (innovative stakeholder participatory processes that influenced the final NBS); pro-NBS interest and coalition groups (organized pressure groups that advocated for an NBS); and financial incentives (financing community-based implementation and monitoring of NBS). Findings show that the transition to NBS can contribute to multiple global agendas, including DRR, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development.

Highlights

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are defined by the European Commission as “inspired and supported by nature which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience” [1]
Since interviewees were not asked to rank enablers, the results provide an overview of the constellation of governance factors that came together to enable the nature-based solutions (NBS)
While the realization of NBS is nested in complex political and socioeconomic settings, this study represents a first attempt at distilling the governance factors that contributed to the realization of NBS

Summary

Introduction

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are defined by the European Commission as “inspired and supported by nature which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience” [1]. NBS seek to provide society with multiple co-benefits, such as ecological resilience, economic growth, and health [2]. The term NBS was virtually absent from political or public agendas in the disaster risk management sector, while sister concepts such as ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction or ecosystem-based adaptation were featured extensively [6]. This is rapidly changing at all scales, and at international fora, where they have emerged, for instance, at the 25th Conference of the Parties (COP) discussions and expected COP 26 negotiations.

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