Conceptual and Operational Integration of Governance, Financing, and Business Models for Urban Nature-Based Solutions

Aitziber Egusquiza,Maider Arana-Bollar,Amaia Sopelana,Javier Babí Almenar

doi:10.3390/su132111931

Aitziber Egusquiza, Maider Arana-Bollar + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111931

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Abstract

Governance, financing, and business models are deeply interlinked and relevant for the successful implementation of urban nature-based solutions (NBS). However, during the definition of urban NBS projects the importance and interrelation of these models are usually neglected. To overcome this limitation, this paper presents an overarching framework (conceptual and operational) and a derived preselection web tool which interrelate governance, financing, and business models for NBS projects. First, based on recent literature, governance, financing, and business models that could be applied to NBS were mapped, and their integration proposed. Later, key contextual factors influencing NBS implementation were identified. They form the basis of a WHAT–WHO–HOW framework that structures the links between specific NBS projects, their implementation context, and the most suitable models. From that framework, and an analysis of 50 successful NBS case studies, a suitability matrix was developed with known models. The matrix allows pairing types of NBS and their initiating actors with suitable financing and governance models. Lastly, a tailored NBS business model canvas was designed to evaluate the business model components. From the overarching framework, the preselection web tool was created to guide decision-making on suitable governance, finance, and business models in the early phases of NBS projects.

Highlights

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are gaining traction as a novel umbrella concept that represents solutions inspired by and composed of nature, offering an alternative to traditional grey solutions
This paper presents a two-fold approach that analyses and compiles adaptable reference governance, financing, and market-shaping models to guide the development of implementation models (IMs) tailored to specific nature-based solutions (NBS) projects and contextual conditions
The information gathered from the two-fold approach is embedded in a structured way into an IM preselection tool available to support decision making

Summary

Introduction

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are gaining traction as a novel umbrella concept that represents solutions inspired by and composed of nature, offering an alternative to traditional grey solutions. Compared to traditional grey solutions, conceptual uncertainties (e.g., return of investment) still arise around NBS projects, hampering their acceptance among decision-makers and private stakeholders [7]. The reluctance of the general to accept NBS initiatives stems from a lack of legitimate participation processes during their planning and design [8,9]. NBS implementation may be hampered by governance issues such as the rigidity of municipal structures and their legal frameworks [11], as well as a lack of coordination between departments [12,13,14]. During the definition of urban planning actions at the local level

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