Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NBS) to address societal challenges have been widely recognised and adopted by governments in climate change and biodiversity strategies. Nevertheless, significant barriers exist for the necessary large-scale implementation of NBS and market development is still in its infancy. This study presents findings from a systematic review of literature and a survey on private sector agents in the planning and implementation of NBS, with the aim to identify them. In this study, we propose a typology for organisations delivering NBS and a categorisation of their economic activities. The most common organisation type found is nature-based enterprise which offers products or services where nature is a core element and used sustainably and engages in economic activity. Moreover, eleven categories of economic activities were identified, ranging from ecosystem restoration, living green roofs, and eco-tourism to smart technologies and community engagement for NBS. Nature-based enterprises contribute to a diverse range of sustainable economic activities, that standard industry classification systems do not adequately account for. The recognition of the value created by these activities is essential for designing effective policy support measures, and for market development of the sector and its potential to facilitate the wider adoption of NBS.
Highlights
Received: 30 December 2020Natural ecosystems provide services of crucial importance to human well-being, health and livelihoods by sustaining the quality of air, water and soils, providing resources and energy, regulating the climate, and reducing the impact of natural hazards [1]
In this study we have proposed a typology for organisations involved in the planning, delivery, and stewardship of nature-based solutions, based on economic activity and the sustainable use of nature
It introduces nature-based enterprise−defined as enterprises that use nature as a core activity in their product/service offering and that engage in economic activity−nature-based organisations and nature-based products and services delivered by enterprises or organisations, where nature is not at the core of activities
Summary
Received: 30 December 2020Natural ecosystems provide services of crucial importance to human well-being, health and livelihoods by sustaining the quality of air, water and soils, providing resources and energy, regulating the climate, and reducing the impact of natural hazards [1]. Human drivers as a consequence of global change have significantly altered terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, and biodiversity loss ranks among the most urgent issues we are facing today [2]. Effectively managing and creating natural ecosystems do have the potential to improve ecosystem functions and biodiversity [4] and to decrease the vulnerability of climate change effects by increasing resilience for adaptation and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions [5]. Stewardship of terrestrial ecosystems and improvement of agricultural methods have the potential to provide up to 30% of the greenhouse gas mitigation required until 2030 to keep global warming to less than 2 ◦ C compared to pre-industrial levels [6]. NBS generate a wide range of benefits locally and for society as a Accepted: 22 January 2021
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