Final report of the expert group Obzorje 2020 on "nature-based solutions and urban revitalization". Nature-based solutions are actions that are inspired by, support or copy nature. Developing climate change adaptation and mitigation using natural solutions can provide more resilient responses and increase carbon storage.
To contribute to the development of this R&I agenda, the Expert Group on 'Nature-based solutions and re-nature of cities' was appointed. Nature-based solutions aim to help societies address a variety of environmental, social and economic challenges in sustainable ways. Nature-based solutions have an important role to play, for example by supporting the implementation and.
Developing and deploying nature-based solutions that maximize cost-effectiveness and shared benefits. Research and innovation goals and actions clearly demonstrate opportunities to put nature-based solutions into practice. Examples of current nature-based solutions that can be applied or improved are provided in Annex 4.
Development of new business and investment models and legal and institutional frameworks for nature-based solutions.
DEFINITION OF NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS
THEMATIC GOALS
This provides the opportunity to think and act in new ways by seeing cities as innovation hubs for nature-based solutions. Nature-based solutions within sustainable urban planning are most often linked to the renewal of abandoned areas, the improvement of recreational facilities and the general well-being of citizens. Policies should encourage developers and local authorities to consider nature-based solutions from the beginning of any urban project or strategy.
Careful implementation of nature-based solutions in the city can reduce energy and resource costs and act as carbon sinks to mitigate climate change risks. Build the evidence base for the challenges and potential socio-economic, public health and environmental benefits of nature-based solutions in sustainable urbanisation. The potential for nature-based solutions must be investigated further, especially with regard to the generation of co-benefits. Changes in policy, legislation and spatial planning are all possible ways to influence the uptake of nature-based solutions, and there are examples of each of these in practice.
How each of these, individually or in combination, could be used to increase the acceptance and success of nature-based solutions needs further investigation. Research is needed on the economic benefits achieved through natural solutions as components of sustainable urbanization and how these benefits translate into health and social benefits. There is also a need to explore how to bring citizen-led empowerment, inclusion and ownership of nature-based solutions to cities in terms of their overall health and social implications.
These provide viable ways to engage in complex multi-stakeholder collaboration in accelerating the identification, implementation and evaluation of nature-based solutions. In response to the claim of sustainability, cities should be approached as labs and hubs for innovation and experimentation in nature-based solutions. Innovative methods are needed to ensure the delivery of essential ecosystem services, such as reducing soil erosion, CO2 sequestration and improving coastal protection using nature-based solutions.
Developing holistic, integrated nature-based solutions for CCAM that are applicable across different sectors and/or challenges, such as integration of grey, green and blue infrastructure and enhancement of the natural components, as well as the social and economic benefits. There is a need for knowledge of trade-offs both between different nature-based CCAM actions and across other priorities. Demonstrate how CCAM nature-based solutions can be embedded in local planning and decision-making.
EVIDENCE BASE AND POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS IN NATURE-BASED
Use soil conservation measures (such as cover crops, wind breaks, and minimal or conservation tillage) to reduce wind erosion and thus airborne particles. Practice controlled removal of peat vegetation or use appropriate grazing to reduce wildfire risk. 112.Reduce direct threats to biogenic reefs (especially coral reefs, but also shellfish, vermitid and algal reefs) from unsustainable fishing practices.
125. Reduce soil compaction by machinery by reducing machinery use, using lighter machinery, low pressure tires or controlled traffic techniques. 143. Restoration and reestablishment of former intertidal habitat by depoldering or coastal reorganization to reduce particulate pollution, eutrophication and toxic pollution in coastal waters. 153. Use hyper-accumulator phytoremediation plants to remove pollutants from soil, or reduce their bioavailability.
163. Use soil protection measures (such as ground covers, windbreaks and minimal or conservation tillage) to reduce wind erosion and thus suspended solids. 166. Reduce agrochemical inputs to reduce the development of pest resistance and preserve biodiversity in target and non-target systems, especially aquatic systems. 174. Use permeable surfaces and vegetation where possible when constructing hard landscapes to reduce sources of standing water and limit the establishment of vector populations.
Reduce the use of insecticides (especially broad spectrum) to maintain abundance and diversity of natural enemies and alternative hosts for entomopathogens. 181. Promote mixed tree species to increase the diversity of natural enemies and to reduce the density of host trees for pests. 184. Use dispensers that release attractants to improve the densities of natural enemies and competitors in affected trees or plots.
187. Avoid thinning to reduce the risk of stand infestation by pathogens (e.g. root rot). 205. Reduce the use of insecticides (particularly broad spectrum), to preserve the abundance and diversity of natural enemies and alternative hosts for entomopathogens. Use dispensers that release attractants to increase the density of natural enemies and competitors in the crop.
212. Use artificial food sprays (carbohydrates and proteins) to improve food availability for natural enemies within the crop. 264. Practice controlled removal of peat vegetation or use appropriate grazing to reduce wildfire risk.
EXAMPLES OF NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS
Brief description: A) The Calle 30 project buried 43 km of its M-30 multi-lane highway (construction of the world's longest urban tunnel). The river was obliterated by a three-lane stretch of elevated highway, creating one of the most congested and polluted areas in the city. Solutions/Measures: There are a number of measures, including the important one of reducing the source of the pollution.
In the Netherlands, where ten million people are exposed, this way of dealing with floods was particularly developed until the end of the 20th century. On the opposite side of the river, the city of Lent was protected by a dyke, which helped narrow the river into a flood-prone bottleneck. The first is the reduction of the water level by 35 cm and thus an improvement in risk management.
This project also brings new potential for the development of the city, creating an urban river park with recreation and nature opportunities. The Living Garden concept shows how to create sustainable green and attractive gardens. The concept of The Living Garden is an initiative of the Dutch Association of Garden and Landscape Contractors (Branchevereniging VHG).
Costs & Benefits (Environmental, Social, Economic): The benefits of De Levende Tuin are concentrated on environmental aspects such as water retention, preventing heat stress and stimulating biodiversity. All members of the Dutch Association of Garden and Landscape Contractors use the concept as much as possible in their work. Thousands of practitioners have been trained in the meaning of the concept and how to apply it in private gardens and public spaces.
Location and partners: The Living Garden concept was developed by the Dutch Garden and Landscape Contractors Association in collaboration with its members. Cost & Benefits: The costs of the Green City Foundation are limited to funds for campaigns and the organization of network activities. 34;Grows with the sea" – timely adaptation of the biotope area factor Sea to sea level rise.
Brief description: The Sigma Plan is about developing a sustainable Scheldt river basin, managing all the features of the river in a balanced way. Costs and benefits: The carbon sequestration potential of OCP is highly dependent on tree species, tree age, and calcium availability in the tree's surroundings.
E-CONSULTATION ON NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS, 12 NOVEMBER 2014
34;My advice is to consider the importance of education at the same time as innovation – the key to long-term change and impact". Long-term perspective versus short-term profit, advantages of nature-based solutions, business interest as well as difficulties in financing multi-purpose actions must be addressed. 34;Cost -benefit analyzes must be extended to also include non-economic values to ensure sustainability of decisions in the long term."
STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP 'NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS AND RE-NATURING
BACKGROUND, AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF THE HORIZON 2020 EXPERT GROUP ON
