Planning nature-based solutions: Principles, steps, and insights

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Landscape Planning
• Ecology

Background:

• Nature-based solutions (NBS) are gaining traction for addressing societal issues by leveraging ecological processes.
• Existing knowledge gaps hinder the practical application of NBS in landscape planning.
• A structured approach is needed to integrate NBS effectively into planning processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a conceptual framework for planning nature-based solutions (NBS).
• To provide practical guidance for implementing NBS in landscape planning.
• To bridge the gap between NBS theory and real-world application.

Main Methods:

• Literature review to identify key criteria and principles for NBS planning.
• Case study analysis in the Lahn river landscape, Germany, to gather empirical insights.
• Framework development integrating theoretical insights and practical case study findings.

Main Results:

• A six-step planning framework for NBS: Co-define setting, Understand challenges, Create visions and scenarios, Assess potential impacts, Develop solution strategies, and Realize and monitor.
• Five guiding principles for NBS implementation: Place-specificity, Evidence base, Integration, Equity, and Transdisciplinarity.
• Suggested methods and a checklist for practical application of the NBS planning framework.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework facilitates the planning and implementation of nature-based solutions.
• The study offers practical tools and guidance for mainstreaming NBS in landscape planning.
• Effective NBS planning requires a transdisciplinary, evidence-based, and place-specific approach.