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Principles for urban nature-based solutions
Nadja Kabisch1,2, Niki Frantzeskaki3, Rieke Hansen4
1Department of Geography, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099, Berlin, Germany. nadja.kabisch@geo.hu-berlin.de.
Ambio
|January 17, 2022
Summary
Nature-based solutions (NBS) offer integrated approaches to socio-ecological challenges. This paper outlines five key principles for effective urban NBS design, planning, and implementation to foster resilient cities.
Area of Science:
- Urban ecology
- Environmental planning
- Sustainability science
Background:
- Nature-based solutions (NBS) are multifunctional strategies addressing socio-ecological challenges.
- Existing NBS principles are landscape-focused, necessitating urban-specific adaptations.
- Urban environments present unique challenges like spatial conflicts, altered biodiversity, and multi-actor complexities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop distinct, integrated principles for urban Nature-based Solutions (NBS) design, planning, and implementation.
- To address specific challenges of applying NBS in urban contexts.
- To advance the scientific discourse and effectiveness of urban NBS for sustainable development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and integration of recent academic work on urban NBS.
- Development of five distinct principles based on identified urban challenges.
- Perspective paper format synthesizing knowledge for practical application.
Main Results:
- Five integrated principles for urban NBS are introduced: systemic understanding, benefits for people and biodiversity, inclusive long-term solutions, context consideration, and fostering communication and learning.
- These principles aim to overcome governance gaps in urban NBS implementation.
- The principles provide a framework for more effective and sustainable urban development.
Conclusions:
- Urban Nature-based Solutions (NBS) require tailored principles beyond landscape-scale applications.
- The proposed five principles offer a pathway to enhance urban resilience and sustainability.
- Effective NBS implementation in cities necessitates systemic, inclusive, and context-aware approaches with strong communication.
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