Making co-creation operational: A RECONECT seven-steps-pathway and practical guide for co-creating nature-based...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Sustainability Studies
• Community Engagement

Background:

• Co-creation is vital for Nature-based Solutions (NBS), but practical implementation faces challenges due to a lack of clear, accessible frameworks for diverse stakeholders.
• Nature-based Solutions (NBS) offer cost-effective, ecosystem-based approaches to sustainability and climate challenges, emphasizing citizen engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a practical, stepwise guide for incorporating participatory approaches into the co-creation process of Nature-based Solutions (NBS).
• To provide a decision-making matrix and tools to aid stakeholders in selecting appropriate co-creation activities and resources for NBS implementation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a detailed seven-step co-creation pathway with practical recommendations for NBS design and implementation.
• Creation of a multidimensional decision-making matrix featuring 88 tools to match co-creation goals with available resources and capacities.
• Compilation of a Toolbox with additional resources to facilitate the NBS co-creation process.

Main Results:

• A structured, seven-step pathway for co-creating Nature-based Solutions (NBS) has been established.
• A comprehensive decision-making matrix aids in selecting the most suitable co-creation tools and strategies based on specific project needs and resources.
• An operational Toolbox is available to support stakeholders throughout the NBS development lifecycle.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework, including the pathway, matrix, and toolbox, enhances the feasibility and effectiveness of co-creating Nature-based Solutions (NBS).
• This approach empowers a broader range of stakeholders, including non-scientific communities, to actively participate in and benefit from NBS initiatives.