Uncovering the governance and financing mechanisms supporting urban nature-based solutions: Case Stiemer Valley, Genk

A nature-based solutions (NBS) approach to integrated urban water management is increasingly being recognized as offering an ecological and cost-effective alternative to gray infrastructure and additional co-benefits. However, despite growing support, the upscaling of NBS remains limited. Using a case-based approach, we examine how existing governance structures and financial mechanisms are supporting this shift toward an NBS approach in the Belgian city of Genk. Our findings highlight the importance of aligning existing financial mechanisms with alternative funding options to support NBS scaling. We propose three strategies for urban NBS planners to navigate the existing financial landscape: bridging the knowledge gap on public financing mechanisms, mapping the outcome of financial mechanisms early in the planning process, and adjusting NBS planning adaptively to fit current mechanisms and fill gaps. This underscores the need to reevaluate existing governance and financing frameworks to effectively scale-up and ensure projects progress beyond the pilot stage.