NetworkNature Visualisation: EU-Funded Nature-based solutions research projects addressing Societal Challenges across Ecosystems

EU-Funded NbS research projects addressing societal challenges across ecosystems

In this document you can find a visual representation of the different types of ecosystems and most relevant societal challenges in the context of NbS, with the aim to simplify and communicate these concepts, while inspiring NbS good practices. || The European Commission defines Nature-based solutions (NbS) as “solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience”. NbS must benefit biodiversity and support the delivery or a range of ecosystem services. Such solutions bring more, and more diverse, nature and natural features and processes into cities, landscapes and seascapes, through locally adapted, resource-efficient and systemic interventions. This definition is aligned with the IUCN and the recently internationally adopted UNEA-5 definition.

NbS across ecosystems
The ecosystems typologies addressed by the projects were listed based on the policy report “Mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services (MAES): An EU Ecosystem Assessment Report ”. The classification has been slightly adapted for the purpose of this visualisation. 
 

Adressing social challenges 
12 societal challenges were considered for assessment, based on the European Commission’ s publication  “Evaluating the impact of Nature-based solutions: A handbook for practitioners ”, which was the result of a collaboration of 17 EU NbS projects. Some societal challenges have been slightly modified to broaden their scope beyond urban ecosystems.